Method for configuring a modular safety switch device

Abstract

To provide a method for configurating a module-type safety switch device having a plurality of electronic modules.SOLUTION: A configuration data record of a module-type switch safety device is selected from a database and a configuration dataset is sent to an operation device (101). Further, the configuration data record is processed so that a target configuration of a module-type safety switch device 1 and an electronic module (10.1 to 10.5) is generated from the configuration dataset by a computer program.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for configuring a modular safety switch device.

Background Art

[0002] Modular safety switches have been known in various embodiments conventionally. They are particularly useful for the purpose of safely transitioning a technical facility or machine to a state that is not dangerous for humans when a dangerous situation occurs. For this purpose, corresponding signals from signal transmitters, which can be, for example, an emergency stop switch, a very stop switch, a light grid, a light curtain, a safety mat, a safety fence position switch, a 3D laser scanner, etc., are received on the input side and safety-evaluated. On the output side, one or more safety output contacts of the output circuit are controlled. When a dangerous situation occurs via these output contacts, an actuator such as a contactor or a valve is controlled so that the connected machine or technical facility is in a state that is not dangerous for humans.

[0003] Such safety switch devices include multiple electronic modules with specific functions, arranged in at least one module row. The modular design of the safety switch device allows for application-specific configurations in which multiple electronic modules are assembled individually, electrically interconnected, and configured to collectively provide the desired safety functions to the modular safety switch device. Examples of electronic modules that can be used to assemble modular safety switch devices with significantly different safety functions include input modules that can receive and process input signals from one or more signal transmitters, such as input signals from sensors or emergency command devices; output modules that can output output signals to one or more actuators connected to them; composite input / output modules (so-called I / O modules); control modules that can control the assignment of inputs to output modules; and interface modules, communication modules, fieldbus controllers, fieldbus couplers, and the like.

[0004] When configuring a modular safety switch device, the electronic modules are arranged in at least one row of modules, and are configured, in particular, to be installed in rotary switches such as latching potentiometers, to provide the functions required for specific applications from a safety perspective.

[0005] The modular structure of such modular safety switch devices is often relatively complex depending on the purpose of the specific application. This is because, for example, implementing logical AND links is necessary to achieve the desired safety function. Therefore, configuring modular safety switch devices that are not done in an automated manner is often difficult, time-consuming, and prone to errors. [Overview of the project]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for configuring a modular safety switch device that can simplify the configuration process.

[0007] The solution to this problem provides a method for configuring a modular safety switch device having the features of claim 1. Dependent claims relate to advantageous further embodiments of the present invention.

[0008] According to the present invention, a method for configuring a modular safety switch device having a plurality of electronic modules arranged in at least one module row is: A) A step in which a configuration dataset for a modular safety switch device is selected from multiple configuration datasets stored searchably in a configuration database, the configuration dataset is sent to a computing unit, and the configuration dataset is processed by a computer program executed by the computing unit so that target configurations for the modular safety switch device and electronic modules are generated from the configuration dataset. B) Modular safety switch device and multiple A process of displaying the target configuration of the electronic module on a display device, C) multiple The process involves inserting one of the electronic modules into one of the module slots in the module row, D) multiple A step of setting the position of one or more rotary switches of an electronic module, E) Using a computer program executed by the arithmetic unit, configured according to steps C) and D) multiple The process of determining the actual configuration of the electronic module, F) Using a computer program executed by the arithmetic unit, multipleThe process involves comparing the actual configuration of the electronic module with the target configuration, G) multiple This indicates whether there is a discrepancy between the actual configuration of the electronic module and the target configuration, and if there is a discrepancy, multiple If the electronic module is inserted into the wrong module slot in the module row, repeat steps C) and E) to G), and if the rotary switch position is set incorrectly, repeat steps D) to G). H) The process includes repeating steps C) to G) for each of the further electronic modules of the modular safety switch device, I) Multiple electronic modules (10.1~10. 5 ) comprises a first electronic module (10.1) which constitutes the central control module of the modular safety switch device (1), an input module which receives and processes input signals from one or more signal transmitters, and the remaining electronic modules (10.2~10.) which constitute an output module capable of outputting output signals to actuators. 5 ) and are characterized by including.

[0009] In the method according to the present invention, information regarding the target configuration is displayed to the operator, and any deviation between the actual configuration and the target configuration is checked and displayed accordingly, thereby significantly simplifying the configuration of the modular safety switch device. Preferably, troubleshooting instructions are also displayed on the display device. Information regarding the actual configuration of the electronic modules of the modular safety switch device can be transmitted from the modular safety switch device to a computing device via a communication interface and evaluated with the help of a computer program.

[0010] To further optimize the process flow, it is advantageous for steps E) to F) to be performed in real time, in addition to indicating whether there is a deviation between the actual configuration of the electronic module and the target configuration. This allows the operator to immediately verify whether the electronic module that has just been installed in the module row is inserted into the correct module slot and whether the rotary switch settings are correct.

[0011] To further simplify the assembly and configuration of the modular safety switch device, in a preferred embodiment, the step of displaying the target configuration of the modular safety switch device and electronic module on a display device may include the display of a wiring diagram for the wiring of the electronic module. In this way, in addition to displaying the target configuration of the modular safety switch device and electronic module, the operator can also find the relevant wiring diagram on the display device.

[0012] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a computer program executed by the arithmetic unit can generate a wiring diagram based on a configuration dataset. Alternatively, for example, the wiring diagram can be stored in a configuration database, linked to the associated configuration dataset, and retrieved by the arithmetic unit.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, a central control module of a modular safety switch device is mounted in the module array as a first electronic module. The remaining electronic modules are selected from a variety of types of electronic modules according to the application. These remaining electronic modules include, for example, input modules capable of securely receiving and processing input signals from one or more signal transmitters, such as input signals from sensors or emergency command devices; output modules capable of securely outputting output signals to one or more actuators connected thereto; input / output composite modules (so-called I / O modules) that have inputs and outputs and combine these functions into a single module; and interface modules, fieldbus controllers, fieldbus couplers, and the like.

[0014] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first electronic module can determine during assembly which module slots of other electronic modules are inserted into and which rotary switches of the associated electronic modules are in position, and this information can be transmitted from the first electronic module to the arithmetic unit. This information can preferably be accessed and transmitted via a communication interface which is part of the first electronic module, and can be evaluated as appropriate by a computer program.

[0015] In a further advantageous form, it is possible to indicate whether the electronic module is inserted into the correct module slot by automatically activating one or more light units, preferably one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of the electronic module. Alternatively, for example, the automatic activation of the light units can be used to determine whether the rotary switch position of the electronic module is set correctly. The activation or control of the light units is , Mo This can be done using the first electronic module that constitutes the control module of the Joule-type safety switch device.

[0016] Preferably, the serial number of the electronic module can be read and stored in the non-volatile memory means or configuration database of the arithmetic unit. The serial number can be read, for example, using the first electronic module or using a portable scanner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This diagram provides a highly simplified schematic representation of a configuration system suitable for implementing a method for configuring a modular safety switch device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached Figure 1, which schematically shows a highly simplified configuration system 100 suitable for carrying out a method for configuring a modular safety switch device 1.

[0019] The modular safety switch device 1 has a plurality of n electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 arranged in at least one module row 200. In the example of the embodiment shown here, n = 5 electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 are provided. The first electronic module 10.1 forms the central control module of the modular safety switch device 1 and is often also called the head module. The remaining electronic modules 10.2 to 10.5 are selected from various types of electronic modules according to the application. The other electronic modules 10.2 to 10.5 can, for example, safely receive input signals from one or more signal transmitters, such as input signals from sensors or emergency command devices, and process them as necessary. They can also safely output output signals to one or more actuators connected thereto. In addition to input / output composite modules (so-called I / O modules) that have an input part and an output part and combine their functions into one module, they can also be interface modules, fieldbus controllers, fieldbus couplers, etc.

[0020] The number and type of the electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 used directly depend on the planned application and use of the modular safety switch device 1, and in particular, also depend on the safety level to be achieved by the modular safety switch device 1. Generally, the task of the modular safety switch device 1 is to switch off the actuators connected to the modular safety switch device 1 in a safety-oriented manner when a dangerous situation detected by a sensor or detection device occurs, and to activate them again after the dangerous situation has ended.

[0021] Depending on the purpose of use or the associated complexity of the modular safety switch device 1, both the configuration of the module structure and the configuration of the modular safety switch device 1 are very time-consuming and difficult, and thus errors are also likely to occur. Hereinafter, a method that can greatly simplify the process for configuring the modular safety switch device 1 will be described.

[0022] The configuration system 100 includes a computing device 101 to which a display device 102 is connected. The computing device 101 communicates with a configuration database 103, in which configuration data sets regarding the configuration of a plurality of modular safety switch devices 1 and, where applicable, further information linked thereto are stored in a searchable manner. The configuration database 103 can, for example, preferably be part of an online ordering system operating on a web basis. In this way, the configuration data sets stored in a searchable manner in the configuration database 103 correspond to the target configuration of the safety switch device 1 and the associated electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5.

[0023] After a job for manufacturing the modular safety switch device 1 has been started, the configuration data set assigned to this safety switch device 1 and stored in the configuration database 103 in a searchable manner is read out by the computing device 101 and further processed by a computer program executed by the computing device 101. If further information is provided, in particular further information that may be related to the structure and configuration of the modular safety switch device 1 and that is stored in the configuration database 103 in a searchable manner and linked to the configuration data set, such further information can also be read out by the computing device 101 and further processed. For example, the wiring diagram and / or safety characteristics of the modular safety switch device 1, which are linked to the relevant configuration data set or can also form part of the configuration data set, can be read out from the configuration database 103 by the computing device 101 and further processed by a computer program.

[0024] Based on the configuration dataset, a computer program executed by the arithmetic unit 101 generates a target configuration for the modular safety switch device 1 and associated electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5. A visual representation 104 of the target configuration is generated on the display device 102, which shows the operator the structure of the modular safety switch device 1 consisting of the individual electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5, and in particular the position of those electronic modules in the module row 200 and the settings of their rotary switches. Each of the electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 is equipped with one or more rotary switches 11.1 to 11.9, which can be configured in particular as latching potentiometers. For the modular safety switch device 1 to function properly, it is important to correctly set the rotational positions of the rotary switches 11.1 to 11.9. Preferably, to further simplify the configuration, a wiring diagram of the modular safety switch device 1 can also be visualized by the display device 102. By setting the rotational position of the rotary switches 11.1 to 11.9 and using the visual display 104 of the modular safety switch device 1, which preferably also includes a wiring diagram, the configuration of the electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 can be performed very easily.

[0025] The method described here allows for real-time verification of whether the electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 of the modular safety switch device 1 are arranged in the module row 200 in the correct order according to the configuration specifications, and whether the rotation positions of the rotary switches 11.1 to 11.9 are correctly set. In this way, self-diagnosis of the modular safety switch device 1 is performed in real time even during configuration.

[0026] Each modular safety switch device 1 is a module that forms a central control module, and preferably has a first electronic module 10.1 which is always the first to be inserted into a module slot provided for this purpose in the module row 200 during assembly. The arithmetic unit 101 communicates with the first electronic module 10.1, preferably by a communication interface 13 which is a component of the first electronic module 10.1. Through this communication interface 13, information can be requested during the configuration process, transmitted to the arithmetic unit 101, and processed and evaluated as appropriate by a computer program executed by the arithmetic unit 101.

[0027] Next, the remaining electronic modules 10.2 to 10.5 of the modular safety switch device 1 are successively inserted into the module slots of the module row 200 provided for this purpose. Furthermore, after each electronic module 10.1 to 10.5 is connected, the rotary switches 11.1 to 11.9 of the corresponding electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 are set by the operator according to the configuration specifications.

[0028] After configuring the first electronic module 10.1 into the corresponding module slot in module row 200, a self-test can preferably be performed to verify whether it is inserted into the correct module slot and whether the rotary switch or switch 11.1 of the first electronic module 10.1 has been set to the correct rotary position by the operator. If the answer is positive, the operator receives corresponding feedback, which is preferably visualized by the display device 102. Alternatively, the corresponding visualization may be additionally performed on the first electronic module 10.1, which will be described in detail below. Alternatively, the check of whether the first electronic module 10.1 is inserted into the correct module slot and whether the rotary switch or switch 11.1 of the first electronic module 10.1 has been set to the correct rotary position by the operator can also be performed by a computer program executed by the arithmetic unit 101. The arithmetic unit 101, which communicates with the first electronic module 10.1 via the communication interface 13, can receive the corresponding information and evaluate it by the computer program.

[0029] Subsequently, the operator inserts the remaining electronic modules 10.2 to 10.5 into the corresponding module slots of the module row 200, module by module, and sets the rotary switches 11.2 to 11.9 of these electronic modules 10.2 to 10.5 as appropriate.

[0030] The first electronic module 10.1 tests in real time, using corresponding queries, which module slots in the module row 200 each electronic module 10.2 to 10.5 was inserted into by the worker during assembly, and the positions of the rotary switches 11.2 to 11.9 of each electronic module 10.2 to 10.5. This information is transmitted from the first electronic module 10.1 to the arithmetic unit 101 via the communication interface 13 for further processing, and is processed and evaluated by a computer program executed by the arithmetic unit 101. Preferably, the serial numbers of the electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 are also read and stored by the arithmetic unit 101. The storage location can be, for example, the configuration database 103. Reading the serial numbers can be automated, for example, by the first electronic module 10.1 reading their serial numbers from the remaining electronic modules 10.2 to 10.5. Furthermore, before inserting electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 into the module slots of module row 200, it is also possible to manually scan the serial numbers of electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5, particularly using a portable scanner. The serial numbers read in this manner are transmitted from the portable scanner to the arithmetic unit 101.

[0031] As already mentioned, the information acquired in real time by the first electronic module 10.1 is further processed by the computer program of the arithmetic unit 101 via the remaining electronic modules 10.2-10.5. The actual configuration is always compared with the target configuration. Possible discrepancies or setting errors, such as the selection of an inappropriate module slot for the relevant electronic modules 10.2-10.5, or improper adjustment of the rotary switches 11.2-11.9, or the rotary switches 11.2-11.9 of the relevant electronic modules 10.2-10.5, are visually displayed to the operator. This can preferably be done by the display device 102 of the arithmetic unit 101, thereby visually displaying to the operator, in addition to the presence of errors, preferably corresponding change instructions as well.

[0032] Furthermore, visually displaying the correct assembly and configuration of electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5, as well as possible assembly and configuration errors, can also be done using the electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 themselves. For this purpose, each of the electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 has a number of color light-emitting diodes 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 which can preferably light up in different colors. For example, each of the electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 can have three color light-emitting diodes 12.1, 12.2, 12.3. The first light-emitting diode 12.1 lights up red after startup, the second light-emitting diode 12.2 lights up yellow, and the third light-emitting diode 12.3 lights up green. It is also possible to combine the lighting functions of the light-emitting diodes 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3 into a single RGB light-emitting diode. Preferably, from a functional standpoint, the light-emitting diodes 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3 that form the light units of the electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 are also used as light indicators during the control operation of the modular safety switch device 1.

[0033] These three LEDs, 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3, can visualize information such as the following: • The first LED 12.1 of electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 lights up or blinks red: This indicates that electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 have been inserted into the wrong module slot in module row 200. • The second LED 12.2 of electronic module 10.1~10.5 lights up or blinks yellow: There is a problem with the setting of one or more rotary switches 11.1~11.9 of the electronic module 10.1~10.5. • The third LED 12.3 of electronic modules 10.1-10.5 lights up or blinks green: Electronic modules 10.1-10.5 are inserted into the correct module slots in module row 200 during assembly, and all settings of the rotary switches are correct.

[0034] Light-emitting diodes 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3 cannot directly correct the associated fault in the event of a malfunction. Rather, their primary purpose is to quickly locate electronic modules 10.1-10.5 that have been incorrectly installed or configured, and to detect at least basic errors, namely incorrectly plugged-in electronic modules 10.1-10.5 or incorrect rotary switch settings. Therefore, the combination of light-emitting diodes 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3 for rapid fault location and a display device 102 that can show the operator detailed instructions on how to resolve the fault is highly advantageous.

[0035] If an error occurs, the operator then modifies the configuration of the affected electronic modules 10.1-10.5 as appropriate based on the provided instructions, and a real-time comparison is again performed between the target configuration and the actual configuration of the electronic modules 10.1-10.5. This comparison process between the actual and target configurations of the electronic modules 10.1-10.5, and the display of possible errors, is repeated until all electronic modules 10.1-10.5 of the modular safety switch device 1 are correctly installed and configured. Subsequently, the operator receives feedback on the electronic modules 10.1-10.5 in the display device 102, particularly in the display area 105 provided for this purpose, and preferably by a green-illuminated light-emitting diode 12.3.

[0036] After the configuration process is completed, the configuration can preferably be stored in a searchable manner in a non-volatile memory means of the modular safety switch device 1. Preferably, after the manufacturing process of the modular safety switch device 1 is completed, a dataset can be generated, which may include the serial numbers of the installed electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5, and is stored in a searchable manner in the configuration database 103 or another storage means, particularly the storage means of the ordering system.

[0037] The method presented here allows the operator to visually confirm in real time whether the electronic modules 10.1 to 10.5 are correctly inserted into the module slots provided in the module row 200 and whether all rotary switches have been correctly configured. This significantly simplifies the configuration of the modular safety switch device 1. The method presented here enables process optimization, contributing to cost reduction in the manufacturing of the modular safety switch device 1.

Claims

1. A method for configuring a modular safety switch device (1) having a plurality of electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) arranged in at least one module row (200), A) A step of selecting a configuration dataset for the modular safety switch device (1) from multiple configuration datasets stored searchably in a configuration database (103), transmitting the configuration dataset to a computing device (101), and processing the configuration dataset so that a computer program executed by the computing device (101) generates target configurations for the modular safety switch device (1) and multiple electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) from the configuration dataset. B) A step of displaying the target configuration of the modular safety switch device (1) and the multiple electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) on a display device (102), C) The step of inserting one of the multiple electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) into one of the module slots of the module row (200), D) A step of setting the position of one or more rotary switches (11.1 to 11.9) of multiple electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5), E) A step of determining the actual configuration of a plurality of electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) configured according to steps C) and D) using a computer program executed by the arithmetic unit (101), F) A step of comparing the actual configuration of multiple electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) with a target configuration using a computer program executed by the arithmetic unit (101), G) Indicates whether there is a discrepancy between the actual configuration and the target configuration of multiple electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5). If there is a discrepancy, if multiple electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) are inserted into the wrong module slots in the module row (200), repeat steps C), E) to G), and if the rotary switch position is incorrectly set, repeat steps D) to G), H) A process that repeats steps C) to G) for other electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) of the modular safety switch device (1), I) A method characterized in that the plurality of electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) include a first electronic module (10.1) which constitutes the central control module of a modular safety switch device (1), and the remaining electronic modules (10.2 to 10.5) which constitute an input module that receives and processes input signals from one or more signal transmitters, and an output module that can output output signals to an actuator.

2. The method according to Claim 1, characterized in that not only is it shown whether there is a deviation between the actual configuration and the target configuration of the multiple electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5), but that steps E) to F) are performed in real time.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the step of displaying the target configuration of the modular safety switch device (1) and the plurality of electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) on the display device (102) includes displaying a wiring diagram for the wiring of the plurality of electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the wiring diagram is generated based on configuration data set by a computer program executed by a computing device (101).

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the wiring diagram is stored in a configuration database (103), linked to an associated configuration dataset, and read by a computing unit (101).

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the central control module of the modular safety switch device (1) is mounted in the module array (200) as a first electronic module (10.1).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the first electronic module (10.1) confirms during assembly which module slots in the module row (200) the remaining electronic modules (10.2 to 10.5) are inserted into, and the position of the rotary switches (11.2 to 11.9) of the associated electronic modules (10.2 to 10.5), and this information is transmitted from the first electronic module (10.1) to the arithmetic unit (101).

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the automatic activation of one or more light units of a plurality of electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) and one or more light-emitting diodes (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) indicates whether the plurality of electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) have been inserted into the correct module slots.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the automatic activation of the light unit indicates whether the positions of the rotary switches (11.1 to 11.9) of the multiple electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) are correctly set.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the serial numbers of a plurality of electronic modules (10.1 to 10.5) are read out and stored in the non-volatile memory means or configuration database (103) of the arithmetic unit (101).

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