Method and device for testing a circuit configuration

Abstract

The invention describes a technique for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit configuration (110) on a computer (140). According to a method aspect of the technique, an input, which specifies at least one electrical component (100) of the circuit configuration (110), is detected at a user interface (130). The at least one electrical component (100) has a plurality of electrical coupling points (120), wherein the coupling points (120) are designed to allow electrical connection to another component (100) or to another element of the circuit configuration (110). A representation of the at least one component (100) at the user interface (130) is based on a real geometric design of the component (100) and the plurality of coupling points (120) are located on the representation of the component (100) in accordance with their arrangement on the component (100). All the coupling points (120) of the at least one electrical component (100) with the same electric potential are determined in accordance with the electrical function of the component (100). The determined coupling points (120) are highlighted by means of the user interface (130) with marking (150) of a coupling point (120) from amongst the plurality of coupling points (120), wherein the marking process is initiated by means of the user interface (130).

Description

[0001] Method and device for testing a circuit structure

[0002] The invention relates to a technique for configuring and testing an electrical circuit structure, in particular for implementing an electrical terminal diagram with predefined components. Preferably, the invention relates to the planning and testing of a control cabinet or the like in which a plurality of electrical (in particular electronic) functions are implemented, which serve, for example, to control a system or facility.

[0003] In general, computer-aided engineering (CAE) is a well-known application of computer software to support technical analysis and implementation tasks. It also includes planning tools for control cabinets, which, for example, also support the construction of terminal blocks or terminal boxes in control cabinet construction. These CAE tools enable the design of a circuit layout, especially the configuration of the control cabinet, with the support of intelligent engineering assistants, which contributes significantly to rationalization. This also includes the multiple use of the data obtained in this process, which can be used from purchasing to production.

[0004] Here, the circuit layout comprises the spatial arrangement (especially on a mounting rail) of electrical components (especially switching relays and terminals) and their wiring (especially via rails). In other words, the circuit layout does not refer to a circuit diagram, but rather to the actual implementation of the circuit diagram.

[0005] A multitude of supply, control, regulation, and evaluation components are used, which must be selected, configured (especially parameterized) according to the functional requirements, and connected to each other and to the associated inputs and outputs. The complexity to be managed (e.g., the control system to be provided) requires testing of the circuit layout shortly before or during its physical implementation, for example, by installing it in a control cabinet. Furthermore, supporting and verification functions are useful to verify the correct implementation of the circuit layout or to facilitate verification.

[0006] However, during the actual planning process of implementing the circuit diagram using real components, their settings and parameterizations, and their multiple connections, errors can occur, making them complex and time-consuming to find and correct. Even during the implementation of the circuit—that is, during the construction of the circuit using the real components and during their wiring and parameterization—errors can occur despite the support of the planning data. This, in turn, requires considerable effort to identify and correct any errors.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a technology which makes errors in planning and implementation easier to identify and can also support their elimination.

[0008] The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Expedient embodiments and advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0009] Embodiments of the invention, which can be optionally combined with one another, are disclosed below with partial reference to the figures.

[0010] A first aspect relates to a method for testing the equipotentiality of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly using one or more computers. The method comprises a step of detecting an input to at least one electrical component for the circuit assembly. The term "electrical" can in particular also encompass the term "electronic," whereby, for example, the term "electronic" requires non-linear electrical components. The component has or the components have (e.g., each) a plurality of electrical coupling points. The coupling points are configured to enable an electrical connection to another component or another element of the circuit assembly. A representation of the at least one component using the user interface is based on a real geometric configuration of the respective component (in particular, not a circuit diagram symbol).The majority of the crosspoints are located according to their arrangement on the real component, even when the component is represented via the user interface.

[0011] The method further comprises a step of determining all crosspoints (of the at least one electrical component) with the same electrical potential according to the electrical function (for example depending on the electrical state or a switching position) of the respective component. Highlighting the determined crosspoints (of the at least one component) with the same electrical potential according to the electrical function of the component occurs when a certain crosspoint from the plurality of determined crosspoints is marked on the user interface. The recording of the input (which specifies the circuit structure underlying the determination of the crosspoints) and the marking (which causes the highlighting) are initiated via the user interface. The recording can optionally be embodied as a camera image of the interior of the real control cabinet and, additionally or alternatively, a reading of the function (in particularthe switching states) of the components from a database.

[0012] By highlighting specific coupling points within the circuit layout with the arranged components, embodiments of the method make it possible to verify the correct arrangement and wiring of the components during circuit planning (e.g., when configuring a control cabinet), which is not possible with a purely visual inspection due to the partially concealed rail connections and cable routing. The functionality of the components or the entire circuit layout can also be verified by highlighting the coupling points of the same potential in different electrical states (e.g., in different switching states of switchable components).Alternatively or additionally, due to the highlighting of the specific crosspoints within the circuit structure during the construction of the physical circuit structure (for example, during the assembly of a control cabinet), the specific crosspoints can be directly identified and measured as measuring points in spatial association with the circuit structure.

[0013] The method, in particular the equipotential test, may also include a configuration (in particular parameterization) of the components for implementing the circuit design. For example, the method may optionally include further elements, such as the output of an assembly instruction and / or a test instruction.

[0014] In general, certain elements such as crosspoints, components, paths, locations, installation situation and / or circuit arrangement can lead to an output (visual or as a machine-readable control instruction).

[0015] Herein, "same" or "identical" potential may refer to the (e.g., "first" or "initiating") potential at the crosspoint highlighted by the marker initiated at the user interface.

[0016] The equipotential test can include testing for the same or identical potential. This is particularly the case with internal wiring of crosspoints within a component (e.g., the at least one component) or with external wiring between components (e.g., when the at least one component comprises several interconnected components). The crosspoints and wiring have the same voltage, i.e., the same potential (same voltage level, optionally except for a voltage drop caused by a resistance in the wiring during current flow). All crosspoints and wiring can be identically labeled or highlighted (e.g., highlighted in the same way on the user interface), for example, with the same color, hatching, or the like.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the equipotential check may include checking (and / or highlighting) potentials that deviate from the same or identical potential but are based on the presence of the identical potential (e.g., the first potential at the coupling point where the marking was initiated). For example, all potentials or crosspoints that are causally related to the first potential at the coupling point where the marking was initiated (by means of the user interface) may be highlighted. The causality may correspond to the function of the at least one component. Alternatively or additionally, for example, in a component, the presence of a first (e.g., the identical or initiating) potential at one coupling point may cause a potential that deviates from the identical potential to be provided at another coupling point of the component.This dependency arises from taking into account the electrical function (e.g., according to the internal electrical circuit) of the component, which may, for example, comprise a voltage transformer or the like that causes the potential change. This different potential (e.g., second potential) can optionally be displayed (e.g., highlighted) with a different label in addition to the identical (i.e., first) potential. Accordingly, crosspoints of components with the same potential (e.g., the first potential) and with a different potential (e.g., the second potential) directly generated from the same potential can be displayed. Thus, the representation of the identical potential can advantageously be supplemented by the causally related different potentials.

[0018] In addition, the method can also include a functional test of the circuit realized by connected components (terminal diagram). The components can be simulated according to their electrical functionality and optionally according to their settings and / or parameterization. This is also referred to as creating a terminal diagram. The interconnection of the components can also be taken into account. For example, various signal patterns can be applied to the corresponding components at the inputs of the simulated circuit (terminal diagram) to test the circuit function. This circuit function can be used to control a system, for example an elevator system with multiple elevators or a manufacturing process. Such a functional test can be carried out after the components have been entered, parameterized, and connected.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the functional test can also be carried out during the recording of the

[0020] Input, parameterization, and connection of the components are performed. This allows for advantageous circuit simulation based on the terminal diagram, which can also include short-circuit tests, checking timing conditions, and more.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the terminal diagram can be compared with the (electrical) circuit diagram of a control system to be implemented, which contains general circuit symbols. For this purpose, the (electrical) circuit diagram is designed in machine-readable format so that its function can be captured by machine. For this purpose, relevant input data and patterns can be defined, and the resulting output data and patterns can be determined automatically from the circuit diagram. This data is then also entered into the terminal diagram, and the resulting outputs of the (electrical) circuit diagram are compared with those of the terminal diagram. This advantageously allows the functional suitability of the terminal diagram to be determined based on the specified (electrical) circuit diagram.

[0022] Furthermore, the suitability of the terminal plan can be checked alternatively or additionally. Thus, after entering at least some of the components and their wiring, the method can check whether simplifications can be achieved by selecting alternative components and, additionally or alternatively, by alternative wiring or interconnection of components. This can include determining an equivalent component in the database that is functionally equivalent to, for example, two components along the specific coupling points. Such simplifications can include reducing the number of components and / or the number of wirings. This suitability check (optimization) can take place during the entry of components and wiring or also after their entry.

[0023] Furthermore, the method can include a learning or teaching module. This can be based on previously implemented circuit diagrams and / or terminal diagrams and implemented as a learning system, for example, using artificial intelligence. When creating the terminal diagrams, it can also include suggestions for specific components and wiring, thus providing assistance in creating the terminal diagrams.

[0024] The electrical components for the circuit design can encompass a wide range of electrical and electronic functions. They can include a variety of power supply, control, regulation, and evaluation components. This can include parameterizable power supply components. Control and regulation components can perform a wide range of control and regulation tasks. Evaluation components can read sensors or query specific events. The components can be prefabricated electrical elements that are assembled in a modular manner to implement the circuit design. They are often parameterizable.

[0025] A conventional (electrical) circuit diagram represents the required functionality for operating a system or facility in the form of electrical symbols and connections. The symbols are usually functional and have no reference to the components used by specific manufacturers. For example, a power supply is characterized by its electrical data such as current, voltage, etc., which can usually be implemented using various prefabricated components from different manufacturers. In contrast, the circuit layout includes the installation location of at least one component and the location of its coupling points.

[0026] The electrical coupling points serve to connect the component to other electrical elements of the circuit. This is achieved by electrically conductive means, which can be designed, for example, as a wire, a wire bridge, a metal stamped part, or the like. The coupling points can comprise clamping elements that securely clamp the conductive elements with little installation effort and ensure low contact resistance. The clamping elements can be designed as springs, screws, and the like. A component can also have multiple coupling points, which can also have the same or different electrical potentials. This can be the case, for example, with the same electrical potential for so-called potential distribution boxes.

[0027] Other elements of the circuit structure can be, for example, terminals, plugs, sockets, base plates and the like.

[0028] A representation of the component with its coupling points and other elements is based on a real geometric design of the component and its color scheme. This includes an approximate representation of the external dimensions in relation to each other. Furthermore, the elements used for wiring and adjusting the component are visible and depicted approximately in the actual position of the real component.

[0029] All component crosspoints with the same electrical potential are highlighted visually in a form that is easily comprehensible to the operator. Tactile recognition can also be provided, for example, in the form of a vibration of a control element on the user interface when approaching the crosspoint.

[0030] Input, highlighting, and marking are initiated via the user interface. In addition to the usual keyboard, mouse, and screen input, specific input and output elements can also be used. For example, the screen unit can be designed to be translucent, allowing the simulated component of the circuit to be visually compared with the actual circuit. In the sense of an augmented reality representation (technically known as "augmented reality" or AR), the user can view the actual (i.e., physical) circuit and the circuit captured by the input (e.g., simulated) together on the output element. In other words, the augmented reality user interface can be designed to highlight the crosspoints as measurement points in the physical circuit.

[0031] In this case, components with the same electrical potential can also be displayed optionally. In further embodiments, deviations between the actual circuit layout and the circuit layout captured by the input (for example, a simulation of the circuit layout on which the determination step is based) can be detected and subsequently lead to messages for the operator. For this purpose, the actual (i.e. physical) circuit layout is captured with a camera and evaluated in an image recognition program. The display of deviations can include the detection of at least one component, wherein the components can each be marked with an optical code, for example a QR code. Furthermore, it can also include switch positions, wiring and the like, which can be associated with increased detection effort.In a further embodiment, the component detection can also be carried out separately from the transparent display and displayed to the operator.

[0032] Advantageously, potential errors can be more easily detected by machine support during the design of the circuit implementation as well as during a check of the correspondence between the implemented circuit structure and the circuit structure recorded by means of the user interface and / or on which the determination is based (e.g. simulated).

[0033] In exemplary embodiments, the method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly can correspond to the wiring of a control cabinet. Component-specific and / or manufacturer-specific functions or simulations can be used, which provide the functions of the respective components and other elements. This can advantageously simplify and specify the equipotential test, since the functional and structural compatibility of components and other elements of a manufacturer is generally given or can be verified by the function or simulation (for example, as part of the method for equipotential testing). Optionally, in the exemplary embodiment, the electrical function of the component can be stored in a database or a module library.Additionally or alternatively, the recording of components and their wiring, and the determination of the coupling points with the same potential, can be implemented as a software program (i.e., computer-implemented). The software program can be implemented as an editor that, in response to user input, accesses either the database or the module library and, additionally or alternatively, initiates one or more of the above-mentioned functions (checking for identical potential, functional testing, checking the terminal diagram according to the circuit diagram, suitability testing, use of the learning or teaching module).

[0034] In further embodiments, the method for testing the equipotentiality of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly can comprise electrical components that include at least one switching element, which can also be referred to as a switching actuator. The position of the switching element can influence the electrical / electronic function of the component, wherein the position of the switching element is taken into account when highlighting the coupling points of the component with the same electrical potential. Optionally, the switching element can be designed as a switchable terminal for clamping a wire connection, a bridge connection, or the like.

[0035] Switching elements or switching actuators can be designed as mechanical switches whose switch position can be recognized by an operator or an image capture program. They can also be designed as electrical switches that can be adjusted by switching elements integrated into the component or by remote switching elements, for example, by command. The electrical switches can make their switch position visible, for example, through optical marking, such as one or more LEDs.

[0036] This advantageously allows the range of applications of the components to be expanded, as different functionalities can be realized using one component type.

[0037] In other embodiments, a plurality of electrical components can be combined into a component group. At least some of the electrical components in the component group can be electrically connected to one another by a bridge connection. The electrical connection of the components is taken into account by highlighting the coupling points of the components and / or by highlighting the bridge connections. Furthermore, it can be highlighted consistently based on the bridge connections.

[0038] A component group can comprise several identical or different components. The components are mechanically firmly connected to one another and form a block of components. The components of the component group can have the same or similar geometric shapes. The electrical connections of the components of the component group are located on the individual components or are arranged next to the components in a contact block that is mechanically connected to the component group. A mixture of connections can also be arranged on the individual components and the contact block. The contact block can be compact in design. Its dimensions are essentially determined by the contacts. The component group has a fastening element for attachment to a mounting rail.

[0039] The bridging connection between the components within the component group takes place at specially designed contacts. This can be implemented as a sheet metal strip that establishes electrical contact with the respective component through contact elements. These contact elements are easily removable mechanically, for example, by breaking them out. Furthermore, the contacting or non-contacting can be visually detected in the equipotential test by highlighting the bridging connection and, in the actual circuit implementation, by the presence or absence of the contact elements. This allows the electrical coupling of the interconnected components of the component group to be easily implemented and verified.

[0040] This advantageously reduces the number of circuit elements to be planned and arranged, which reduces and simplifies the subsequent work steps when removing the control cabinet.

[0041] In exemplary embodiments, the electrical component can be arranged at a definable location or orientation within the control cabinet. For example, the position on the mounting rail can be specified. If there are multiple mounting rails, one of the mounting rails can also be determined for the arrangement of the component. Other positions in the control cabinet can also be determined for the arrangement of the component, for example a separate neutral conductor rail or a housing wall of the control cabinet. The components can also be determined relative to one another. In this way, the actual circuit implementation can be spatially similarly simulated. Furthermore, the input can comprise the function of the at least one electrical component and, additionally or alternatively, the electrical state of the at least one electrical component.

[0042] In addition, an optimization, for example combining several

[0043] Components are preferably initiated along the specific path where the combination is performed automatically. This is already explained in more detail under the "Expediency Test." A path is defined as a connecting line between the specific crosspoints.

[0044] The advantage is that the practitioner can compare the control cabinet under construction with the simulated specification at a glance.

[0045] In further embodiments, the input and arrangement of at least one further component (e.g., a further component group) for the circuit configuration can be effected via the user interface. The input via the user interface can specify at least one electrical connection between the component and the further component at the crosspoints. The equipotential test can include highlighting all crosspoints of the component with the same electrical potential and highlighting all crosspoints of the further component with the same electrical potential.

[0046] The additional component of the additional component group can be arranged on the same mounting rail or on a separate mounting rail. The electrical connection is established by an electrical conductor. This can be an insulated wire. It can also be designed as a contact plate with corresponding connections for the electrical coupling points of the components or component groups. All coupling points with the same electrical potential can be highlighted in the same way for all components and, optionally, also for the electrical connection.

[0047] The equipotential test can include all coupling points and other elements with the same potential.

[0048] In other embodiments, highlighting may also include highlighting the electrical connection via an input at the user interface. The highlighting may include color highlighting and / or a graphical enlargement of all crosspoints belonging to a group of electrical connections. The highlighting may be selectively activated and deactivated via a user interface selection menu, a user interface button, and / or a program-controlled function (e.g., an equipotentiality test function or a circuit layout simulation function).

[0049] The (for example) color highlighting can be a color not otherwise used in the computer-aided configuration or simulation, nor in the real components, such as blue or red. It can also be implemented as a pattern or hatching. It can also be combined with the graphical magnification or include the graphical magnification alone. Furthermore, the highlighting can leave the representation of the highlighted components and connections unchanged except for the highlighting. The highlighting can be selected by an operator at the user interface using a pointer, such as a mouse pointer.

[0050] The equipotential test can be part of a (e.g., program-controlled) simulation function for simulating the function of the circuit layout. Alternatively or additionally, the (e.g., program-controlled) equipotential test can be performed automatically in a single test step.

[0051] It can also be applied when comparing the planned (i.e., captured by the user interface) or simulated (i.e., the basis for the determination) circuit layout (circuit diagram) with the realized (i.e., physical) circuit layout (terminal diagram), or during the physical construction of the circuit, where the operator can verify the potential distribution based on the sequence of representations of equal potentials. This can also include feedback to a test instruction of the user interface.

[0052] This can advantageously improve the visibility of the highlighting for the operator.

[0053] In embodiments, the electrical connection between the component of the component group and the further component of the further component group can be designed as a bridge and / or as a wire connection.

[0054] The bridge is designed as an electrically conductive bridge. It includes corresponding connections for the electrical coupling points of the components of the component groups. It can comprise the electrical connection of two or more components or component groups. The bridge can be designed as a sheet metal part, for example, as a stamped part. The wire connection can be an insulated wire or an uninsulated wire. It can be stripped at its ends to improve electrical contact.

[0055] This makes it advantageous to determine the most efficient connection element for the respective application from a variety of electrical connection elements.

[0056] In further embodiments, the coupling points can be designed as terminals for clamping the wire connection or the bridge.

[0057] The terminals require no additional operating steps to insert the wire or bridge element. This is achieved by a spring-loaded clamping element that deflects when the wire or bridge element is inserted. This advantageously simplifies the installation of the wire or bridge element.

[0058] In other embodiments, the component can be arranged on a mounting rail. Optionally, the mounting rail can be designed as a top-hat rail.

[0059] One or more mounting rails can be pre-assembled in a control cabinet. They form a uniform mechanical interface for the components, allowing them to be securely mounted along the mounting rail. Especially in its top-hat rail design, the mounting rail can support a wide variety of components due to its increased load capacity.

[0060] This advantageously allows for secure and orderly fastening of the components.

[0061] In exemplary embodiments, the method may include the step of generating an instruction for determining the component, arranging the component, wiring the component, and / or setting (in particular parameterizing) the component. The instruction may be embodied as control data. The instruction may be embodied in a machine-readable format. Optionally, the instruction may also be embodied in a human-readable format.

[0062] The machine-readable instruction can be automatically generated or generateable from the equipotential test data, particularly when executed as control data. This can be triggered, for example, by operator intervention following the equipotential test. Its machine-readability enables further processing of the data by other machines or computers. At the same time, the instruction can also be suitable for manual processing, for example, in the form of a placement instruction for the manual assembly of a control cabinet.

[0063] This advantageously allows data consistency to be achieved for different work steps of automated machines without excluding manual processing steps.

[0064] In further embodiments, the instruction may be suitable for at least partially instructing or controlling an automatic assembly machine for arranging the components and / or interconnecting (i.e., wiring) the components in accordance with the detected circuit structure.

[0065] A placement machine includes at least one controller that can also read instructions. The placement machine also includes a placement device that can place and secure components and other parts in a control cabinet. This can be designed, for example, as a robotic arm. Furthermore, the placement machine can also perform the placement of at least some types of electrical connections between components of component groups.

[0066] Advantageously, the assembly of the control cabinet can thus be at least partially automated.

[0067] In other embodiments, the instruction may include a test instruction for at least partially verifying a physical circuit configuration according to the detected circuit configuration. The test instruction may include a verification step in which the coupling points are checked with the same electrical potential. Optionally, the verification step may include a manual test step.

[0068] The test instruction can include a step-by-step check of the simulated circuit layout. Furthermore, it can also include a check of the actual circuit layout. In this case, crosspoints with the same electrical potential can be checked in test steps. In the actual circuit layout, this can include manual test steps that can be performed by an operator using a measuring tool. The actual circuit layout can also be tested at least partially automatically, for example, by using controllable test probes on an automated tester that can read the test instructions.

[0069] This can advantageously lead to further automation of control cabinet construction.

[0070] In exemplary embodiments, the equipotential test and / or a simulation of the circuit configuration underlying the equipotential test can be implemented two-dimensionally. In particular, it can include a top view of the components and component groups, whose coupling points and bridge connections can be implemented and displayed in the top view.

[0071] By arranging all elements and components necessary for the construction and wiring of the control cabinet in the top view, the circuit implementation and its testing can be carried out completely from this perspective.

[0072] This advantageously eliminates the need for a more complex representation, such as a 3D representation.

[0073] In further embodiments, the equipotential test and / or the simulation underlying the equipotential test can be performed three-dimensionally. Optionally, the arrangement of the components can be represented using three-dimensional rotations, allowing different perspectives of the components and component groups to be displayed. The 3D representation and the optional three-dimensional rotatability of the representation enable a more complete picture of the circuit implementation. Thus, a comparison with the realized circuit design can also include multiple perspectives to achieve a more complete comparison with the planned or simulated circuit design.

[0074] This can advantageously simplify the equipotential test and improve the verification of the planned or simulated circuit layout and the real (i.e. physical) circuit layout.

[0075] A second aspect relates to a device for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly. The device comprises a computer with a user interface. This device is designed to detect an input at the user interface that specifies at least one electrical component of the circuit assembly. The at least one electrical component has a plurality of electrical crosspoints. The crosspoints are designed to enable an electrical connection to another component or another element of the circuit assembly. A representation of the at least one component on the user interface is based on a real geometric configuration of the component. The majority of the crosspoints are located on the representation of the component according to their arrangement on the component.Furthermore, the device can be configured to determine all crosspoints of the at least one electrical component with the same electrical potential according to the electrical function of the component. Additionally, the device can be configured to highlight the determined crosspoints using the user interface when a crosspoint (120) is marked from the plurality of crosspoints. The marking is initiated using the user interface.

[0076] Furthermore, the device may comprise all the features described in the method according to the first aspect, as explained above.

[0077] A third aspect relates to a system for the computer-aided configuration of an electrical circuit layout (also known as a terminal diagram), in which a validation of an electrical circuit configuration (also known as a circuit diagram) is performed using a potential testing module. The potential testing module includes a visualization of comparable potentials and / or a current path marking of comparable potentials.

[0078] The system can comprise a computer that enables computer-aided configuration. Furthermore, the system can comprise software, for example, in the form of an editor. In addition to the actual editing of the circuit layout, the editor can include at least one of the following functions: checking for identical potential, functional testing of the electrical circuit layout, testing the electrical circuit layout according to the electrical circuit, testing the suitability of the electrical circuit layout, and using a learning or teaching module to optimize the electrical circuit layout.

[0079] In embodiments, the system can additionally comprise a module for reverse engineering the electrical circuit layout (terminal diagram). The connections can be marked with comparable potential. Based on this, the system can detect and mark errors. For example, short circuits, parallel signal routing, or the like can be detected. This can also be based on applying different signal patterns to the inputs of the corresponding components, as already explained in the first aspect. Furthermore, the signal patterns at the outputs of the components can be used to detect errors. Furthermore, error detection can also be based on a comparison of the electrical circuit layout (terminal diagram) with the electrical circuit (circuit diagram).

[0080] A comparable potential may include an identical potential and, in addition or alternatively, a potential dependent on the identical potential, as explained in more detail above.

[0081] Furthermore, the system may comprise all performance features mutatis mutandis described in the method according to the first aspect and additionally or alternatively in the device according to the second aspect, as explained above.

[0082] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings using preferred embodiments which can be optionally combined with one another.

[0083] They show:

[0084] Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a placed component of a method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit on a computer,

[0085] Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a placed component for the method with a switching actuator in a first and in a second embodiment,

[0086] Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a plurality of electrical components in a component group for the method, Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an arrangement of an electrical component within the control cabinet for the method,

[0087] Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram of an arrangement of several components of several component groups for the method,

[0088] Fig. 6A is a schematic block diagram of an electrical connection between components for the method according to a first embodiment,

[0089] Fig. 6B is a schematic block diagram of an electrical connection between components for the method according to a second embodiment,

[0090] Fig. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a top-hat rail,

[0091] Fig. 8 is a schematic block diagram of an arrangement of an instruction and a placement machine,

[0092] Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram of the process steps in sequence,

[0093] Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a device for computer-aided configuration of an electrical circuit structure, and

[0094] Fig. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a system for computer-aided configuration of an electrical circuit.

[0095] Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a placed component 100 in a method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly 110 on a computer 140. The method is used for equipotential testing, for example based on a simulation of electrical states of the electrical circuit assembly 110 on a computer 140 that includes a display unit as part of a user interface 130. The method comprises, in a first step, detecting an input (e.g., selection, placement, and wiring) of at least one electrical component 100 for the circuit assembly 110. The component 100 has a plurality of electrical coupling points 120. The coupling points 120 are designed to enable an electrical connection to another component 100 or another element of the circuit assembly 110 (not shown).A representation of component 100 is based on a real geometric configuration of component 100. The majority of crosspoints 120 are located on the representation of component 100 according to their real arrangement on component 100. A further method step comprises highlighting all crosspoints 120 of component 100 with the same electrical potential according to the electrical function of component 100, with a marking 150 of a crosspoint 120 from the plurality of crosspoints 120. The input, highlighting, and marking are initiated via user interface 130. A marking 150 of a crosspoint 120 on the display unit, controlled via user interface 130, determines the crosspoints 120 to be highlighted.

[0096] Optionally, for simulation purposes, the computer can be configured to derive a circuit diagram 102 from the captured input regarding the components 100 and their interconnection (i.e., wiring). However, such a circuit diagram 102 is neither necessary for capturing the circuit layout, nor is it used to represent the components in which the specific coupling points 120 are highlighted.

[0097] Preferably, the electrical circuit structure 110 corresponds to a wiring of a control cabinet.

[0098] Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a placed component 100 for the method with a switching actuator 160. The electrical component 100 comprises at least one switching element 160, also referred to as a switching actuator. The position of the switching element 160 influences the electrical / electronic function of the component 100. The position of the switching element 160 is taken into account when highlighting the coupling points 120 of the component 100 with the same electrical potential. Optionally, the switching element 160 is designed as a switchable terminal for clamping a wire connection, which can also be referred to as contacting the wire.

[0099] Fig. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of a plurality of electrical components 100 in a component group 170 for the method. A plurality of electrical components 100 are combined in a component group 170. At least some of the electrical components 100 are electrically connected to one another in the component group 170 by a bridge connection 180. The electrical connection of the components 100 is taken into account when highlighting the coupling points 120 of the components 100 and, if appropriate, also by highlighting the bridge connections 180 themselves. Accordingly, consistent highlighting is achieved based on this consideration.

[0100] Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of an arrangement of an electrical component 100 within the control cabinet 190 for the method. The simulation is configured to arrange the electrical component 100 within the control cabinet 190 at a location determined or determinable by the input at the user interface. The component can be arranged on one of the support rails 200, on which it can be mounted in any position along a support rail 200. Additional components 100 (not shown) or component groups 170 (not shown) can be mounted on the support rail 200 provided with the electrical component 100.

[0101] Fig. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of an arrangement of multiple components 100 of multiple component groups 170 for the method. The input and arrangement of at least one further component 100 of a further component group 170 for the circuit diagram 110 via user interface 130 is shown. The input via user interface 130 includes the input of an electrical connection 210 between the component 100 and the further component 100 at coupling points 120 of the respective components 100.

[0102] The equipotential test based on the simulation includes highlighting all coupling points 120 of the component 100 with the same electrical potential and highlighting all coupling points 120 of the other component 100 with the same electrical potential.

[0103] The highlighting (for example, in response to an input at the user interface 130) also includes highlighting the electrical connection 210 itself. The highlighting includes color highlighting and / or a graphical magnification of all crosspoints 120 belonging to a group of electrical connections. The highlighting is selectively activated and deactivated by a selection menu of the user interface 130, a button of the user interface, and / or a program-controlled simulation function.

[0104] Fig. 6A shows a schematic block diagram of an electrical connection 220 between components 100 for the method according to a first embodiment. The electrical connection 210 between the component 100 of the component group 170 and the further component 100 of the further component group 170 is configured as an electrically conductive bridge 220.

[0105] Fig. 6B teaches a schematic block diagram of an electrical connection between components for the method according to a second embodiment. Unlike Fig. 6A, the bridge 220 is replaced by a wire connection 230.

[0106] The coupling points 120 are designed as terminals for clamping the wire connection or the bridge.

[0107] Fig. 7 shows a schematic block diagram of a top-hat rail 202. The component 100 is arranged on a support rail 200 (not shown). Optionally, the support rail 200 can be designed as a top-hat rail 202. Fig. 8 shows a schematic block diagram of an arrangement of an instruction 240 and a placement machine 250. The generation of an instruction 240, which can also include the generation of machine control data, comprises a determination of the component 100, an arrangement of the component 100, a wiring of the component 100, and / or a setting of the component 100. The instruction 240 can be implemented in a machine-readable manner. Optionally, the instruction 240 is also implemented in a human-readable manner.

[0108] The instruction 240 is suitable for at least partially instructing an automatic assembly machine 250 for arranging the components 100 and / or interconnecting the components 100 according to the circuit structure 110 detected by means of the user interface 130.

[0109] The instruction 240 may include a test instruction for at least partially verifying the circuit layout based on the detected input of the circuit layout 110 or according to a circuit diagram 102. The test instruction includes a verification step in which the crosspoints 120 with the same electrical potential are verified based on the circuit layout 110. Optionally, the verification step may include a manual test step. In any case, the determined crosspoints 120 (for example, as measurement points) are set in spatial relation to the circuit layout 110, for example, by the step of highlighting.

[0110] The simulation underlying the equipotential test can be implemented two-dimensionally. In particular, the equipotential test can include a top view of the components 100 and component groups 170, their coupling points 120, and bridge connections 180. The simulation can also be implemented three-dimensionally. For this purpose, the wiring of the components can be spatially tracked; in particular, intersecting wiring with different potentials can be separately recorded and highlighted. Optionally, the arrangement of the components 100 can be represented by means of three-dimensional rotations, so that different perspectives of the components 100 and component groups 170 can be displayed.

[0111] Fig. 9 shows a schematic block diagram of the method steps in sequence. Step 300 involves inputting the components 100 via user interface 130. This is followed in step 310 by highlighting the coupling points 120 of equal potential. Optionally, in step 320, a placement instruction is created, for example, for a placement machine 250, which can populate the control cabinet based on the placement instruction. Further optionally, in step 330, a test instruction is created. This can, for example, be readable by a test machine. Further optionally, in step 340, the simulated circuit implementation is checked.

[0112] In addition, an optional check of the actual circuit implementation is performed in step 350. The optional steps can be combined as desired. The details of the respective steps can be found in the detailed explanations above.

[0113] Fig. 10 teaches a device 360 ​​for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly 110. The device comprises a computer 140 with a user interface 130, which includes a user input, for example in the form of a keyboard and mouse, and a user output, for example in the form of a screen. A detection device 370 of the device 360 ​​is designed to detect, at the user interface 130, an input that indicates at least one electrical component 100 of the circuit assembly (terminal diagram) 110. The at least one electrical component 100 has a plurality of electrical coupling points 120. The coupling points 120 are designed to enable an electrical connection to another component 100 or another element of the circuit assembly (terminal diagram) 110.A representation of the at least one component 100 on the user interface 130 is based on a real geometric configuration of the component 100, and the majority of the coupling points 120 are located on the representation of the component 100 according to their arrangement on the component 100. A determination device 380 of the apparatus 360 is designed to determine all coupling points 120 of the at least one electrical component 100 with the same electrical potential according to the electrical function of the component 100. Furthermore, the determination device 380 is designed to highlight the determined coupling points 120 by means of the user interface 130 when a marking 150 of a specific coupling point 120 from the plurality of determined coupling points 120 is performed. The marking is initiated by means of the user interface 130.

[0114] Fig. 11 teaches a system 400 for the computer-aided configuration of an electrical circuit assembly 110, in which a validation of a configuration of an electrical circuit 102 is performed using a potential testing module 440. The potential testing module 440 comprises a visualization of comparable potentials and / or a current path marking of comparable potentials. The system 400 further comprises an output medium 470, which can be designed as a screen or as a data interface (not shown). The system further comprises a computing unit, which can also include a memory (not shown). The testing module 440 can be stored in the memory, for example in the form of software. Finally, the system 400 comprises an input unit 430, which is designed as a keyboard and mouse and additionally or alternatively as a data interface (not shown).Furthermore, the system 400 can include a module for reverse engineering 450 of the electrical circuit assembly 110, in which the connections are marked with comparable potential, and the system 400 detects and marks errors based on this. Optionally, the reverse engineering module 450 can also detect errors based on a comparison of the electrical circuit assembly (terminal diagram) 110 with the electrical circuit (circuit diagram) 102.

[0115] In other words, the invention can also be represented as follows:

[0116] Traditionally, potential tracing is only offered in CAE tools at the level of a circuit diagram 102 with corresponding electrical symbols. Here, connections with the same potential are highlighted in the circuit diagram 102. However, this only occurs in the circuit diagram 102. Terminal block configurators (which, according to the present method, are based on a real geometric design of the components 100 and other elements) that operate without a circuit diagram 102 do not have this function. This function is not available in the known computer-implemented tools for control cabinets without a circuit diagram 102.

[0117] This creates a need to provide the user with an improved potential tracking function according to the present method. This function assists in checking the mechanically constructed terminal block (component group 170) with bridges and switchable terminals (coupling points 120). The user can see whether the contacts (coupling points 120) of the bridges are correctly broken out and whether the switch position (of the switching elements 160) of the terminals (coupling points 120) is correct.

[0118] To solve the aforementioned problem, a potential tracking function can be implemented (i.e., supplemented) according to the present method based on the ECLASS Advance data in the market-known computer-implemented tool "clipx ENGINEER" (product name of Phoenix). Based on the potential information for the connection points at terminals (i.e., the coupling points 120) for wire connections and bridge connections (i.e., collectively: connections or wiring), the connection points 120 of the same potential can be highlighted. This also applies across an entire terminal block (i.e., a component group 170) where bridge jumpers (the bridge connection 180) are placed. If wire connections 230 are placed between the individual terminal blocks (component groups 170), the potential across multiple terminal blocks (component groups 170) can also be tracked and highlighted.The points with the same potential can be highlighted using the information of the internal contact connections of the terminals (coupling points 120) and the connections with bridges (bridge connections 180) to other terminals of a terminal block (component group 170).

[0119] Using the information of the internal contact connections of the switchable terminal (switching elements 160) in the open and closed state, the points 120 with the same potential can be highlighted.

[0120] Embodiments of the invention will be further illustrated by the following practical case:

[0121] In practice, the assembly of terminal strips (component groups 170) on the mounting rail 200 is not based on circuit diagrams 102, but rather on terminal diagrams 110 (which are based on a real geometric design of the components 100 and elements), if available, or on requirement / functional descriptions (possibly, specifications) that are to be implemented. Therefore, the practitioner does not implement the functional requirements based on corresponding circuit diagrams 102 and parts lists, but rather selects the appropriate modules (components 100 and / or component groups 170) for the required functions and places them accordingly on the mounting rail 200. This is done, for example, using digital representatives of the circuit layout in a digital configurator (e.g., as part of the user interface and / or the simulation).

[0122] If, for example, a terminal block (component group 170) is required for a potential distribution box, the practitioner selects the components (component group 170) that appear suitable, places them on the mounting rail 200 and connects the individual connection points (coupling points 120) of the components (component group 170) according to the required function with plug-in bridges 220 or wire bridges 230. This configuration is based on the experience of the respective practitioner.

[0123] The digital configuration is typically followed by a rough plausibility check through a visual inspection of the interconnected building blocks (component groups 170). This, in turn, depends on the diligence and experience of the practitioner. Subsequently, the configured system is physically implemented accordingly.

[0124] The challenge arises from the fact that conventional systems do not support visualization of the electrical paths during configuration, so that the aforementioned visual inspection of the mechanical structure remains. However, this results in a considerable risk of errors, e.g., that (due to the visual inspection) the processing of bridges (bridge connections 180) such as individual contacts breaking out if a terminal (coupling points 120) is skipped, shortening of bridges, switch positions on terminals (switching elements 160), or incorrectly connected connection points in the form of wire bridges are overlooked or incorrectly detected. Furthermore, traditionally, only a test on the physical circuit structure can provide information as to whether the components used (component groups 170) and their electrical connections implement the desired functions.

[0125] The exemplary embodiments address this problem and solve it by determining and displaying the connections with the same potential (coupling points 120) based on the bridges (bridge connections 180), wire jumpers 230, and switch positions (positions of the switching elements 160). The exemplary embodiments therefore allow the circuit design to be verified using the highlighted current paths before or during its physical implementation. This results in a significant time saving, as conventional troubleshooting is time-consuming.

[0126] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular installation situation or circuit arrangement to the teachings of the invention. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but encompasses all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0127] Reference symbol

[0128] 100 Electrical Components

[0129] 102 Conventional (electrical) circuit diagram, electrical circuit

[0130] 110 Circuit design according to physical arrangement (terminal plan),

[0131] 120 Electrical coupling point

[0132] 130 User interface

[0133] 140 computers

[0134] 150 Marking

[0135] 160 switching element

[0136] 170 Component group

[0137] 180 bridge connection

[0138] 190 control cabinet

[0139] 200 mounting rail

[0140] 202 DIN rail

[0141] 210 Electrical Connections

[0142] 220 Bridge

[0143] 230 wire connection

[0144] 240 Instruction

[0145] 250 placement machines

[0146] 300 input components

[0147] 310 Highlight coupling points of equal potential

[0148] 320 Create assembly instructions

[0149] 330 Create test instruction

[0150] 340 Verification of simulated circuit implementation

[0151] 350 Verification of real circuit implementation

[0152] 360 device for equipotential testing

[0153] 370 Detection device 380 Determination device

[0154] 400 Computer-aided configuration system

[0155] 410 System output medium

[0156] 420 Computing unit of the system 430 Input unit of the system

[0157] 440 Potential testing module

[0158] 450 Reverse Engineering Module

Claims

Claims 1. A method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit (110) on a computer (140), comprising: Detecting, at a user interface (130), an input that specifies at least one electrical component (100) of the circuit structure (110), wherein the at least one electrical component (100) has a plurality of electrical coupling points (120), wherein the coupling points (120) are designed to enable an electrical connection to another component (100) or another element of the circuit structure (110), wherein a representation of the at least one component (100) on the user interface (130) is based on a real geometric configuration of the component (100), and the plurality of coupling points (120) are located on the representation of the component (100) according to their arrangement on the component (100); and Determining all coupling points (120) of the at least one electrical component (100) having the same electrical potential according to an electrical function of the component (100) and highlighting the determined coupling points (120) by means of the user interface (130) when marking (150) a certain coupling point (120) from the plurality of determined coupling points (120), wherein the marking is initiated by means of the user interface (130).

2. Method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit structure (110) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical circuit structure (110) corresponds to a wiring of a control cabinet (190), optionally wherein the electrical function of the component (100) is stored in a database or a module library, and / or wherein the detection and the determination are computer-implemented.

3. Method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit structure (110) according to claim 1 or 2, - TI - wherein the electrical component (100) comprises at least one switching element (160), wherein a position of the switching element (160) influences the electrical function of the component (100), wherein the position of the switching element (160) is taken into account when highlighting the coupling points (120) of the component (100) with the same electrical potential, optionally wherein the switching element (160) is designed as a switchable terminal for clamping a wire connection.

4. A method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly (110) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of the electrical components (100) are combined in a component group (170), wherein at least some of the electrical components (100) in the component group (170) are electrically connected to one another by a bridge connection (180), wherein the electrical connection of the components (100) is taken into account when highlighting the coupling points (120) of the components (100) and / or by highlighting the bridge connections (180).

5. A method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly (110) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the input specifies the function of the at least one electrical component (100) and / or the electrical state of the at least one electrical component (100) and / or an orientation or a location of the at least one electrical component (100), optionally relative to one another and / or within the switch cabinet (190), and / or wherein the determination of the coupling points (120) is dependent on the function and / or the electrical state and / or the specified location of the at least one electrical component (100).

6. A method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: Detecting an input and arranging by means of the user interface (130) at least one further component (100), optionally a further component group (170), for the circuit structure (110); and Detecting an input by means of the user interface (130) of at least one electrical connection (210) between the component (100) and the further component (100) at the coupling points (120), wherein the equipotential test comprises determining and highlighting all coupling points (120) of the at least one component (100) and all coupling points (120) of the further component (100) having the same electrical potential at a marking (150) of a coupling point (120) from the plurality of coupling points (120).

7. A method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly (110) according to claim 6, wherein the highlighting, optionally in response to a further input at the user interface (130), also comprises highlighting the electrical connection (210), and / or wherein the highlighting comprises color highlighting and / or a graphical enlargement of all crosspoints (120) belonging to a group of electrical connections, and / or wherein the highlighting is selectively activated and deactivated by a selection menu of the user interface (130) and / or a button of the user interface and / or a program-controlled simulation function.

8. A method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly (110) according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the electrical connection (210) between the component (100) of the component group (170) and the further component (100) of the further component group (170) is designed as a bridge (220) and / or as a wire connection (230).

9. A method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling points (120) are designed as terminals for clamping the wire connection or the bridge.

10. Method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one component (100) and / or the at least one further component (100) is arranged on a support rail (200), optionally wherein the support rail (200) is designed as a top-hat rail (202).

11. A method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit structure (110) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising Generating an instruction (240) for determining the component (100) and / or for arranging the component (100) and / or for wiring the component (100) and / or for setting the component (100), wherein the instruction (240) is designed to be machine-readable, optionally wherein the instruction (240) is also designed to be readable by a person.

12. A method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit structure (110) according to claim 11, wherein the instruction (240) is suitable for at least partially controlling an automatic assembly machine (250) for arranging the components (100) and / or interconnecting the components (100) according to the circuit structure (110).

13. A method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit structure (110) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the instruction (240) comprises a test instruction (330) for at least partially checking the circuit structure constructed by the automatic assembly machine (250) according to the circuit structure (110) detected by means of the input, wherein the test instruction (330) comprises a checking step in which the determined coupling points (120) with the same electrical potential in the constructed circuit structure are checked for electrically conductive connection, optionally wherein the checking step comprises a manual checking step.

14. Method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit structure (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the equipotential test is carried out two-dimensionally, in particular as a plan view of the components (100) and component groups (170), whose coupling points (120) and bridge connections (180) can be represented in the plan view.

15. Method for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit structure (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the equipotential test is carried out three-dimensionally, and / or wherein the representation of the arrangement of the components (100) and the highlighting of the coupling points (120) by means of the user interface (130) are three-dimensionally is rotatable so that different perspectives of the components (100) and component groups (170) can be displayed.

16. A device (360) for equipotential testing of electrical states of an electrical circuit assembly (110), comprising a computer (140) with a user interface (130), the device being designed: to detect, by means of a detection device (370), at the user interface (130), an input indicating at least one electrical component (100) of the circuit assembly (110), the at least one electrical component (100) having a plurality of electrical coupling points (120), the coupling points (120) being designed to enable an electrical connection to another component (100) or another element of the circuit assembly (110),wherein a representation of the at least one component (100) on the user interface (130) is based on a real geometric configuration of the component (100), and the plurality of coupling points (120) are located on the representation of the component (100) according to their arrangement on the component (100); and for determining, by means of a determination device (380), all coupling points (120) of the at least one electrical component (100) with the same electrical potential according to the electrical function of the component (100), and highlighting the determined coupling points (120) by means of the user interface (130) upon marking (150) of a determined coupling point (120) from the plurality of determined coupling points (120), wherein the marking is initiated by means of the user interface (130).

17. A system (400) for computer-aided configuration of an electrical circuit assembly (110), in which a validation of a configuration of an electrical circuit (102) is performed by means of a potential testing module (440); wherein the potential testing module (440) comprises a visualization of comparable potentials and / or a current path marking of comparable potentials.

18. The system (400) of claim 17, further comprising a module for reverse engineering (450) of the electrical circuitry (110), in which the terminals are marked with comparable potential, and the system (400) detects and marks errors based thereon; optionally, wherein the error detection is based on a comparison of the electrical circuitry (110) with the electrical circuit (102).

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