Electrical appliance and method for operating an electrical appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical appliance (30) having a communication interface (46), a control unit (47) and a power input (41) and also a monitoring circuit (45) for monitoring a physical parameter. The monitoring circuit (45) is configured to activate a tripped state of the electrical appliance (30) on the basis of the physical parameter, in particular when the physical parameter exceeds a threshold value. The communication interface (46) comprises at least one communication pin (pin 4), and the control unit (47) is configured so as, in the tripped state of the electrical appliance (30), to reset the electrical appliance (30) on the basis of an electrical reset parameter on the communication pin of the communication interface (46), in particular on the basis of a voltage on the communication pin (pin 4). The invention further relates to a method for operating an electrical appliance (30).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] ELECTRICAL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE

[0003] The invention relates to an electrical device and a method for operating an electrical device.

[0004] In particular, the invention relates to the field of electrical devices in the context of automation technology, for example, using field devices such as sensors and actuators in the context of machines and systems. Monitoring and control units are typically configured to communicate in a hierarchical structure via communication interfaces. However, there are also applications in which communication with the higher-level system is not necessary, since decisions can already be made decentrally or within the device itself.

[0005] In automation technology, electrical devices are used for a wide variety of tasks, particularly for monitoring physical parameters such as current, voltage, and power, temperature and humidity, position, speed, and acceleration. In systems and machines, for example, it is necessary to ensure that no dangerous conditions arise that could cause damage to materials, equipment, or even people.

[0006] For example, when powering components, the current used should not exceed certain limits. This may be based, for example, on the specifications of the components and devices used, which can be safely operated up to a maximum current, or general safety regulations may apply in certain areas of a device system that only permit certain currents. To ensure that the supplied current does not exceed a certain value, electrical safety devices are typically used. These monitor the current and disconnect the devices from the power supply if a threshold is exceeded. Short-circuit detection can also be achieved.

[0007] The triggering of such a fuse leads to the temporary shutdown of one or more devices. Only when the fuse is reset do the connected devices receive electrical power again. Therefore, in many cases, it is desirable to minimize the time between the triggering of the fuse and its resetting in the event of a fault.

[0008] In other examples, it is also desired that an electrical device detects a defined condition and carries out an appropriate reaction, that this process is reported and that a reset can be carried out if necessary.

[0009] The electrical device should be able to be used decentrally, particularly in the field, even without being connected to a communications network and receiving a reset signal via this network.

[0010] Devices that can be controlled via a data connection are known from the state of the art. Via this communication connection, the device can receive a reset signal and be automatically reset. However, this integration of the device into a network is not possible or practical in all applications.

[0011] Other known solutions, for example, use Ethernet interfaces to control the reset, so the device must be integrated into a communication network.

[0012] The known solutions have various disadvantages. Some require a mechanical button on the device housing to acknowledge the fuse. Furthermore, an external power supply is typically required to reset the fuse.

[0013] The object of the invention is therefore to provide an electrical device and a method for operating an electrical device that enable decentralized and flexible operation. This object is achieved by a device of the type mentioned above with the features of the independent device claim and by a method with the features of the independent method claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0014] The electrical device comprises a communication interface, a control unit, and a power input. The power input is, in particular, designed separately from the communication interface, for example, with a separate connection for a separate connector. The electrical device further comprises a monitoring circuit for monitoring a physical parameter. The monitoring circuit is configured to activate a triggered state of the electrical device depending on the physical parameter, in particular when the physical parameter exceeds a threshold value; in particular, falling below the threshold value can also be the condition for activating the triggered state.The communication interface comprises at least one communication pin and the control unit is configured to reset the electrical device in the triggered state of the electrical device depending on an electrical reset parameter on the communication pin of the communication interface, in particular depending on a voltage on the communication pin.

[0015] The physical parameter monitored by the monitoring circuit can, for example, be an electrical parameter of an electrical connection, and in particular of a power output of the electrical device. It can also be embodied as a parameter of an AC power supply, for example, by evaluating harmonics or a phase angle. It can also relate to a temperature, humidity, position, speed, and / or acceleration. In particular, a sensor or detection unit is provided for this purpose, which detects the physical parameter or a value representative of this parameter.

[0016] When evaluating the recorded physical parameter, the focus is on checking whether a trigger condition is met. This could be reaching, exceeding, or falling below a certain value; it could be a specific formation of a time-varying signal; or it could be a combination of different conditions, which can also be detected using different sensors or recording units.

[0017] In particular, a threshold is provided for the recorded value of the physical parameter, and a check is carried out to determine whether the recorded value exceeds or falls below the threshold. Upon detection of such an event or when the specified conditions are met, the triggered state is activated.

[0018] In one example, the electrical device is designed as an electrical safety device. This device comprises a power input, at least one power output, and a monitoring circuit for monitoring an electrical parameter of the power output. The monitoring circuit is configured to activate a triggered state of the safety device, depending on the electrical parameter, in particular when the electrical parameter exceeds a threshold value, in which the power output is electrically isolated from the power input. A communication interface with at least one communication pin and a control unit are also provided.In this case, the control unit is configured to reset the electrical safety device in the triggered state of the safety device as a function of an electrical reset parameter on the communication pin of the communication interface, in particular as a function of a voltage on the communication pin.

[0019] In particular, the power input is designed for connection to a higher-level electrical power supply.

[0020] Furthermore, in particular, the at least one power output is configured for connecting an electrical device, for example, a field device. "Field devices" are, for example, actuators and sensors in automation technology. Other components can also be referred to as field devices, for example, measuring transducers, communication devices, control units, regulators, or measuring devices. A further device can also be connected to a power output, with which electrical power can be provided to additional devices; for example, an electrical distributor or another electrical safety device.

[0021] In particular, the electrical safety device has a plurality of power outputs. In such a case, the electrical safety device can be designed as a distribution device for electrical power.

[0022] An electrical parameter monitored by the monitoring circuit can, in particular, be a current, a voltage, or an electrical power. The triggered state of the electrical device can be activated, for example, by means of the control unit.

[0023] When the electrical device is triggered, a wide variety of measures can be activated depending on the application. For example, a visual, acoustic, and / or tactile warning signal can be issued, such as by activating a warning light. Furthermore, another device can be switched on or off, for example, by using a switch to turn the electrical power supply to the other device on or off, or by transmitting a control signal to the other device that triggers a specific control action.

[0024] For example, resetting the electrical device can reverse the effect of the triggered state. For example, if a certain other device is no longer supplied with electrical power while the device is triggered, this power can be restored upon resetting. Conversely, another device that is activated while the device is triggered can be deactivated again in the reset state; for example, a device that emits a warning signal can be deactivated upon resetting.

[0025] In the example of an electrical safety device, in the triggered state, it can be provided that at least one power output is electrically isolated from the power input, and that devices connected to this power output are accordingly no longer supplied with electrical power via the power output. Similarly, with a plurality of power outputs, those power outputs for which the monitored electrical parameter exceeds the threshold value can be electrically isolated, whereby the threshold values ​​can be individually specified for the individual power outputs. In a further case, all power outputs of the electrical safety device can be electrically isolated from the power input.

[0026] When the electrical safety device in the example is reset, the electrically isolated power output is electrically reconnected to the power input. In particular, upon reset, all power outputs of the electrical safety device that were isolated in the triggered state are electrically connected to the power input.

[0027] In this example, this may mean that when the safety device is reset, the reset, connected state is established for all existing power outputs. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that one power output or several separate power outputs are reset individually, for example, by resetting them in the same order in which they were previously disconnected, or by the electrical reset parameter including information about which power output is to be reset, or by resetting the power outputs in a predetermined order, or in some other way.

[0028] The invention allows, for example, in the case of an IO-Link interface of the electrical device, the use of a digital input / output, in particular a standard input / output mode (SIO mode), of the communication interface. Via the communication pin (e.g., "pin 4" in the standard pin assignment) in SIO mode, the fuse can be acknowledged by switching an externally or internally provided voltage signal, for example, 24 V. No external power supply is required, although it may be optionally provided in certain embodiments.

[0029] While an external power supply is typically required to operate a device, either separately using traditional M12 Ethernet or via a hybrid communication interface, such as IO-Link or PoDL, the electrical device described here can also be operated without an external power supply, particularly if it is a power monitoring and / or distribution device, as this provides a simple way to draw the operating voltage for the electrical device itself from an alternative power supply.

[0030] In particular, the electrical device can be operated in such a way that its operating electronics are not supplied with power via the communication interface, as is normally the case when the device is integrated into a data network, for example via IO-Link. Instead, the electrical device can be supplied with power via the separate power input and operated without being integrated into such a network. Such decentralized use expands the range of applications of the devices. In such a case, the communication interface can be operated "passively," whereby it is not used itself as intended, for example to carry out communication via IO-Link, but rather communication pins are used to report and / or acknowledge a triggered state.In particular, the electrical device is designed to monitor the physical parameter, wherein the triggered state of the electrical device is activated when a predetermined trigger criterion is met.

[0031] During training, the electrical device is designed as an electrical safety device in accordance with the standard DIN EN 81346 (version 2019).

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the communication interface can have a pin assignment for an IO-Link device according to the standard DIN EN 60947-5-2 (version 2021), whereby the communication pin is designed as “pin 4”, in particular for a switching and communication line, C / Q.

[0033] In a further embodiment, a communication interface can be provided in accordance with the specifications for Single Pair Ethernet, SPE, whereby data transmission and power transmission can then be provided via the same wire pair.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the electrical device is designed such that the communication pin is used as a switching and communication line in the reset state of the electrical safety device or in a standard input / output mode (SIO mode), in particular as an SIO input or as a communication pin (C / Q) for an IO-Link connection. In particular, in the pin assignment of an IO-Link connector, a "pin 4" can be used both for communication and as an input in SIO mode.

[0035] In a further development, the control unit is configured to reset the electrical device when a specific voltage of, for example, 24 V or when a voltage within a predetermined range is applied to the communication pin, for example a voltage in a range between 18 V and 30 V, preferably in a range of 20 V to 28 V, particularly preferably a voltage of 24 V.

[0036] In further embodiments, for example for applications in the automotive sector and / or mobile equipment, the control unit can be configured to reset the electrical fuse when a voltage in a specific other range is applied to the communication pin, for example in a range from 1 V to 10 V, preferably in a range from 5 V to 10 V.

[0037] This means that the electrical reset parameter in this case is a voltage and the reset occurs depending on the level of the voltage.

[0038] A threshold value can be specified for the electrical reset parameter, and if the threshold value is exceeded or undershot, the safety device is reset. Furthermore, a specific value for the reset parameter can be specified, with the safety device being reset when the specific value is reached, in particular within a specified tolerance of, for example, 10% deviation.

[0039] In further embodiments, the reset parameter can be temporally variable. For example, the control unit can be configured to reset the security device when a specific signal is present for a specific period of time, i.e., when a temporal threshold for a specific signal is exceeded. Furthermore, the reset parameter can comprise a signal pattern, such as a defined sequence of signals that are, in particular, temporally variable.

[0040] In one embodiment, the communication interface is configured such that the electrical reset parameter is obtained at the communication pin by means of an external device, in particular by applying a specific external voltage of, for example, 24 V or a voltage in a predetermined range, for example in a range between 18 V and 30 V, preferably in a range of 20 V to 28 V, particularly preferably a voltage of 24 V.

[0041] For example, an operating mode of the electrical device can be provided in which the communication pin operates as a digital interface with an external power supply. For example, "Pin 1" or "Pin 3" of an interface can be used for this purpose with a pin assignment such as for IO-Link.

[0042] As already explained above, in further embodiments, the control unit can be configured, for example for applications in the automotive sector and / or mobile equipment, to reset the electrical fuse when a voltage in a specific other range is applied to the communication pin, for example in a range from 1 V to 10 V, preferably in a range from 5 V to 10 V.

[0043] An external device can be, for example, an external power supply. Such a device can be connected manually by a user to reset the security device. If the reset parameter, as explained above, is not just a fixed voltage value but includes other aspects, in particular a time-varying voltage value, then this reset parameter can also be provided by an external device.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the control unit is further configured to apply a defined voltage to a signaling contact pin of the communication interface when the triggered state of the electrical safety device is activated or when the triggering criterion is met. This can, but does not necessarily have to, be implemented with the same control unit as the reset; instead, another module, in particular another electrical assembly, can be implemented to control this circuit.

[0045] In the electrical device, a pin of the communication interface is used as a signaling contact pin. In particular, the intended communication via the communication interface, for example, via IO-Link, is not active, and the pins are used as an alternative within the meaning of the invention.

[0046] In particular, a bridge is connected from the power input to the signaling contact pin. The triggered state can therefore be signaled via the voltage provided at the power input.

[0047] In particular, the signaling contact pin of the communication interface can be designed as “Pin 2” of a connection assignment for an IO-Link device according to the standard DIN EN 60947-5-2 (version 2021).

[0048] This advantageously allows the existing power supply to be used without the need for an additional external power supply. By internally switching the pin assignment, one of the pins of the communication interface is used as a signaling contact. Another pin, which otherwise fulfills a role for implementing data transmission, is used to detect the bridging between the pins, and this event defines the condition for resetting the safety device. For example, an operating mode of the electrical device can be provided in which the signaling contact pin is operated as a digital interface with an internal supply from an existing supply line.In a further development, the signaling contact pin can be connected to the communication pin of the communication interface - particularly in the triggered state of the electrical device - by inserting a plug with a bridge circuit into the communication interface and / or a user actuating a switch with a bridge circuit and / or switching a bridge circuit using a reset signal.

[0049] This allows for the advantageous use of various methods to bridge the pins of the electrical device. The invention can also be easily adapted and integrated into existing devices.

[0050] In a further embodiment, the electrical device can be switched between a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the communication interface can be used as a hybrid communication interface to provide an active data connection and a power supply for the electrical device. Furthermore, in the second operating mode, the communication interface can be operated passively, with a communication pin being used to detect an acknowledgment in the triggered state. This means that by switching between the first and second operating mode, the communication interface can be "repurposed" to either use it - in the first operating mode - as a hybrid communication interface or - in the second operating mode - to use it in the sense explained above to report and acknowledge the triggered state.

[0051] Various aspects of the invention are summarized below in slightly modified terms.

[0052] To reset the electrical device, an external voltage source can be used to apply a specific voltage, such as 24 V, to the communication pin. The communication pin can be the pin of the communication interface, designated "Pin 4" according to the standard. The device can then be reset. One method for resetting the device is to use pin 4 as an input in SIO mode, for example, and to acknowledge the fuse when a voltage of 24 V is applied.

[0053] Furthermore, when the electrical device's tripped state is activated, a circuit can be activated so that a specific voltage, such as 24 V, is switched from the internal power supply to a signaling contact pin, for example, the pin of the communication interface designated as "Pin 2" according to the standard. This voltage can then be applied via a bridge to the communication pin, such as "Pin 4," to acknowledge and reset the device.

[0054] The device can, for example, be operated as an IO-Link device.

[0055] The device can also be reset by turning it off and on again. A so-called "smart PSU," i.e., a power supply unit with a communication interface, can be used for this purpose. It can remotely turn the power supply to the device off and on via the power supply unit, thus acknowledging the tripped condition. One method for resetting the device involves the PSU receiving a control signal and, based on the control signal, turning the power supply off and on again. The device can thus be acknowledged remotely.

[0056] The invention further relates to a method for operating an electrical device with a power input, in particular for connection to a higher-level electrical power supply, and a communication interface with at least one communication pin. In the method, in an activated, triggered state of the electrical device, an electrical reset parameter is detected at the communication pin, in particular a voltage applied to the communication pin, and the electrical device is reset depending on the electrical reset parameter.

[0057] For example, in the reset state, the power input can be electrically connected to at least one power output of the device, while in the triggered state, in particular, the power output can be electrically separated from the power input.

[0058] The method is particularly designed to operate the device. It therefore has the same advantages as the device according to the invention and can be further developed in an analogous manner.

[0059] In one embodiment of the method, an external device, such as an external power supply, is connected to the communication pin to provide the electrical reset parameter. For example, the communication pin is supplied with a specific voltage, such as 24 V.

[0060] In a further embodiment, when the triggered state of the electrical device is activated, a signaling contact pin of the communication interface is applied with a defined voltage. For this purpose, a bridge is connected from the power input to the signaling contact pin.

[0061] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0062] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the electrical device in a system of field devices and other devices;

[0063] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the electrical device;

[0064] Figures 3A to 3C are schematic views of the terminals and pinout of the embodiment of the device; and

[0065] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method.

[0066] With reference to Figure 1, an embodiment of the electrical device in a system of field devices and other devices is explained.

[0067] A main line 10 provides electrical power with an alternating voltage of 400 V.

[0068] A higher-level electrical power supply 12 (“power supply unit, PSU”) is connected to the main line 10 and then provides power with a direct voltage of 24 V via a line 14.

[0069] A horizontal line in Figure 1 indicates the distinction between an alternating current range (AC range) and a direct current range (DC range).

[0070] In the exemplary embodiment, a first electrical device 30, in the exemplary embodiment a first safety device 30, is connected to the line 14. In further exemplary embodiments, a power line to which the electrical device 30 is connected can be a DC or AC voltage line.

[0071] The electrical power is further distributed via a further line 15 from the first safety device 30 to a second device 31, in the exemplary embodiment a second safety device 31.

[0072] The safety devices 30, 31 are essentially constructed the same in the embodiment.

[0073] Further devices 22 are connected to the safety devices 30, 31 and are supplied with electrical power via lines 16, 18.

[0074] The additional devices 22 may in particular be field devices 22, for example actuators and sensors; however, other devices may also be connected, in particular additional electrical safety devices and electrical distribution devices.

[0075] In further embodiments, the electrical device 30 may be configured differently and, for example, include a sensor for monitoring a physical parameter. While in the embodiment explained above, a current for a power output is monitored, in other examples, for example, a voltage or electrical power may be monitored. Other parameters may also be monitored, such as temperature and / or humidity, position, speed and / or acceleration, brightness and / or volume, or another parameter.

[0076] In these further embodiments, a different behavior of the device can be provided in the triggered state, alternatively or in addition to the above-described disconnection of a power output from the electrical power supply. For example, a warning signal can be activated, or a device can be activated or deactivated, or controlled in another way.

[0077] An embodiment of the electrical device 30 is explained with reference to Figure 2. The embodiment explained above with reference to Figure 1 is assumed, and in particular, it is assumed that the electrical devices 30, 31 already mentioned therein are designed as electrical safety devices 30, 31 and are essentially structurally identical.

[0078] The electrical safety device 30 has a power input 41. In the example shown, it also has three power outputs 42, 43, 44.

[0079] It also has a communication interface 46.

[0080] Furthermore, a monitoring circuit 45 is provided, which is arranged and designed such that an electrical parameter, here namely a current intensity, is monitored for the power outputs 42, 43, 44.

[0081] The monitoring circuit 45 is configured to activate a triggered state of the safety device 30 when the detected current exceeds a threshold value. For this purpose, the power outputs 42, 43, 44 are electrically disconnected from the power input 41.

[0082] In this example, the current of each of the power outputs 42, 43, and 44 is limited to 4 A. If this current threshold is exceeded, the power outputs 42, 43, and 44 are deactivated.

[0083] The electrical safety device also has a control unit 47. When the triggered state of the safety device 30 is activated, the control unit monitors a communication pin of the communication interface 46 and checks whether an electrical reset parameter is present there.

[0084] In the embodiment, such a reset parameter is present when the communication pin is supplied with a voltage of 24 V.

[0085] If the electrical reset parameter is present, then the electrical safety device 30 is reset.

[0086] Therefore, in order to reset the safety device 30, an external voltage source can be connected to the communication interface 46, for example, in order to apply a voltage of 24 V to the communication pin.

[0087] In the exemplary embodiment, the electrical safety device 30 is designed according to the standard DIN EN 81346 (2019 version). Reference is made below to Figures 3A to 3C, which are based on the pin assignment defined in the standard and show, by way of example, the connections for a communication interface 32 and for power outputs 34, 36. Furthermore, the communication interface 46 has a pin assignment for an IO-Link device according to the standard DIN EN 60947-5-2 (2021 version), as can be seen below in Figures 3A to 3C. The communication pin is designed as "pin 4," specifically for a switching and communication line, C / Q.

[0088] In the exemplary embodiment, the electrical safety device 30 can be operated in a first or second operating mode. In the first operating mode, the communication interface can be used as a hybrid communication interface to provide an active data connection and a power supply to the electrical device. Furthermore, in the second operating mode, the communication interface can be operated passively, with a communication pin being used to detect an acknowledgment in the triggered state. The communication interface can be "repurposed" in the second operating mode to be used to report and acknowledge the triggered state instead of as a hybrid communication interface.

[0089] When the electrical safety device 30 of the exemplary embodiment is actively operated in the first operating mode, the communication interface is used as a switching and communication line in a standard input / output mode (SIO mode). The communication pin is used as an SIO input or as a communication pin C / Q for an IO-Link connection.

[0090] In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the control unit 47 applies a defined voltage to a signaling contact pin of the communication interface 46 when the electrical device is operated in the second operating mode, in particular when operating for passive communication. This is achieved by a bridge circuit that connects the signaling contact pin to the power input 41 such that 24 V is applied. In the exemplary embodiment, "Pin 2" is used as the signaling contact pin of the communication interface 46, as provided for in the standards DIN EN 60947-5-2 (version 2021) and DIN EN 81346 (version 2019).

[0091] To reset the electrical safety device, the signaling contact pin "Pin 2" is then connected to the communication pin "Pin 4" of the communication interface 46. This then also supplies 24V to the communication pin "Pin 4". It is determined that the reset parameter is present, and the safety device 30 is reset. To create a bridge between pins 2 and 4, for example, a connector with a suitable circuit can be attached or plugged into the communication interface 46. Furthermore, a user can actuate a switch to switch a bridge, in particular by means of a make contact. Furthermore, a bridge can be switched using a reset signal, by means of which the connection is established.

[0092] Figure 3B shows an assignment of the IO-Link port of the embodiment of the security device 30.

[0093] Pins 1 and 3 of the communication interface 32 are used for an external power supply. Communication takes place via pin 4 in the first operating mode of the electrical device, while in the second operating mode, an acknowledgement can be performed by applying a voltage of 24 V to pin 4.

[0094] Furthermore, Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method, based on the device explained above.

[0095] In a first step S1, it is determined that the IO-Link port 32 is not receiving external power. If necessary, it is also determined that the IO-Link port 32 is not being used by a connected device. In a step S2, when the fuse is triggered, a voltage of 24 V is applied to pin 2 of the IO-Link port 32. When the fuse is triggered, the acknowledgement occurs in a step S3 when pin 2 and pin 4 are bridged, and the fuse device 30 is reset.

[0096] In other words, a hybrid communication interface can be repurposed for the electrical device. A hybrid communication interface allows, in particular, the transmission of data signals and an electrical supply, as is possible with IO-Link or SPE (single pair Ethernet), for example. This means the device potentially has two different operating modes:

[0097] In a first operating mode, the device communicates via the communication interface, and the device's operating electronics are supplied with power via the communication interface. IO-Link, for example, provides pins for communication and separate pins for power; with SPE, the data connection and the electrical power supply are provided via the same wire pair. An external power supply can also be provided, for example, to supply power to other connected devices. For example, the electrical device can act as a distribution device, distributing electrical power to other devices.

[0098] In a second operating mode, the device is operated "autonomously" and is not integrated into a communication network, for example via IO-Link. In particular, the communication pins are not actively used for communication, and no power is supplied via the designated pins of the communication interface. The communication pins can now be used to report a triggered state of the device, for example by applying a specific voltage to this signaling contact pin. Furthermore, the triggered state can be acknowledged, in particular by switching a bridge between the signaling and acknowledgment pins or by closing the circuit between these pins. Acknowledgment can be achieved, for example, via another connected device, by operating a switch, by screwing or plugging in a connector, or in another way.

[0099] It may be intended that the operating mode to be used for the electrical device is determined upon its installation in a system. However, it is also conceivable that switching between these operating modes is possible, for example, when a communication connection is terminated or activated via the communication interface.

[0100] List of reference symbols

[0101] 10 Main line

[0102] 12 Power supply (AC); Power Supply Unit (PSU)

[0103] 14 Line (DC)

[0104] 15 Additional line (DC)

[0105] 16 Line (DC)

[0106] 18 Line (DC)

[0107] 20 cables (IO-Link)

[0108] 22 Additional device, field device

[0109] 30, 31 Electrical device; electrical safety device

[0110] 32 Communication interface

[0111] 34, 36 Power output

[0112] 41 Power input

[0113] 42, 43, 44 Power output

[0114] 45 Monitoring circuit

[0115] 46 Communication interface

[0116] 47 Control unit

[0117] S1, S2, S3 step

Claims

Patent claims 1. An electrical device (30) comprising a communication interface (46), a control unit (47), a power input (41), and a monitoring circuit (45) for monitoring a physical parameter; wherein the monitoring circuit (45) is configured to activate a triggered state of the electrical device (30) as a function of the physical parameter, in particular when the physical parameter exceeds a threshold value; wherein the communication interface (46) comprises at least one communication pin (pin 4); and the control unit (47) is configured to reset the electrical device (30) in the triggered state of the electrical device (30) as a function of an electrical reset parameter at the communication pin (pin 4) of the communication interface (46), in particular as a function of a voltage at the communication pin.

2. Electrical device (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical device (30) is designed to monitor the physical parameter, wherein the triggered state of the electrical device (30) is activated when a predetermined triggering criterion is met; and / or the electrical device (30) is designed as an electrical safety device (30) according to the standard DIN EN 81346 (version 2019); and / or the communication interface (46) has a connection assignment for an IO-Link device according to the standard DIN EN 60947-5-2 (version 2021), wherein the communication pin is designed as "pin 4", in particular for a switching and communication line, C / Q.

3. Electrical device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical device (30) is designed such that the communication pin in the reset state of the electrical safety device (30) or in a standard input-output mode, SIO mode, serves as a switching and communication line, in particular as an SIO input or as a communication pin, C / Q, for an IO-Link connection.

4. Electrical device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (47) is configured to reset the electrical device (30) when a specific voltage of, for example, 24 V is applied to the communication pin or when a voltage within a predetermined range is applied, for example a voltage in a range between 18 V and 30 V, preferably in a range 20 V to 28 V, particularly preferably a voltage of 24 V.

5. Electrical device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication interface (46) is configured such that the electrical reset parameter is obtained at the communication pin by means of an external device, in particular by applying a specific external voltage of, for example, 24 V or a voltage in a predetermined range, for example in a range between 18 V and 30 V, preferably in a range of 20 V to 28 V, particularly preferably a voltage of 24 V.

6. Electrical device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (47) is further configured, when the triggered state of the electrical safety device (30) is activated, to apply a defined voltage to a signaling contact pin (pin 2) of the communication interface (46); wherein, in particular, a bridge is connected from the power input (41) to the signaling contact pin (pin 2) for this purpose; wherein, in particular, the signaling contact pin of the communication interface (46) is designed as "pin 2" of a connection assignment for an IO-Link device according to the standard DIN EN 60947-5-2 (version 2021).

7. Electrical device (30) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the signaling contact pin (pin 2) can be connected to the communication pin (pin 4) of the communication interface by a plug with a bridge is attached or plugged into the communication interface (46) and / or a user actuates a switch with a bridge and / or a bridge is switched based on a reset signal.

8. Electrical device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical device (30) is switchable between a first operating mode and a second operating mode; wherein in the first operating mode, the communication interface (46) can be used as a hybrid communication interface to provide an active data connection and a power supply to the electrical device (30); and wherein in the second operating mode, the communication interface (46) can be operated passively, the communication pin (pin 4) being used to detect an acknowledgment in the triggered state.

9. A method for operating an electrical device (30) having a power input (41) and a communication interface (46) with at least one communication pin (pin 4); wherein, in an activated, triggered state of the electrical device (30), an electrical reset parameter is detected at the communication pin (pin 4); and the electrical device (30) is reset as a function of the electrical reset parameter; wherein, optionally, an external device is connected to the communication pin (pin 4) to provide the electrical reset parameter.

10. Method according to one of the preceding method claims, characterized in that, when the triggered state of the electrical device (30) is activated, a signaling contact pin (pin 2) of the communication interface (46) is subjected to a defined voltage; in particular, for this purpose, a bridge is connected from the power input (41) to the signaling contact pin (pin 2).

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