Control cabinet system with one base module and one function module, base module and function module

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control cabinet system comprising a base module and a functional module. Furthermore, the invention relates to a base module and a functional module for a control cabinet system.

[0002] In modular fieldbus systems, which can be used in automation systems, for example, function modules can be connected directly to one another or each to a base module. In the latter variant, data connections and extra-low voltage connections can be provided on the base module, to which the function modules are connected. This enables a simple structure of the modular fieldbus system. The function modules can assume various functions and be designed, for example, as input modules, output modules, PLC control modules, motor control modules or power supply modules. Both a communication option and an extra-low voltage power supply are provided via a fieldbus, or via an interface whose components include the fieldbus for data communication and an extra-low voltage power supply.

[0003] The disadvantage of this fieldbus system is that functional modules such as motor controllers, which require a higher voltage, require a separate power connection. This complicates the cabling and installation of such a fieldbus system if the fieldbus system is to provide the functionality of a control cabinet. A control cabinet can contain the electrical and electronic components of a process plant, machine tool, or production equipment that are not located directly in the machine.

[0004] For control cabinet systems, especially modular control cabinet systems with a base module and several functional modules that can be connected to the base module, the problem arises of excessive heat generation from the individual electrical and electronic components of the base module or the functional modules. For control cabinet systems that, due to their intended application, must meet protection class IP67, for example, and the control cabinet systems must therefore be dustproof and completely protected against contact, the problem arises of cooling or dissipating the heat generated by the electrical or electronic components.Due to the potentially airtight or fluid-tight design of the housings of the individual modules of the control cabinet system, the use of external active cooling, in which generated heat is dissipated through the active introduction of external coolants, is technically complex, costly, and involves the use of additional components that increase the space required by the control cabinet system. Such active external cooling solutions are therefore unattractive for many applications.

[0005] Document DE 10 2018 133646 A1 discloses a switch cabinet system with a base module and at least one functional module, wherein the base module has voltage and data connections for the functional module and a cooling air duct to which the functional module can be connected. Another switch cabinet system with a base module and functional modules is shown in DE 10 2018 133657 A1. DE 10 2014 104857 A1 shows a switch cabinet system with an air duct formed by modules mounted on a top-hat rail.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a switch cabinet system comprising a base module and at least one functional module, which has an improved cooling mechanism. Furthermore, an object of the invention is to provide a base module and a functional module for a switch cabinet system with an improved cooling mechanism.

[0007] These objects are achieved by the control cabinet system and the functional module of the independent patent claims. Further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a switch cabinet system is provided with a base module and at least one functional module, wherein the base module has a base housing with a first housing side and a second housing side, wherein a plurality of base connection elements with base voltage connections and base data connections are arranged on the first housing side, wherein at least one data line with a plurality of connection units, which is connected via the data line to the base data connections of the base connection elements, and at least one voltage line are arranged in the base housing, which is connected to the base voltage connections of the base connection elements, wherein the functional module has a functional housing with a housing underside, wherein a functional connection element with voltage connections and data connections is arranged on the housing underside,wherein at least one electronic functional circuit is arranged in the functional housing, which is connected to the voltage connections and the data connections of the functional connection element, wherein the functional module can be connected to the base module via a coupling of the functional connection element to one of the base connection elements, and a connection of the voltage connections and data connections of the functional connection element to the base voltage connections and base data connections of the base element can be achieved, wherein a circulation channel is arranged in the base housing, wherein an air flow can be circulated in the circulation channel, wherein each base connection element has circulation openings that are fluidically connected to the circulation channel, wherein the functional connection element has coupling openings that are fluidically connected to an interior of the functional housing, wherein the coupling openings can be coupled to the circulation openings,and wherein, in a coupling of the coupling openings with the circulation openings, there is a fluidic connection between the circulation channel and the interior of the functional housing, and a fluidic closed circulation circuit comprising the circulation channel and the interior of the functional housing is formed, in which an air flow can be circulated.

[0009] This achieves the technical advantage of providing a switch cabinet system in which electrical and electronic components or parts of the switch cabinet system can be cooled by means of passive cooling. For this purpose, a base module of the switch cabinet system provides a circulation channel in which a volume of air can be circulated. The base module further has a plurality of circulation openings that are fluidically connected to the circulation channel and are integrated into a plurality of base connection elements that serve to couple functional modules of the switch cabinet system to the base module. The functional modules of the switch cabinet system have corresponding coupling openings that are fluidically connected to the interior of a functional housing of the respective functional modules and are integrated into the respective functional connection elements of the functional modules.

[0010] By coupling a functional connection element of a functional module to a corresponding base connection element of the base module, thereby connecting the functional module to the base module, a fluidic connection can be established between the interior of the functional housing of the functional module and the circulation channel of the base module by coupling the coupling openings of the functional connection element of the functional module to the circulation openings of the corresponding base connection element of the base module. The fluidic connection between the interior of the functional housing of the functional module and the circulation channel of the base module thus enables an exchange of air within the functional housing of the functional module and the air volume within the circulation channel of the base module.Through the fluidic connection between the interior of the functional housing of the functional module and the circulation channel of the base module, a self-contained circulation circuit can be created, which is formed by the interior of the functional housing of the functional module and the circulation channel, and in which a circulation of the air volume contained therein or a circulating air flow can be generated.

[0011] By circulating the air volume within or along the circulation circuit, heat generated by the operation of an electronic functional circuit located within the functional housing of the functional module can be dissipated, thus achieving a cooling effect on the functional circuit. In particular, by circulating the air volume inside the functional housing, the formation of heat pockets can be prevented.

[0012] Heat accumulation occurs when an air volume surrounding a component or components of the electronic functional circuit is heated, resulting in a substantial and highly localized temperature increase in the air volume surrounding the respective component or component due to insufficient mixing of the heated air volume with other air volumes within the functional housing. This can lead to excessive heating of the respective components of the functional circuit and, as a result, damage to the components. Air circulation within the functional housing can disperse these heat accumulations, thus preventing excessive heating of the air volume surrounding the functional circuit. This allows passive cooling of the functional circuit or the components and parts of the functional circuit to be achieved.

[0013] Furthermore, the circulation circuit represents a self-contained circuit, preventing any exchange of air volume within the circulation circuit with the ambient air surrounding the control cabinet system. This allows for passive cooling of the components and parts of the functional module of the control cabinet system and ensures dust and fluid tightness of the control cabinet system.

[0014] By integrating the circulation openings, which are fluidically connected to the circulation channel, into the base connection elements of the base module or by integrating the coupling openings, which are fluidically connected to the interior of the functional housing of the functional module, into the functional connection elements of the functional module, it can be achieved that by connecting a functional module to the base module by coupling the functional connection elements of the functional module to corresponding base connection elements of the base module, a coupling of the functional module to the circulation circuit of the control cabinet system is automatically achieved.A functional module connected to the base module of the control cabinet system is thus automatically integrated into the circulation circuit and participates in passive cooling through the air circulation within the circulation circuit, which ensures air circulation inside the functional housing of the respective functional module. An additional connection of the respective functional module to an additional cooling system is therefore not necessary.

[0015] In addition, a plurality of functional modules can be integrated into the circulation circuit via the plurality of base connection elements and the circulation openings integrated therein and thus participate in the air circulation within the circulation circuit and the associated cooling.

[0016] The usual functionality of a control cabinet system can be provided via the functional circuits within the functional modules or the corresponding base voltage connections or base data connections within the base module.

[0017] The voltage line may comprise an extra-low voltage line and a low-voltage line. The voltage terminals may accordingly comprise extra-low voltage terminals and low-voltage terminals.

[0018] Extra-low voltages are defined as electrical voltages up to 50 volts AC and / or 120 volts DC, in particular up to 25 volts AC and / or 60 volts DC. This definition of extra-low voltage can be found in the IEC 60449 standard. Low voltages are defined as electrical voltages above extra-low voltage and up to 1000 volts AC and / or 1500 volts DC. Furthermore, a supply voltage for communications electronics can be provided via the data line. This supply voltage can be in the range of several volts.

[0019] The maximum current that can be delivered via the extra-low voltage connections can be 40 amps. The maximum current that can be delivered via the low-voltage connections can be 75 amps.

[0020] The low-voltage line and low-voltage connections can provide a low voltage for the functional modules.

[0021] A fieldbus can be provided via the data connections, which can be used for communication between the base module and the function modules. The fieldbus can be configured as a fieldbus defined in the IEC 61158 standard, particularly EtherCAT.

[0022] The interface units, which can also be referred to as slaves, are connected to one another via the data bus and form a communication network in the control cabinet system. The interface units can therefore exchange data with one another. Communication or data exchange can also take place between the base module and function modules via the interface units connected to the connection elements. All interface units are arranged in the base module. The base module therefore offers the advantage that, in the event of a defect or replacement of a function module, all still intact function modules can be addressed via the data bus. For this reason, a function module can also be replaced during ongoing operation of an automation system. Furthermore, an automation system does not need to be initialized if a configured function module that replaces a function module is connected to the base module.If the automation system is used in a production machine, for example, this can prevent unwanted production downtime.

[0023] This allows the functionalities traditionally provided by a control cabinet to be provided with such a base module and associated functional modules. Further advantages include reduced cabling effort and simplified planning and design of such a control cabinet system.

[0024] The base housing or functional housing can be designed as a bar extrusion or as a die-cast housing. Metals such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or zinc can be used as the housing material, and a coating can also be provided.

[0025] The base housing or the functional housing can consist of several individual parts that are connected to one another by means of fastening elements, such as screws, or by welding or soldering. Furthermore, a seal can be provided between the individual parts to make the base housing or the functional housing inaccessible to liquids and / or dust.

[0026] The data line, the extra-low voltage line, and the low-voltage line can be arranged on one or more circuit boards within the base housing. In particular, one circuit board can be provided for the data line and the extra-low voltage line, and another circuit board for the low-voltage line. The data line can have multiple cores. The extra-low voltage line can have multiple cores. The low-voltage line can have multiple cores. If the data line, extra-low voltage line, or low-voltage line is arranged on a circuit board, the cores can be implemented as conductor tracks on the respective circuit board.

[0027] The base voltage connections or the base data connections of the base module or the function module can be designed as connectors and corresponding sockets. Alternatively, the connection elements can have a cable entry and a terminal connection.

[0028] The functionality of a control cabinet can be provided by means of several function modules, whereby the function modules are not directly connected to each other, but a connection between the function modules is provided via the base module.

[0029] The functional modules within the control cabinet system can be configured as input modules for reading sensor data, as output modules for outputting voltages, as PLC control modules, as motor control modules, as power supply modules, and / or as feed-in modules. A feed-in module can assume the task of providing data, particularly in the form of a fieldbus, for the base module and / or serving as a power supply for the base module with an extra-low voltage and / or a low voltage. Furthermore, computer modules, network switch modules, servo control modules, line filter modules, contactor modules, bus coupler modules, active or passive power factor correction modules, and / or frequency converter modules, or a combination of the aforementioned modules, can be configured as functional modules.

[0030] It may be provided to additionally install a seal between the base module and the function modules to make the system consisting of base modules and function modules dust and liquid-proof. Protection against contact can be achieved simply by attaching the function modules to the base module. To perform the various tasks, the module housing may be provided with additional connection elements on one of the other sides of the module housing, which are connected, for example, to sensors, actuators, or other elements typically controlled by a control cabinet.

[0031] According to a second aspect, which does not correspond to the claimed invention, a base module for a switch cabinet system is provided, wherein the base module has a base housing with a first housing side and a second housing side, wherein a plurality of base connection elements with base voltage connections and base data connections are arranged on the first housing side, wherein at least one data line with a plurality of connection units, which is connected to the base data connections of the base connection elements, and at least one voltage line is arranged in the base housing, which is connected to the base voltage connections of the base connection elements, wherein a circulation channel is arranged in the base housing, wherein an air flow can be circulated in the circulation channel, wherein each base connection element has circulation openings, wherein the circulation openings are fluidically connected to the circulation channel,wherein the circulation openings can be coupled to coupling openings of a functional module of the switch cabinet system, and wherein, in a coupling of the circulation openings to coupling openings of a functional module, a fluidic connection can be achieved between the circulation channel and an interior of the functional housing, and a fluidic closed circulation circuit comprising the circulation channel and the interior of the functional housing can be formed, in which an air flow can be circulated.

[0032] This achieves the technical advantage of providing a base module for a control cabinet system with the aforementioned benefits. Via the circulation channel within the base housing of the base module and the circulation openings fluidically connected to the circulation channel, which are integrated into the base connection elements of the base module, a circulation circuit can be created with corresponding functional modules of the control cabinet system. This circulation circuit enables the circulation of an air volume within the circulation channel and within a functional housing of a functional module connected to the base module, resulting in the associated passive or active cooling of the electronic or electrical components of the functional module.

[0033] This makes it possible to provide a basic module for a dust-tight and fluid-tight control cabinet system with passive or active cooling in the form of an air flow circulating in a fluidically closed circulation circuit.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the invention, a functional module for a switch cabinet system is provided, wherein the functional module has a functional housing with a housing underside, wherein a functional connection element with voltage connections and data connections is arranged on the housing underside, wherein at least one electronic functional circuit is arranged in the functional housing, which is connected to the voltage connections and the data connections of the functional connection element, wherein by coupling the functional connection element to a base connection element of a base module of the switch cabinet system, the functional module can be connected to the base module and a connection of the voltage connections and data connections of the functional connection element to the base voltage connections and data connections of the base element can be achieved, wherein the functional connection element has coupling openings,wherein the coupling openings are fluidically connected to an interior of the functional housing, wherein the coupling openings can be coupled to circulation openings of a base module of the switch cabinet system, and wherein, by coupling the coupling openings to the circulation openings, a fluidic connection can be achieved between a circulation channel of the base module and the interior of the functional housing, and a fluidic closed circulation circuit comprising the circulation channel and the interior of the functional housing can be formed, in which an air flow can be circulated.

[0035] This achieves the technical advantage that a functional module for a control cabinet system can be provided with the advantages mentioned above.By means of the coupling openings integrated in the functional connection elements of the functional module, which are fluidically connected to the interior of the functional housing of the functional module, a fluidic connection of the interior of the functional housing of the functional module with the circulation channel of the base module can be achieved by coupling the coupling openings with circulation openings of a base connection element of a base module of the switch cabinet system, and thus an integration of the interior of the functional housing of the functional module into the fluidic circulation circuit of the switch cabinet system can be achieved, whereby a circulation of the air volume within the functional housing of the functional module can be achieved and an associated passive or active cooling of the electronic as well as electrical components of the functional module can be effected.

[0036] This makes it possible to provide a functional module for a dust-tight and fluid-tight control cabinet system with passive or active cooling in the form of an air flow circulating in a fluidically closed circulation circuit.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the switch cabinet system further comprises a fan element, wherein the fan element is integrated into the fluidic circulation circuit, and wherein the fan element is designed to accelerate the circulating air flow within the circulation circuit.

[0038] This achieves the technical advantage of improving the circulation of the airflow within the circulation duct. By operating a fan element located in the circulation circuit of the switch cabinet system, the circulation speed of the airflow circulating in the circulation circuit can be increased. This can increase the turbulence of the air volume inside a functional housing of a functional module of the switch cabinet system, thereby improving the dispersal of potential heat accumulation pockets. This allows for closed, active cooling and increases the cooling effect within the switch cabinet system.By increasing the circulation of the air volume within the functional housing of a functional module of the control cabinet system, the formation of heat accumulation nests can be avoided or heat accumulation nests that have formed can be destroyed and the heat generated therein can be transported away into the circulation channel of the base module.

[0039] For the purposes of the application, closed active cooling is cooling in which no exchange of coolant takes place between the environment and the system to be cooled.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the fan element is arranged in the functional housing of the functional module and / or within the circulation channel of the base module.

[0041] This provides the technical advantage of allowing for flexibility in the design of the cooling system. Depending on the requirements of the control cabinet system, the fan element can be arranged within a functional housing of a functional module and / or within the circulation duct of the base module. If the application requires a base module with a small footprint, the fan element can be arranged within a functional housing of a functional module of the control cabinet system. Conversely, if functional modules with the smallest possible footprint are required, the fan element can be arranged within the circulation duct of the base module.Alternatively, the control cabinet system can also be provided with a plurality of fan elements, either by arranging a plurality of fan elements within the circulation duct of the base module, or by arranging fan elements both within the circulation duct and within the functional housings of one or more functional modules of the control cabinet system. This allows for individually configurable cooling depending on the application requirements.

[0042] In particular, a plurality of functional modules, each equipped with fan elements, allows the movement of the circulating airflow and the associated cooling effect to be scaled as required. Additional functional modules with additional fan elements can be connected to the base module when cooling requirements increase, while these can be removed from the base module when cooling requirements decrease. Alternatively, functional modules can also be designed as cooling modules, whereby the cooling modules have no functional circuit and are equipped with only one or more fan elements. Cooling modules in the control cabinet thus serve exclusively to drive the airflow within or along the circulation circuit.

[0043] According to one embodiment, regulating means are arranged at the circulation openings, wherein the regulating means are designed to regulate a volume of an air flow flowing through the circulation openings.

[0044] This provides the technical advantage of ensuring a uniform connection of a number of functional modules to the circulation circuit.When a plurality of functional modules are connected to a base module, each of which is connected to the circulation channel in a flow direction of the circulating air flow within the circulation channel of the base module via the corresponding connecting elements and the coupling openings or circulation openings connected therein, the air flow flowing from the circulation channel into the interior of a functional housing of a functional module connected to the base module can be regulated via the plurality of regulating means arranged at the corresponding circulation openings in such a way that each functional module is supplied with a sufficient air flow in the flow direction of the air flow within the circulation channel of functional modules arranged one below the other. Alternatively, the air flow flowing from the functional housing into the circulation channel can also be regulated.

[0045] This ensures that each functional module connected to the base module has identical airflow through the respective functional housing, resulting in an identical cooling effect. The positioning of the individual functional modules on the base module has no influence on the cooling performance achieved within the respective functional housing of the functional module. This ensures uniform cooling for a multitude of functional modules.

[0046] According to one embodiment, each coupling opening has a coupling collar, wherein the coupling collar surrounds the coupling opening and protrudes from the functional connection element, wherein the coupling collar can be inserted into a circulation opening and enables a coupling between the coupling opening and the circulation opening, and wherein a fluid-tight connection between the functional module and the base module is achieved by the coupling between the coupling openings and the circulation openings.

[0047] This achieves the technical advantage that a fluid-tight connection between a functional module and the base module of the switch cabinet system can be achieved by connecting the functional connection element to a corresponding base connection element. By inserting the coupling collars of each coupling opening of a functional connection element of a functional module into the respective circulation openings of a base connection element of the base module, a fluid-tight connection can be achieved between the coupling openings and the corresponding circulation openings of the respective connection elements. By inserting the coupling collar into a corresponding circulation opening, the fluid-tightness of the switch cabinet system can be ensured.In addition, the coupling collars protruding from the respective functional connection element facilitate the connection of the respective functional module to the base module by inserting the corresponding coupling collars into the respective circulation openings of a corresponding base connection element.

[0048] According to one embodiment, sealing means are arranged at the circulation openings, wherein the sealing means are designed to fluidically close the circulation openings of the base connection elements to which no functional modules are connected.

[0049] This achieves the technical advantage of fluid-tight sealing of the circulation channel of the base module from the ambient air surrounding the switch cabinet system. The sealing means arranged at the circulation openings of the base connection elements of the base module allow the circulation openings, to which no coupling openings of a function module are connected, to be fluid-tightly sealed from the ambient air of the switch cabinet system. This ensures that the circulation channel is fluid-tightly sealed from the ambient air surrounding the switch cabinet system, even if all base connection elements of the base module are not fully occupied by corresponding function modules.

[0050] According to one embodiment, guide means are arranged in the interior of the functional housing of the functional module, wherein the guide means are designed to guide an air flow flowing through the coupling openings into the interior of the functional housing into a predetermined region within the functional housing.

[0051] This achieves the technical advantage that circulation within the functional housing of a functional module connected to the base module can be enhanced. This is achieved via corresponding guide means that are arranged within the functional housing and are designed to direct the air flow flowing through coupling openings of the functional connection element of the functional module into corresponding areas within the functional housing. These areas can, for example, be areas in which components of the electronic functional circuit are arranged that generate a lot of heat. Furthermore, the guide means can be designed to direct the air flow into the most comprehensive areas of the functional housing possible, so that the air flow flowing through the functional housing flows around as large a proportion of the components of the electronic functional circuit as possible.This allows for the most effective circulation of the air volume within the functional housing, thereby achieving the most efficient turbulence of potential heat accumulation pockets and thus the most efficient cooling of the electronic functional circuitry within the functional housing of the functional module. Furthermore, the functional means can also be configured to accelerate the airflow within the functional housing, thereby further increasing the cooling effect or cooling performance.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the guide means comprise guide nozzles arranged at the coupling openings, which are suitable for guiding the air flow into the predetermined area within the functional housing.

[0053] This achieves the technical advantage of achieving the simplest possible design for the guide means. The functional nozzles arranged at the coupling openings can be designed to be as space-saving as possible, so that the guide means take up as little space as possible within the functional housing. Furthermore, the guide means in the form of the guide nozzles can be designed to be as robust as possible. The design of the guide nozzles enables precise and directed guidance of the air flow within the functional housing. The guide nozzles also represent a technically simple solution for the guide means.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the guide means comprise a guide fan element arranged inside the housing.

[0055] This achieves the technical advantage of providing efficient circulation of the air volume within the functional housing. The guide fan element, which is arranged within the functional housing, can efficiently distribute the air flow flowing through the coupling openings inside the functional housing, thereby enabling effective and efficient turbulence in any heat accumulation pockets. Furthermore, the guide fan element can increase the speed of the air flow flowing through the coupling openings, thereby further intensifying the turbulence of the air volume within the functional housing, which in turn can further increase the cooling effect. The guide fan element also represents a technically simple solution for the guide means. Alternatively, a plurality of guide fan elements can be formed in one functional housing.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the guide means comprise a guide channel, wherein the guide channel has a fluidic connection to at least one of the coupling openings, and wherein the guide channel is designed to guide the air flow into a predetermined region within the interior of the functional housing.

[0057] This achieves the technical advantage of being able to provide the simplest possible design of the guide means in the form of one or more guide channels connected to the respective coupling openings. The guide channels can direct the air flow flowing through the coupling openings into the corresponding areas within the functional housing, in which, for example, components of the functional circuit are arranged that generate the greatest possible heat. Alternatively, the air flow can be directed via the guide channel(s) into the most comprehensive area possible within the functional housing, so that the air flow flows around as large a proportion of the components of the electronic functional circuit as possible. This allows for individual and improved cooling performance to be achieved.

[0058] Alternatively, a combination of guide nozzles, guide fan elements and guide channels can be formed in a functional housing.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the circulation channel is in thermal contact with at least one housing inner wall of the base housing of the base module.

[0060] This provides the technical advantage of providing additional cooling of the air volume of the circulation circuit. Through the thermal contact of the circulation channel with at least one inner wall of the base housing of the base module, the circulation channel can absorb the heat within the air flow flowing through the circulation channel and transfer it to the inner wall of the base housing. This allows a cooling effect of the air flow within the circulation circuit to be achieved.By cooling the air flow within the circulation channel, an increased cooling performance can be achieved within the functional modules connected to the base module. The amount of heat generated by the components of the electronic functional circuits of the functional modules, which is absorbed as the air flow flows through the functional housings of the connected functional modules, is transferred to the housing of the base module via the air flow flowing from the functional modules into the circulation channel of the base module, thereby increasing the cooling effect of the air flow flowing around the components of the functional circuits of the functional modules connected to the base module.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the circulation channel comprises a first sub-channel, a second sub-channel, a third sub-channel and a fourth sub-channel, wherein the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel are arranged parallel to one another, wherein the third sub-channel and the fourth sub-channel are arranged parallel to one another, wherein each base connection element has a first circulation opening and a second circulation opening, wherein the first circulation opening is fluidically connected to the first sub-channel and the second circulation opening is fluidically connected to the second sub-channel, wherein the functional connection element has a first coupling opening and a second coupling opening, wherein the first coupling opening and the second coupling opening are each fluidically connected to an interior of the functional housing,wherein the first coupling opening is connectable to the first circulation opening and the second coupling opening is connectable to the second circulation opening, and wherein a pressure difference can be achieved by the circulating air flow between the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel.

[0062] This achieves the technical advantage of further increasing the cooling performance of the passive or closed active cooling of the switch cabinet system. By designing the circulation duct with a first sub-duct, a second sub-duct, a third sub-duct, and a fourth sub-duct, with the first and second sub-ducts and the third and fourth sub-ducts being arranged parallel to one another, the simplest possible design of the circulation duct can be achieved. This simplifies production of the base module. By circulating the air flow within the circulation duct in a predetermined circulation direction, a pressure difference can also be achieved between the first sub-duct and the second sub-duct.

[0063] By forming the circulation openings as first circulation openings and second circulation openings, wherein first circulation openings are in fluid communication with the first circulation channel and second circulation openings are in fluid communication with the second circulation channel, it can be achieved that, in accordance with the pressure difference between the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel, an air flow flows out of the circulation channel through the first circulation openings or through the second circulation openings.When a functional module is connected to the base module, it can be achieved that, depending on the pressure difference between the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel, an air flow from the circulation channel flows through the first circulation openings into the functional housing, from which the air flow flows again through the second coupling openings or circulation openings into the second sub-channel of the circulation channel.

[0064] This allows a predetermined circulation of the air volume within the functional housing of the functional module connected to the base module to be directed from the first coupling openings toward the second coupling openings. The pressure difference generated between the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel causes the air flow of the circulation channel to enter the interior of the functional housing through the first coupling openings and to enter the second sub-channel of the base module through the second coupling openings from the functional housing. This allows for effective and efficient turbulence of the air volume within the functional housing of the functional module connected to the base module and the associated cooling of the components of the electronic functional circuit of the functional module.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first coupling opening and the second coupling opening are arranged at two opposite outermost ends of the functional connection element, and wherein the data connections and voltage connections are arranged on the functional connection element between the first coupling opening and the second coupling opening.

[0066] This achieves the technical advantage of achieving the widest possible distance between the first and second coupling openings of the functional module, ensuring that the air flow entering the functional housing through the first coupling openings and exiting the functional housing through the second coupling openings flows around the widest possible area of ​​the electronic functional circuit arranged in the functional housing. This achieves an increased cooling effect.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the switch cabinet system further comprises a heating element, wherein the heating element is integrated into the fluidic circulation circuit, wherein the heating element is configured to heat an air volume encompassed by the circulation circuit, and wherein the heating element is arranged within the functional housing of the functional element and / or within the circulation channel.

[0068] This achieves the technical advantage of preventing condensation of the air humidity in the circulation circuit. In particular, during a period of non-operation of the control cabinet system, operation of the heating element ensures a constant temperature of the air volume in the circulation circuit, thus preventing condensation of the air humidity in the air volume. This prevents damage to the electronic and electrical components of the functional circuit of the functional modules connected to the base module due to condensation of the air humidity in the functional housings, as the temperature of the air volume can be maintained consistently above a condensation temperature of the air volume by operating the heating element.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the switch cabinet system further comprises a heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger is integrated into the circulation circuit, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to cool the air flow within the circulation circuit, wherein the heat exchanger is an air-to-air heat exchanger or an air-to-water heat exchanger, and wherein the heat exchanger is arranged inside the functional housing of the functional module and / or inside the base housing of the base module.

[0070] This provides the technical advantage of further increasing the cooling performance of the passive or closed active cooling of the control cabinet system. By arranging a heat exchanger within the circulation circuit, further cooling of the air volume in the circulation circuit can be achieved. This allows the cooled air volume of the circulation circuit to absorb a larger amount of the heat generated by the components of the functional circuits of the functional modules connected to the base module.

[0071] By arranging the heat exchanger within the circulation channel of the base module or within a functional housing of a functional module of the switch cabinet system, the switch cabinet system can be designed with the greatest possible flexibility. Depending on the space requirements of the switch cabinet system, the heat exchanger can be arranged in the module of the switch cabinet system that allows for an arrangement based on the required space. This makes it possible to provide a switch cabinet system with the smallest possible dimensions. Furthermore, multiple heat exchangers can be arranged within the circulation channel of the base module or within multiple functional housings of different functional modules, thereby further increasing the cooling performance of the passive or closed active cooling of the switch cabinet system.

[0072] Alternatively, the heat exchanger can also be installed in the functional housing of a cooling module, wherein the cooling module is a functional module that only serves to cool the air volume within the circulation circuit and does not have any electronic functional circuit.

[0073] According to one embodiment, cooling fins and / or a water cooling system are formed on the second housing side of the base housing of the base module, and / or cooling fins are formed on a housing surface of the functional module.

[0074] This achieves the technical advantage of enabling a further increase in the cooling performance of the passive or closed active cooling of the switch cabinet system. By arranging cooling fins on a second side of the base housing and / or by arranging a water cooling system on the second side of the base housing and / or by arranging additional cooling fins on the functional housing of the functional module, it is possible to dissipate heat generated within the base housing of the base module or within the functional housings of the functional modules connected to the base module via the respective base housing or functional housing into the ambient air surrounding the switch cabinet system. By arranging the cooling fins on the respective sides of the housing, the dissipation of heat via the respective housing to the ambient air is increased.Similarly, water cooling on the base housing increases the transfer of heat generated within the base housing via the base housing to the ambient air surrounding the control cabinet system.

[0075] According to one embodiment, an external fan element is formed on the third housing surface of the base module, wherein the external fan element is configured to guide cooling air along the cooling fins, and / or wherein a further external fan element is formed on a further housing surface of the functional module, wherein the further external fan element is configured to guide cooling air along the further cooling fins.

[0076] This provides the technical advantage of further increasing the cooling performance of the passive or closed active cooling of the switch cabinet system. By implementing external fan elements, which are arranged on the outer surfaces of the base housing of the base module or the functional housings of the functional modules and are designed to direct an air flow along the cooling fins formed on the base housing or the functional housings, a further increase in the dissipation of the heat generated in the base housing or the functional housings via the respective housings into the ambient air surrounding the switch cabinet system can be achieved.

[0077] According to one embodiment, an internal fan element is arranged in the interior of the functional housing, wherein the internal fan element is configured to guide cooling air along at least one inner wall of the functional housing, and / or wherein a further internal fan element is arranged in an interior of the base housing, wherein the further internal fan element is configured to guide cooling air along at least one inner wall of the base housing.

[0078] This provides the technical advantage of further increasing the cooling performance of the passive or closed active cooling of the control cabinet system. The design of internal fan elements, which are arranged within the base housing of the base module and / or within the functional housings of the functional modules connected to the base module and are designed to direct a cooling air flow to the inner walls of the respective housings, cannot achieve cooling of the base housing or the functional housings. This in turn allows cooling of the air volume within the circulation circuit by dissipating the heat within the air volume to the cooled base housing or functional housing.By cooling the air volume within the circulation circuit, the ability of the air volume to absorb heat from the components of the functional circuits of the functional modules is increased, thereby increasing the cooling capacity of the circulation circuit and the associated passive or closed active cooling of the control cabinet system.

[0079] According to one embodiment, components of the electrical circuit of the functional module have a thermal contact with an inner housing wall of the functional housing.

[0080] This provides the technical advantage of directly cooling the components of the electronic functional circuits of the functional modules connected to the base module. By thermally coupling the individual components of the functional circuits to the interior walls of the respective functional housings, heat generated by the operation of the functional circuit can be directly transferred via the functional housing to the ambient air surrounding the control cabinet system. This can further increase the cooling performance of the passive or closed active cooling of the control cabinet system.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the functional housing and / or the base housing is made of a material with a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W / mK.

[0082] This achieves the technical advantage of maximizing the heat generated in the base housing or the functional housings to the surroundings of the control cabinet system via the respective housing walls. To this end, the individual housings of the control cabinet system's modules can be manufactured from a suitable metal alloy with high thermal conductivity and thus capable of radiating a high amount of heat into the surroundings of the control cabinet system. This further increases the cooling performance of the passive or closed active cooling of the control cabinet system.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the functional housing and / or the base housing is coated with a coating having a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W / mK.

[0084] This further increases the cooling performance of the passive or closed active cooling of the switch cabinet system. By appropriately coating the housing walls of the individual modules of the switch cabinet system, the thermal conductivity of the individual housings of the switch cabinet system modules can be further increased, thereby further increasing the radiation of the heat contained in the respective housings through the housing walls into the environment of the switch cabinet system.

[0085] In the invention, a feature can be positive, ie present, or negative, ie absent, whereby a negative feature is not explicitly explained as a feature unless it is important according to the invention that it is absent, i.e. the invention actually made and not an invention constructed by the prior art consists in omitting this feature.

[0086] The features of the description can also be interpreted as optional features; that is, any feature not listed in the independent claims can be considered an optional, arbitrary, or preferred, i.e., non-binding, feature. The absence of a feature in an embodiment indicates that the feature is optional with respect to the invention, unless the feature is listed in the independent claims.

[0087] The figures show: Fig. 1 shows a perspective schematic view of a switch cabinet system according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a further perspective schematic view of a switch cabinet system according to a further embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a schematic top view of a base module according to an embodiment; Fig. 4 shows a further schematic top view of a base module according to a further embodiment; Fig. 5 shows a perspective schematic view of a functional module according to an embodiment; Fig. 6 shows a schematic bottom view of the functional module in Fig. 5 ; Fig. 7 a schematic interior view of the functional module in Fig. 5 ; Fig. 8 a schematic sectional view along a section axis A of the control cabinet system in Fig. 2 ; Fig. 9 a schematic sectional view along a section axis A of the control cabinet system in Fig. 2 according to a further embodiment; Fig. 10 a further schematic interior view of the functional module in Fig. 5 ; Fig. 11 a perspective schematic view of a heating element according to an embodiment; Fig. 12 a perspective schematic view of the heating element in Fig. 11 , wherein the heating element is integrated into a base module; Fig. 13 a perspective schematic view of the heating element in Fig. 11 , wherein the heating element is integrated into a base module; Fig. 14 shows a further perspective schematic view of a switch cabinet system according to a further embodiment; Fig. 15 shows a further perspective schematic view of a switch cabinet system according to a further embodiment; and Fig. 16 shows a further perspective schematic view of a switch cabinet system according to a further embodiment.

[0088] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments of variants of a modular switch cabinet system. Although the invention is described and illustrated in more detail by the exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments but is of a more fundamental nature.

[0089] Fig. 1 shows a perspective schematic view of a control cabinet system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0090] In the embodiment in Fig. 1 The control cabinet system 100 comprises a base module 200 and a function module 300. The function module 300 is connected to the base module 200 via corresponding connections.

[0091] The base module 200 comprises a base housing 201 with a first housing side 202. A plurality of base connection elements 203 are arranged on the first housing side 202. Each base connection element 203 comprises base voltage connections 205 and base data connections 207. The base voltage connections 205 are connected via a voltage line 209. The base data connections 207 are connected via a data line 211. The base module 200 further comprises a plurality of connection units 213, which are connected to the base data connections 207 via the data line 211. The base voltage connections 205 and the voltage line 209 can provide an extra-low voltage and / or a low voltage. The connection units 213 can be embodied as ASICs, and the data line 211 can be embodied as a data bus and provide data communication between the base module 200 and the functional modules 300.

[0092] The base module 200 further includes a circulation channel 215 formed inside the base housing 201. Circulation of an air flow is enabled within the circulation channel 215. Each base connection element 203 further includes circulation openings 217 that are in fluid communication with the circulation channel 215.

[0093] The functional module 300 has a functional housing 301 and is connected to the base module 200. On the underside of the functional housing 301, the functional module 300 has a functional connection element with voltage connections and data connections. The functional connection element is in Fig. 1 Not shown. The data connections and voltage connections of the functional connection element of the functional module 300 are connectable to the base data connections 207 and the base voltage connections 205 of the base connection element 203 of the base module 200, thereby establishing a data and voltage connection between the base module 200 and the functional module 300. Furthermore, the functional connection element of the functional module 300 comprises coupling openings that can be coupled to the circulation openings 217 of the base connection elements 203 of the base module 200. By connecting the functional module 300 to the base module 200 via a coupling of the functional connection element of the functional module 300 to one of the base connection elements 203 of the base module 200, a coupling of the circulation openings 217 of one of the base connection elements 203 of the base module 200 and the coupling openings of the functional connection element of the functional module 300 is achieved.This creates a fluidic connection between the interior of the functional housing 301 of the functional module 300 and the circulation channel 215 of the base module 200. In . Fig. 1 Such a connection between the functional module 300 and the base module 200 is shown, in which a fluidic connection is established between the interior of the functional housing 301 and the circulation channel 215 of the base module 200.

[0094] A circulation circuit 101 is established via the fluidic connection between the interior of the functional housing 301 of the functional module 300 and the circulation channel 215 of the base module 200, which comprises the circulation channel 215 of the base module 200 and the interior of the functional housing 301 of the functional module 300 connected to the base module 200. Within the circulation circuit 101, a circulation of an air flow is enabled, which in Fig. 1 as shown by the arrows. The circulation of the air flow proceeds within the circulation channel 215 in a predetermined circulation direction and flows through one of the coupling openings into the interior of the functional housing 301, from which the circulating air flow flows out through another coupling opening and re-enters the circulation channel 215 of the base module 200.

[0095] The circulation of the air flow within the circulation circuit 101 can be achieved, for example, by convection, in that a pressure difference arises due to different temperatures within the functional housing 301 of the functional module 300 or the circulation channel 215 of the base module 200, which leads to a circulation within the air volume of the circulation circuit 101 and the associated formation of a circulating air flow.

[0096] The functional module 300 further comprises an electronic functional circuit arranged in the functional housing 301. The functional circuit is in Fig. 1 not shown. The air flow circulating in the circulation circuit 101 can be used to mix the air volume inside the functional housing 301 of the functional module 300, thereby preventing the formation of heat accumulation pockets within the functional housing 301.

[0097] Heat accumulation pockets describe areas of the air volume within a functional housing 301 that have an elevated temperature due to local heating by components of the electronic functional circuit of the respective functional module 300. By mixing the air volume within the functional housing 301, these areas can be dispersed, thus achieving a uniform temperature distribution within the air volume within the functional housing 301 and a corresponding cooling performance.

[0098] The Fig. 1 The representation of the switch cabinet system 100 shown is merely exemplary in nature and does not represent a detailed or true-to-size illustration of a switch cabinet system 100 according to the present invention. In particular, deviating from the Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of base connection elements 203 may be formed on the base module 200. In addition, a plurality of functional modules 300 may be connected to the base module 200. Furthermore, the circulation channel 215 may have a configuration different from that shown in Fig. 1 shown. For example, the circulation channel 215 can have a circular or elliptical shape. Furthermore, the arrangements of the base voltage terminals 205 or base data terminals 207 as well as the circulation openings 217 on the respective base connection elements 203 can differ from the Fig. 1 shown illustration.

[0099] Furthermore, the Fig. 1 a section plane A, which is used to describe further figures.

[0100] Fig. 2 shows a further perspective schematic view of the control cabinet system 100 according to another embodiment.

[0101] In Fig. 2 The base module 200 comprises two circulation channels 215 arranged side by side in the base housing 201. An air flow can circulate in each circulation channel 215 according to a circulation circuit 101 defined by the circulation channel 215.

[0102] Each circulation channel 215 is analogous to the one in Fig. 1 Furthermore, the base module 200 has, in comparison to the embodiment in Fig. 1 two sets of base connection elements 203 with base data connections 207 and base voltage connections 205, data lines 211, voltage lines 209, connection units 213, each analogous to the embodiment in Fig. 1 are formed. Each base connection element 203 further has circulation openings 217, which are in fluid communication with the circulation channel 215.

[0103] In Fig. 2 The control cabinet system 100 in Fig. 2 a functional module 300 according to a further embodiment. In the embodiment in Fig. 2 The functional module 300 is configured to couple to the base module 200 via the two sets of base connection elements 203. Thus, the functional module 300 is configured to enter into fluid communication with the two adjacent circulation channels 215.

[0104] As in Fig. 2 As shown, a circulating air flow can thus penetrate into the functional housing 301 via the two circulation circuits 101 and ensure mixing of the air volume in the functional housing 301.

[0105] Fig. 3 shows a schematic top view of a base module 200 according to an embodiment.

[0106] In Fig. 3 The base module 200 of the control cabinet system 100 is shown according to a further embodiment. In contrast to the embodiment in Fig. 1 the circulation channel 215 comprises a first sub-channel 219, a second sub-channel 221, a third sub-channel 223 and a fourth sub-channel 225. The first sub-channel 219 is formed parallel to the second sub-channel 221 and the third sub-channel 223 is formed parallel to the fourth sub-channel 225.

[0107] Furthermore, each base connection element 203 has a first circulation opening 227, which is in fluid communication with the first sub-channel 219, and a second circulation opening 229, which is in fluid communication with the second sub-channel 221. Furthermore, each circulation opening 217 is provided with a regulating means 230, which is configured to regulate an air flow through the respective circulation opening 217. The regulating means 230 can be designed, for example, as corresponding nozzle elements.

[0108] Alternatively, the regulating means 230 can be configured such that a diameter of the respective circulation opening 217 is modified. The regulating means 230 enable an identical air flow to flow through each circulation opening 217. This can ensure that, when a plurality of functional modules 300 are arranged on the base module 200, which are connected in sequence to the respective base connection elements 203, an air flow of the circulation circuit 101 of identical strength flows into the respective functional housing 301 through the respective circulation openings 217. Furthermore, the regulating means 230 can have a pressure-equalizing effect and be configured to ensure a consistently constant volume exchange or volume flow of the circulating air, even with different pressure differences.

[0109] This in turn ensures that regardless of the positioning of the respective functional module 300 on the base module 200 and regardless of the number of functional modules 300 positioned on the base module 200, each functional module 300 is supplied with an identically strong air flow and thus with an identical cooling capacity.

[0110] Alternatively, an air flow for specific functional modules 300 can be individually adjusted via the regulating means 230, so that a correspondingly strong air flow is provided for functional modules 300 with a strong heat development and a comparatively weak air flow is provided for functional modules 300 with a comparatively low heat development.

[0111] Fig. 4 shows a further schematic plan view of a base module 200 according to another embodiment.

[0112] Deviating from the embodiment in Fig. 3 The base module 200 has Fig. 4 two circulation channels 215 arranged side by side. Furthermore, the base module 200 has two parallel rows of base connection elements 203, each of which has base voltage connections 205, base data connections 207, and circulation openings 217.

[0113] As an alternative to the embodiment shown here, the base connection elements 203 can also be designed differently. For example, the base connection elements 203 can each have one row of data and extra-low voltage connections and one row of low-voltage connections. Alternatively, the base connection elements 203 can have two rows of data and extra-low voltage connections. Alternatively, the base connection elements 203 can have one row of data and extra-low voltage connections and one row of data and extra-low voltage connections and low-voltage connections.

[0114] In each circulation channel 215, a circulating air flow is shown according to the circulation circuit 101. In contrast to the embodiment in Fig. 1 or Fig. 3 The base module 200 has Fig. 4 further comprises four fan elements 218, each arranged in pairs in the two circulation channels 215. The fan elements 218 are designed to accelerate the air volume within the circulation channel 215 or within the circulation circuit 101 and thus generate or drive a circulating air flow.

[0115] Alternatively to the Fig. 4 In the embodiment shown, each circulation channel 215 can also be formed with only one fan element 218. Alternatively, the fan elements 218 can also be arranged within a functional housing 301 of a functional module 300, so that when the respective functional module 300 is connected to the base module 200, the operation of the fan element 218 arranged in the respective functional housing 301 can cause circulation of the air volume within the circulation circuit 101.

[0116] Alternatively, the control cabinet system 100 can also include a functional module 300 configured as a cooling module. A functional module 300 configured as a cooling module does not include a functional circuit, but can be configured with at least one fan element 218 arranged within the respective functional housing 301 of the functional module 300 configured as a cooling module.

[0117] A circulation direction of the circulating air flow is in Fig. 4 represented by the arrows. Alternatively to the Fig. 4 In the circulation direction shown, any desired circulation of the air volume within the circulation circuit 101 or within the circulation channel 215 can be achieved by appropriate operation of the fan elements 218.

[0118] In addition, the base module 200 in the embodiment in Fig. 4 two heat exchangers 236, each formed in a circulation channel 215. The air volume circulating in the circulation circuit 101 or in the circulation channel 215 can be cooled via the heat exchangers 236 by releasing a quantity of heat stored in the air volume to the respective heat exchanger 236 as it flows past the respective heat exchanger 236. As an alternative to the Fig. 4 In the embodiment shown, any number of heat exchangers can be arranged within the circulation channels 215 of the base module 200. Alternatively, heat exchangers 236 can be arranged in one or more functional housings 301 of one or more functional modules 300, so that a cooling effect of the air volume located in the respective functional housing 301 can be achieved as it flows past the respective heat exchanger 236.

[0119] Alternatively, at least one heat exchanger 236 can be arranged within a functional housing 301 of a functional module 300 designed as a cooling module.

[0120] Fig. 5 shows a perspective schematic view of a functional module 300 according to an embodiment.

[0121] In the embodiment in Fig. 5 The functional module 300 has additional cooling fins 325 on one side of the functional housing 301, which enable a cooling effect of the air volume located inside the functional housing 301. The additional cooling fins 325 increase the amount of heat dissipated to the surroundings of the functional module 300 by increasing the surface area of ​​the respective side of the functional housing 301.

[0122] Furthermore, in the embodiment in Fig. 5 The functional module 300 has a plurality of functional connection elements 303 on a housing bottom 302 of the functional housing 301. Each functional connection element 303 has two coupling openings 309. Each coupling opening 309 has a surrounding coupling collar 311 that protrudes from the functional connection element 303.

[0123] Fig. 6 shows a schematic bottom view of the functional module 300 in Fig. 5 .

[0124] In Fig. 6 the arrangement of the individual functional connection elements 303 on the housing bottom 302 of the functional housing 301 of the functional module 300 in Fig. 5 Four functional connection elements 303 are arranged on the housing bottom 302, which are arranged in pairs one behind the other in two vertically oriented directions. The functional connection elements 303 are rod-shaped and correspond to the structure of the Figuren 1 bis 4 shown base connection elements 203 of the base module 200. Each functional connection element 303 can comprise voltage connections 305 and data connections 307, which are each arranged next to one another on the functional connection element 303. Alternatively, the assignment of the functional connection elements 303 of a functional module 300 can be configured differently. For example, individual functional connection elements 303 can remain unassigned and thus comprise no data connections 307 or voltage connections 305. Other functional connection elements 303 can each have only data connections 307 or exclusively voltage connections 305. The arrangement of the connections in the embodiment in Fig. 6 is merely exemplary.

[0125] In addition, each functional connection element 303 comprises two coupling openings 309, which are each arranged at opposite ends of the functional connection elements 303. Each coupling opening 309 has a coupling collar 311 that surrounds the coupling opening 309 and protrudes from the functional connection element 303. The two coupling openings 309 of each functional connection element 303 are each divided into a first coupling opening 321 and a second coupling opening 323. According to the embodiment in Fig. 3 of the base module 200, the first coupling opening 321 can be coupled to the first circulation opening 227 and the second coupling opening 323 can be coupled to the second circulation opening 229.

[0126] Deviating from the Fig. 6 In the embodiment shown, a functional module 300 can have any number of functional connection elements 303. In addition, the arrangement of the coupling openings 309 on a functional connection element 303 can be different from that shown in Fig. 6 arrangement shown.

[0127] Fig. 7 shows a schematic interior view of the functional module 300 in Fig. 5 .

[0128] In Fig. 7 The interior of the functional module 300 is made of Fig. 5 or Fig. 6 The electronic functional circuit 313 arranged inside the functional housing 301 comprises a plurality of components 329 of the electronic functional circuit 313. The Fig. 7 The components 329 shown or the electronic functional circuit 313 shown is merely exemplary in nature and can vary from functional module to functional module 300 depending on the functionality of the respective functional module 300.

[0129] In the embodiment in Fig. 7 The functional module 300 further comprises guide means 315 which are configured to guide an air flow flowing into the interior of the functional housing 301 through at least one of the coupling openings 309 into a predetermined area within the functional housing 301. In the embodiment in Fig. 7 The guide means 315 are designed, on the one hand, as a guide fan element 317, which can guide an air flow arbitrarily through the interior of the functional housing 301. The predetermined area within the functional housing 301 can, for example, be the area of ​​a specific component 329 of the electronic functional circuit 313, which exhibits a particular heat development.

[0130] Alternatively, the area can encompass the entire interior of the functional housing 301 or a large part of the electronic functional circuit 313, so that an air flow guided by the guide means 315 or the guide fan element 317 flows around a large part of the functional circuit 313. In the embodiment in Fig. 7 a guide means 315 is further designed as a guide channel 319 which extends from a coupling opening 309 into the interior of the functional housing 301 and is designed to guide the air flow flowing from the coupling opening 309 into the functional housing 301 into a predetermined area within the functional housing 301.

[0131] Alternatively to the Fig. 7 In the embodiment shown, any desired guide fan elements 317 can be arranged at various locations within the functional housing 301. Furthermore, a plurality of differently shaped guide channels 319 can be arranged within the functional housing 301.

[0132] Alternatively, guide means 315 may be designed as guide nozzles 316, which are arranged at the respective coupling openings 309.

[0133] The guide fan elements 317 and / or the guide channels 319 and / or the guide nozzles 316 may be made of plastic, metal or a suitable composite material.

[0134] Fig. 8 shows a schematic sectional view along a section axis A of the control cabinet system 200 in Fig. 2 .

[0135] In Fig. 8 is a profile of an air flow flowing through the circulation circuit 101 through the interior of the base housing 201 of the base module 200 or through the interior of the functional housing 301 of the functional module 300 of a switch cabinet system 100 with a base module 200 according to the embodiment in Fig. 4 and a functional module 300 according to the embodiments in Figuren 5 bis 7 shown.

[0136] The sectional view corresponds to that in Fig. 2 shown section plane A.

[0137] In Fig. 8 comprises the base module 200 analogous to the embodiment in Fig. 4 two circulation channels 215 arranged side by side. Each of the two circulation channels 215 comprises a first sub-channel 219, a second sub-channel 221 arranged parallel thereto, a third sub-channel 223, and a fourth sub-channel 225 arranged parallel thereto. Fig. 8 Due to the sectional view, the third sub-channel 223 is not shown.

[0138] Furthermore, the base module 200 comprises a plurality of base connection elements 203, which are arranged in Fig. 8 are not shown due to the sectional view. Each of the base connection elements 203 comprises a first circulation opening 227 and a second circulation opening 229. The first circulation opening 227 is fluidly connected to the first sub-channel 219. The second circulation opening 229 is fluidly connected to the second sub-channel 221.

[0139] Analogous to the embodiments in Figuren 5 bis 7 The functional module 300 shown comprises four functional connection elements 303, which are Fig. 8 are not shown due to the sectional view. Each of the functional connection elements 303 comprises a first coupling opening 321 and a second coupling opening 323. Each coupling opening 309 comprises a coupling collar 311 that protrudes from the functional connection element 303. In Fig. 8 the coupling collars 311 of the respective coupling openings 309 are inserted into the corresponding circulation openings 217 of the base module 200. In Fig. 8 Thus, the first coupling openings 321 are connected to the first circulation openings 227 and the second coupling openings 323 are connected to the second circulation openings 229.

[0140] In addition, guide nozzles 316 are formed at the first coupling openings 321, which guide the air flow flowing through the first coupling openings 321 into the interior of the functional housing 301 into a predetermined area within the functional housing 301.

[0141] This creates a fluidic connection between the circulation channel 215 and the interior of the functional housing 301 of the functional module 300.

[0142] In the embodiment in Fig. 8 a circulation of an air flow along the circulation circuit 101 runs in such a way that within the second sub-channel 221 of the circulation channel 215 the flow direction of the air flow into the leaf plane of the Fig. 8 which is illustrated by the arrow in the second sub-channel 221. In the fourth sub-channel 225, the flow direction is from right to left according to the arrow shown. In the first sub-channel 219, the flow direction is from the plane of the Fig. 8 directed outwards. From the first sub-channel 219, the circulating air flow runs through the first circulation opening 227 or the first coupling opening 321 coupled thereto into the interior of the functional housing 301 of the functional module 300. Within the functional module 300, the circulating air flow runs along the electronic functional circuit 313 arranged in the functional housing 301 and leaves the functional housing 301 through the second coupling opening 323 and enters the second sub-channel 221 through the second circulation opening 229 coupled thereto. This creates a circulating air flow that runs through the circulation channel 215 of the base module 200 and through the interior of the functional housing 301 of the functional module 300.

[0143] The course of the circulating air flow within the functional housing 301 is shown in Fig. 8 shown only as an example. Alternatively to the Fig. 8 The course within the functional housing 301 can deviate from the course shown due to any objects within the functional housing 301, for example, components 329 of the electronic functional circuit 313 or due to additional guide means 315. In particular, an air flow is also possible that is exchanged between the two circulation channels and, for example, enters the functional housing 301 via the first coupling opening 321 of one circulation channel and exits the functional housing 301 again via the second coupling opening 323 of the other circulation channel.

[0144] Fig. 9 shows a schematic sectional view along the section axis A of the control cabinet system 200 in Fig. 2 according to a further embodiment.

[0145] Deviating from the Fig. 2 shown embodiment are in Fig. 9 two small functional modules 300, which according to Fig. 1 , is only connected to one of the two adjacent circulation channels 215.

[0146] In Fig. 9 The course of a circulating air flow within the circulation circuit 101 for two functional modules 300 is shown. Fig. 9 The functional modules 300 shown differ from those shown in the Figuren 5 bis 8 The functional modules shown differ in that they only have a maximum of two functional connection elements 303 arranged next to each other. Fig. 9 Thus, each functional module 300 is connected only to one circulation channel 215 of the two adjacently arranged circulation channels 215 of the base module 200. Each of the functional modules 300 connected to the base module 200 is thus connected exclusively to one circulation channel 215 of the base module 200 and fluidically connected thereto. The course of a circulating air flow within the circulation circuit 101, however, is analogous to the Fig. 8 described embodiment.

[0147] Fig. 10 shows a further schematic interior view of the functional module 300 in Fig. 5 .

[0148] In Fig. 10 is the interior of the functional housing 301 of the functional module 300 according to the embodiments in Figuren 5 bis 8 In addition, a possible course of a circulating air flow within the functional housing 301 is shown. A corresponding base module 200 is shown in Fig. 10 not shown, so that the course of the circulating air flow within the circulation channel 215 of the respective base module 200 is only indicated schematically.

[0149] In Fig. 10 It is shown how a circulating air flow enters the interior of the functional housing 301 through coupling openings 309 of the functional connection elements 303 of the functional module 300 and flows along the electronic functional circuit 313, which is arranged inside the functional housing 301. In this way, possible heat accumulation pockets that may occur in the area of ​​individual components 329 of the electronic functional circuit 313 can be swirled and dispersed. The circulating air flow entering the interior of the functional housing 301 through the coupling openings 309 of the functional connection elements 303 exits the functional housing 301 again through coupling openings 309 of the same functional connection elements 303. This occurs analogously to the Fig. 8 described process.

[0150] Since the coupling openings 309 of a functional connection element 303 are connected to the same circulation channel 215, for example to the first sub-channel 219 and the second sub-channel 221, and since pressure differences exist due to the circulation of the air flow, the air flow enters the interior of the functional housing 301 only through one coupling opening 309 of a functional connection element 303.

[0151] Deviating from the Fig. 10 , as well as in Fig. 8 , shown course of the circulating air flow within the functional housing 301, several circulating air flows can mix within the functional housing 301 and thus exit the functional housing 301 through various second coupling openings 323. As already Fig. 8 As mentioned, the course of the circulating air flow along the circulation circuit 101 is only shown schematically and an actual course can be determined from the figures shown in the Figuren 8 bis 10 may differ from the curves shown.

[0152] Fig. 11 shows a perspective schematic view of a heating element 231 according to an embodiment.

[0153] Fig. 11 shows a heating element 231 that can be used to heat a volume of air within the circulation circuit 101. The heating element 231 in the embodiment in Fig. 11 comprises a heating element housing 235 in which a heating wire 233 is arranged. Fig. 11 The heating element 231 shown operates in the same way as a hair dryer, in that the air to be heated moves through the heating element housing 235 along the heating wire 233 and is thereby heated. Alternatively to the heating element shown in Fig. 11 In the embodiment shown, the heating element 231 may have a different configuration.

[0154] Fig. 12 shows a perspective schematic view of the heating element 231 in Fig. 11 , wherein the heating element 231 is integrated into a base module 200.

[0155] In Fig. 12 The heating element 231 is integrated into the third sub-channel 223 of the circulation channel 215 of the base module 200. For this purpose, Fig. 12 a fourth housing side 208 of the base housing 201 is shown. Furthermore, for the two adjacent third sub-channels 323 of the two adjacent circulation channels 215, which according to the embodiments in Fig. 4 or in the Figuren 7 and 8 are formed, only parts of the third sub-channels 223 are shown for illustration purposes. In addition to the heating element 231, which is integrated in the third sub-channel 223, according to the embodiment in Fig. 4 A fan element 218 is arranged in every third sub-channel 223. The fan element 218 can thus accelerate the air volume in the circulation channel 215 and drive it to circulate within the circulation channel 215. The air flow driven for circulation thus flows along the heating wire 233 of the heating element 231, thereby heating the circulating air flow and the air volume in the circulation channel 215 or in the circulation circuit 101.

[0156] Fig. 13 shows a further perspective schematic view of the heating element 231 in Fig. 11 , wherein the heating element 231 is integrated into a base module 200.

[0157] In Fig. 13 is the completion of the Fig. 12 only partially shown third sub-channels 223 of the circulation channel 215. The fan element 218 as well as the heating element 231 are fully integrated into the respective third sub-channels 223.

[0158] Fig. 14 shows a further perspective schematic view of a control cabinet system 100 according to a further embodiment.

[0159] In Fig. 14 An embodiment of the switch cabinet system 100 is shown in which four function modules 300 are connected to a base module 200. The base module 200 has cooling fins 237 on a second housing side 204 of the base housing 201. Cooling of the base housing 201 of the base module 200 can be achieved via the cooling fins 237. In addition, three of the function modules 300 have further cooling fins 325 on a housing surface 326 of the function housing 301. Cooling of the function module 300 can be achieved via the further cooling fins 325 by increasing the radiation of heat via the function housing 301 of the function module 300 to the environment of the switch cabinet system 100 by enlarging the respective area of ​​the housing surface 326 through the formation of the further cooling fins 325.

[0160] Fig. 15 shows a further perspective schematic view of a control cabinet system 100 according to a further embodiment.

[0161] In the embodiment in Fig. 15 Furthermore, external fan elements 243 are arranged on a third housing side 206 of the base housing 201 of the base module 200, which are designed to guide cooling air along the cooling fins 237 of the base module 200. Furthermore, a functional module 300 has further external fan elements 327 on a further housing surface 328, which are designed to guide cooling air along the further cooling fins 325 of the respective functional module 300.

[0162] Alternatively to the Fig. 15 In the embodiment shown, any number of external fan elements 243 can be arranged on the base module 200. Furthermore, any number of additional external fan elements 327 can be arranged on the functional modules 300.

[0163] Fig. 16 shows a further perspective schematic view of a control cabinet system 100 according to a further embodiment.

[0164] In the embodiment in Fig. 16 The base module 200 has a water cooling system 239 on the second housing side 204 instead of the cooling fins 237. Cooling water can be introduced into and discharged from the water cooling system 239 by means of corresponding water supply elements 241, thereby achieving a cooling effect on the base housing 201 of the base module 200 and, associated with this, a cooling effect on the air volume located in the base housing 201.

[0165] According to a further embodiment, the functional housing 301 of the functional module 300 or of the functional modules 300 and / or the base housing 201 of the base module 200 can be made of a material having a high thermal conductivity of, for example, above 10 W / mK. For example, the functional housing 301 or the base housing 201 can be made of metal, in particular steel, aluminum, or a preferred metal alloy with a correspondingly high thermal conductivity. According to one embodiment, the functional housing 301 of the functional module 300 or the base housing 201 of the base module 200 can be coated with a corresponding coating having a high thermal conductivity, in particular higher than 10 W / mK.According to one embodiment, a heat pipe can also be formed in the base module 200, by means of which a heat sink can be realized relative to the functional modules 300 connected to the base module 200, wherein heat can be transported from the functional modules 300 toward the heat sink within the base module 200. This can achieve a cooling effect of the functional modules 300.

[0166] According to a further embodiment, the base module 200 may have a membrane that is configured to effect pressure equalization between the air volume located in the base housing 201 and the ambient air surrounding the switch cabinet system 100.

[0167] According to one embodiment, passive or closed active cooling with a cooling capacity of up to 100% of the functional modules 300 or the base module 200 of the control cabinet system 100 can be achieved by means of the mechanisms described above up to an ambient temperature of 50°C. List of reference symbols

[0168] 100Switch cabinet system 101Circulation circuit 200Base module 201Base housing 202First housing side 203Base connection elements 204Second housing side 205Base voltage connection 206Third housing side 207Base data connection 208Fourth housing side 209Voltage line 211Data line 213Connection unit 215Circulation duct 217Circulation opening 218Fan element 219First sub-duct 221Second sub-duct 223Third sub-duct 225Fourth sub-duct 227First circulation opening 229Second circulation opening 230Regulating means 231Heating element 233Heating wire 235Heating element housing 236Heat exchanger 237Cooling fins 239Water cooling 241Water supply element 243External fan element 300Function module 301Function housing 302Housing base 303Function connection element 305Voltage connection 307Data connection 309Coupling opening 311Coupling collar 313Electronic functional circuit 315Guide means 316Guide nozzle 317Guide fan element 319Guide channel 321First coupling opening 323Second coupling opening 325Further cooling fins 326Housing surface 327Further external fan element 328Further housing surface 329Components of the electronic functional circuit

Claims

1. A control-cabinet system (100) having a base module (200) and at least a functional module (300), the base module (200) comprising a base housing (201) with a first housing face (202) and a second housing face (204), wherein a plurality of base connection elements (203) with base voltage connections (205) and base data connections (207) are arranged at the first housing face, wherein at least one data line (211) embodied as a data bus with a plurality of switch-on units (213) embodied as a slave subscriber of the data bus, which is connected to the base data connections (207) of the base connection elements (203) via the data line (211), is arranged in the base housing (201) and at least one voltage line (209) is arranged which is connected to the base voltage connections (205) of the base connection elements (203), wherein the functional module (300) comprises a functional housing (301) with a housing underside (302), wherein a functional connection element (303) with voltage connections (305) and data connections (307) is arranged on the housing underside (302), wherein at least one electronic functional circuit (313), which is connected to the voltage connections and the data connections of the functional connection element (303), is arranged in the functional housing (301), wherein the functional module (300) may be connected to the base module (200) via a coupling of the functional connection element (303) to one of the base connection elements (203) and a connection of the voltage connections (305) and data connections (307) of the functional connection element (303) to the base voltage connections (205) and base data connections (207) of the base element (200) may be achieved, wherein a circulation channel (215) is arranged in the base housing (201), wherein an air flow may be circulated in the circulation channel (215), wherein each base connection element (203) comprises circulation openings (217) which are fluidically connected to the circulation channel (215), wherein the functional connection element (303) has coupling openings fluidically connected to an interior of the functional housing (301), wherein the coupling openings (309) may be coupled to the circulation openings (217), and wherein, in a coupling of the coupling openings (309) with the circulation openings (217), a fluidic connection exists between the circulation channel (215) and the interior of the functional housing (301), and a fluidically closed circulation circuit (101) comprising the circulation channel (215) and the interior of the functional housing (301) is formed, in which due to a pressure difference within the functional housing (301) of the functional module (300) and / or the circulation channel (215) of the base module (200) an air flow may be circulated by the air entering into the interior of the functional housing (302) from the circulation channel (215) via a coupling opening and flowing back into the circulation channel (215) from the interior of the functional housing (301) via a further coupling opening (309).

2. The control-cabinet system (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a fan element (218), wherein the fan element (218) is integrated into the fluidic circulation circuit (101), and wherein the fan element (218) is embodied to accelerate the circulating airflow within the circulation circuit (101).

3. The control-cabinet system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the fan element (218) is arranged in the functional housing (301) of the functional module (300) and / or within the circulation channel (215) of the base module (200).

4. The control-cabinet system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein regulating devices (230) are arranged at the circulation openings (217), wherein the regulating devices (230) are embodied to regulate a volume of an air flow passing through the circulation openings (217).

5. The control-cabinet system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each coupling opening (309) comprises a respective coupling collar (311), wherein the coupling collar (311) surrounds the coupling opening (309) and protrudes from the functional connection element (303), wherein the coupling collar (311) may be inserted into a circulation opening (217) and allows for coupling between the coupling opening (309) and the circulation opening (217), and wherein a fluid-tight connection between the functional module (300) and the base module (200) is achieved by the coupling between the coupling openings (309) and the circulation openings (217).

6. The control-cabinet system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein sealing devices are arranged at the circulation openings (217), and wherein the sealing devices are embodied to fluidically seal off the circulation openings (217) of the base connection elements (203) to which no functional modules (300) are connected.

7. The control-cabinet system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein guiding devices (315) are arranged inside of the functional housing (301) of the functional module (300), wherein the guiding devices (315) are configured to guide an air flow flowing through the coupling openings (309) into the interior of the functional housing (301) into a predetermined area inside the functional housing (301), in which at least one component (329) of the electrical function circuit (313) is arranged.

8. The control-cabinet system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the guiding devices (315) comprise guiding nozzles (316) arranged at the coupling openings (309) and suitable to guide the air flow into the predetermined area within the functional housing (301), and wherein the guiding devices (315) comprise a guiding fan element (317) arranged inside of the functional housing (301), wherein the guiding channel has a fluidic connection to at least one of the coupling openings (309), and wherein the guiding channel is embodied to guide the airflow into a predetermined region within the interior of the functional housing (301).

9. The control-cabinet system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circulation channel (215) is in a thermal contact with at least one inner housing wall of the base housing (301) of the base module (200), and / or wherein the control-cabinet system (100) further comprises a heating element (231), wherein the heating element (231) is integrated into the fluidic circulation circuit (101), wherein the heating element (231) is embodied to heat a volume of air comprised by the circulation circuit (101), and wherein the heating element (231) is arranged within the functional housing (301) of the functional element and / or within the circulation channel (215), and / or wherein the control-cabinet system (100) further comprises a heat exchanger (235), wherein the heat exchanger (235) is integrated into the circulation circuit (101), wherein the heat exchanger (235) is embodied to cool the airflow within the circulation circuit (101), wherein the heat exchanger (235) is an air-to-air heat exchanger or an air-to-water heat exchanger, and wherein the heat exchanger (235) is arranged inside of the functional housing (301) of the functional module (300) and / or inside of the base housing (301) of the base module (200), and / or wherein cooling fins (237) and / or a water-cooling system (239) are embodied at the second housing face (204) of the base housing of the base module (200), and / or wherein further cooling fins (325) are embodied on a housing surface (326) of the functional module (300), and / or wherein an external fan element (243) is embodied on a third housing surface (206) of the base module (200), wherein the external fan element (243) is configured to guide cooling air along the cooling fins (237), and / or wherein a further external fan element (327) is embodied at a further housing surface (326) of the functional module (300), wherein the further external fan element (327) is set up to guide cooling air along the further cooling fins (325).

10. The control-cabinet system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circulation channel (215) comprises a first partial channel (219), a second partial channel (221), a third partial channel (223) and a fourth partial channel (225), wherein the first partial channel (219) and the second partial channel (221) are arranged in parallel to each other, wherein the third partial channel (223) and the fourth partial channel (225) are arranged in parallel to each other, wherein each base connection element (203) comprises a first circulation opening (227) and a second circulation opening (229), wherein the first circulation opening (227) is fluidically connected to the first partial channel (225) and the second circulation opening (229) is fluidically connected to the second partial channel (225), wherein the functional connection element (303) comprises a first coupling opening (321) and a second coupling opening (323), wherein the first coupling opening (321) and the second coupling opening (323) are each fluidically connected to an interior of the functional housing (301), wherein the first coupling opening (321) may be coupled to the first circulation opening (229) and the second coupling opening (323) may be coupled to the second circulation opening (229), and wherein a pressure difference may be achieved by the circulating air flow between the first partial channel (219) and the second partial channel (221) generated due to a temperature difference within the functional housing (301) or within the circulation channel (215) or by the fan element (298).

11. The control-cabinet system (100) according to claim 10, wherein the first coupling opening (321) and the second coupling opening (323) are arranged at two opposite outermost ends of the functional connection element (303), and wherein the data connections (307) and voltage connections (305) are arranged at the functional connection element (303) between the first coupling opening (321) and the second coupling opening (323).

12. The control-cabinet system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an internal fan element is arranged in the interior of the functional housing (301), wherein the internal fan element is configured to guide cooling air along at least one inner wall of the functional housing (301), and / or wherein a further internal fan element is arranged in an interior of the base housing (201), wherein the further internal fan element is configured to guide cooling air along at least one inner wall of the base housing (201).

13. The control-cabinet system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein components (329) of the electronic functional circuit (313) of the functional module (300) comrpise a thermal contact to a housing inner wall of the functional housing (301), and / or wherein the functional housing (301) and / or the base housing (201) are made of a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W / mK, and / or wherein the functional housing (301) and / or the base housing (201) are coated with a coating having a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W / mK.

14. A functional module (300) for a control-cabinet system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, wherein the functional module (300) comprises a functional housing (301) with a housing underside (302), wherein a functional connection element (303) having voltage connections (305) and data connections (307) being arranged at the housing underside (302), wherein at least an electronic functional circuit (313) is arranged in the functional housing (301), being connected to the voltage connections (305) and the data connections (307) of the functional connection element (303), wherein the functional module (300) may be connected to the base module (200) via a coupling of the functional connection element (303) to a base connection element (203) of a base module (200) of the control-cabinet system (100), and a connection of the voltage connections (305) and data connections (307) of the functional connection element (303) to the base voltage connections (205) and base data connections (207) of the base element (200) may be achieved, wherein the functional connection element (303) comprises coupling openings (309), wherein the coupling openings (309) are fluidically connected to an interior of the functional housing (301), wherein the coupling openings (309) may be coupled to circulation openings (217) of a base module (200) of the control-cabinet system and wherein in a coupling of the coupling openings (309) having the circulation openings (217) a fluidic connection between a circulation channel (215) of the base module (200) and the interior of the functional housing (301) may be achieved and a fluidically closed circulation circuit (101) comprising the circulation channel (215) and the interior of the functional housing (301) may be formed, in which an air flow may be circulated by the air entering into the interior of the functional housing (302) from the circulation channel (215) via a coupling opening and flowing back into the circulation channel (215) from the interior of the functional housing (301) via a further coupling opening (309).