Detachable distribution control device

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a plurality of cases respectively in which an installation space is formed so that an information processing module for processing data input from an external device or transmitting a control signal or data to the external device can be installed; and a coupling unit for coupling the cases to each other and connecting the corresponding information processing modules so that the information processing modules installed in the cases coupled to each other can communicate data with each other.

Description

Detachable distributed control unit

[0001] The present invention relates to a detachable distributed control device, and more particularly, to a distributed control device capable of measuring or controlling on-site equipment in real time, and in which a plurality of cases can be detachably coupled to each other.

[0002] A distributed control system (DCS) is composed of a control station that handles various control operations and multiple remote input / output devices that are separated and distributed from the control station to exchange signals with sensors or actuators, and is controlled by transmission of a data bus (remote input / output bus) that connects the control station and the remote input / output devices.

[0003] A distributed control device is configured to input multiple signals from a process to be controlled and simultaneously output operation signals to multiple control stages, and multiple remote input / output devices are connected to a control station according to the nature of the work to be performed so that the entire control target can be comprehensively monitored or controlled.

[0004] In this case, the conventional distributed control system requires a fixing means for mutually fixing the control station and the remote input / output device, and a communication connection means for connecting the control station and the remote input / output device to enable mutual data communication, so that the installation of the device is cumbersome and a relatively large installation space is required, which is a disadvantage.

[0005] The present invention was created to solve the above problem, and its purpose is to provide a detachable distributed control device that can connect cases having built-in information processing modules to each other while more firmly connecting the cases by means of an auxiliary connecting part.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a detachable distributed control device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of cases having an installation space formed inside so that an information processing module that processes data input from an external device or transmits a control signal or data to the external device can be installed, and a coupling unit that connects the information processing modules installed in the mutually coupled cases so that data communication can occur between the information processing modules, wherein the coupling unit comprises a connection terminal provided in the case, a connection socket that is inserted into the connection terminals of the cases having both ends mutually adjacent to each other to couple the cases, and mutually connects the connection terminals to each other so that data communication is possible, a communication module that is connected to the connection terminal and transmits data input through the connection terminal to the information processing module installed inside the case or transmits a control signal or data received from the information processing module to the connection terminal, and an auxiliary coupling unit that detachably couples the adjacent cases.

[0007] The case has an auxiliary groove formed on one side thereof to be inserted inward, and the auxiliary connecting portion has an auxiliary projection formed protruding on the other side thereof so as to be inserted into the auxiliary groove of the adjacent case.

[0008] The case has an insertion groove formed by retracting the outer surface inward from the outer surface to a predetermined depth so that the outer surface can be in close contact with the outer surface of the case joined by the joining unit, and the connection terminal can be installed on the insertion groove.

[0009] The detachable distributed control device according to the present invention is easy to install because it is provided with a coupling unit that can connect cases having built-in information processing modules to enable data communication between the information processing modules, and can be set up even in a narrow installation space. In addition, the cases adjacent to each other can be more firmly coupled by the auxiliary coupling unit, so that the cases can be prevented from being separated or damaged even when an impact is applied from the outside.

[0010] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of a detachable distributed control device according to the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 is a front view of the detachable distributed control device of Figure 1,

[0012] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the detachable distributed control device of Figure 1,

[0013] Figure 5 is a block diagram of the detachable distributed control device of Figure 1.

[0014] Hereinafter, a detachable distributed control device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The present invention can be modified in various ways and can take various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosed form, but it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are included. In describing each drawing, similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar components. In the attached drawings, the dimensions of structures are shown larger than actual size to ensure clarity of the present invention.

[0015] While terms like "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component could be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component could also be referred to as a "first component."

[0016] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0018] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a detachable distributed control device (100) according to the present invention.

[0019] Referring to the drawing, the detachable distributed control device (100) comprises a plurality of cases (110) each having an installation space (111) formed therein so that an information processing module (10) for processing data input from an external device or transmitting a control signal or data to the external device can be installed, and a coupling unit (120) that connects the cases (110) to each other so that the information processing modules (10) installed in the mutually coupled cases (110) can communicate with each other through data.

[0020] Here, external devices include intelligent distribution boards, sensors, air conditioners, air conditioners, power supplies, ESS, lighting equipment, etc., and the information processing module (10) is applied with a control station for monitoring or controlling external devices such as distribution boards, air conditioners, air conditioner equipment, etc., or a remote input / output device for connecting sensors or other equipment to the control station.

[0021] The above case (110) is formed as a square structure with an installation space (111) provided inside, and is formed of a synthetic resin material or metallic material having a predetermined strength. A fixing bracket (112) is installed on the rear of the case (110) so that it can be installed in an installation space (111) provided inside an external device such as a distribution panel. Here, an installation rail (15) extending in one direction is provided inside the external device, and the fixing bracket (112) is fixed to the installation rail (15) to fix the case (110) inside the external device.

[0022] The case (110) has a number of connection terminals (113) installed on the front side to connect equipment such as air conditioners and sensors. The connection terminals (113) include communication terminals to which communication equipment for accessing a wired or wireless communication network is connected, analog input / output terminals to which analog equipment is connected, or digital input / output terminals to which digital equipment is connected. In addition, when the information processing module (10) is applied with a control station, the front side of the case (110) in which the information processing module (10) is installed has first and second power terminals (115) to which a power supply unit is connected so that power can be supplied from the power supply unit. The power supply unit is applied with a power supply means installed in the building.

[0023] Meanwhile, the case (110) has insertion grooves (116) formed on each of the left and right sides. Here, the insertion grooves (116) are recessed inward from the outer surface of the case (110) to a predetermined depth so that they can be closely attached to the outer surface of the case (110) coupled by the coupling unit (120). A connection terminal (121) of the coupling unit (120) described later is installed on the insertion grooves (116). Meanwhile, it is preferable that the insertion grooves (116) be formed to penetrate the case (110) so as to be connected to the installation space (111).

[0024] In addition, the case (110) has an auxiliary groove (117) formed on the upper left side to be inserted inward. The auxiliary groove (117) is rectangular and extends a predetermined length in the front-back direction. In addition, it is preferable that the auxiliary groove (117) is formed in the case (110) at a position spaced upward from the insertion groove (116).

[0025] The above-mentioned coupling unit (120) comprises a connection terminal (121) provided in the case (110), a connection socket (122) which is inserted into the connection terminals (121) of the cases (110) having both ends adjacent to each other to couple the cases (110), and which interconnects the connection terminals (121) to enable data communication, a communication module (123) which is connected to the connection terminal (121) and transmits data input through the connection terminal (121) to an information processing module (10) installed inside the case (110) or transmits a control signal or data received from the information processing module (10) to the connection terminal (121), a power transmission module (124) which transmits power supplied from a second power terminal (115) to the connection terminal (121), and a power transmission module (124) which transmits power provided through a first power terminal (114) or a connection terminal (121). It has a power supply module (125) that supplies power to the information processing module (10) and an auxiliary coupling part (130) that detachably couples the adjacent cases (110).

[0026] The connection terminal (121) is installed on each of the insertion grooves (116) provided on the left and right sides of the case (110), and is installed in the installation space (111) of the case (110) through the insertion grooves (116). Here, the connection terminal (121) is provided with a communication connection part (126) for data communication and a power connection part (127) for power transmission on the side exposed by the insertion grooves (116).

[0027] The connection socket (122) has a plurality of communication connection pins (128) that are connected at both ends to the communication connection portions (126) of connection terminals (121) installed in adjacent cases (110), a plurality of power transmission pins (129) that are connected at both ends to the power connection portions of connection terminals (121) installed in adjacent cases (110), and a support member that supports the communication connection pins (128) and the power transmission pins (129) so as to be spaced apart from each other.

[0028] The communication connection pin (128) is connected to the connection terminals (121) and is formed of a material capable of data communication via the communication module (123). In addition, the communication connection pin (128) may be formed with sharp ends at both ends so that it can be easily inserted into the communication connection portion (126) of the connection terminal (121).

[0029] The power transmission pin (129) is connected to the connection terminals (121) and is formed of a metallic material with excellent conductivity so that power can be transmitted through the connection terminals (121). In addition, the power transmission pin (129) may be formed with sharp ends so that it can be easily inserted into the power connection part (127).

[0030] The supporting member is formed in a plate shape with a predetermined thickness, and a plurality of through holes are formed spaced apart from each other so that communication connection pins (128) and power transmission pins (129) can be inserted through them. The communication connection pins (128) and power transmission pins (129) are fixed to the supporting member while being inserted into the through holes. Here, the supporting member is preferably formed of a non-conductive material.

[0031] The communication module (123) is provided inside the case (110), is connected to the communication connection part (126) of the information processing module (10) and the connection terminal (121), transmits data input through the connection terminal (121) to the information processing module (10), and transmits a control signal or data received from the information processing module (10) to the connection terminal (121).

[0032] The information processing module (10) receives data from equipment connected to the connection terminal (113), processes the data, and transmits the data to the information processing module (10) installed in another case (110). The communication module (123) receives the data from the information processing module (10) and transmits it to the communication connection part (126) of the connection terminal (121). The communication module (123) installed in another case (110) receives the data transmitted through the communication connection part (126) of the connection terminal (121) and transmits the data to the information processing module (10) provided in the case (110). In addition, the information processing module (10) can generate a control signal for controlling the equipment according to the received data, and transmit the control signal to the equipment connected to the connection terminal (113) of the case (110) in which the information processing module (10) is installed. At this time, if the control target equipment is connected to the connection terminal (113) of another case (110), the information processing module (10) transmits a control signal to the information processing module (10) of the other case (110) through the communication module (123), the communication module (123) provided in the other case (110) receives the control signal, and the information processing module (10) of the case (110) can transmit the received control signal to the control target equipment.

[0033] The above communication module (123) is applied with an RS484 type communication means, but is not limited thereto. Any communication means that can communicate data using a connection socket (122) can be applied.

[0034] The power transmission module (124) is provided inside the case (110) to transmit power supplied from the power supply unit to the connection terminal (121). The power transmission module (124) installed in the case (110) in which the first power terminal (114) is provided transmits the power supplied through the first power terminal (114) to the power connection unit (127) of the connection terminal (121). At this time, although not shown in the drawing, the power transmission module (124) may further be provided with a power conversion means to change the voltage or current of the power supplied through the first power terminal (114) into a voltage or current suitable for the information processing module (10).

[0035] Meanwhile, the power transmission module (124) installed in the case (110) in which the first power terminal (114) is not provided transmits the power provided through the power connection part (127) of one of the connection terminals (121) to another of the connection terminals (121).

[0036] The power supply module (125) supplies power supplied from the power supply unit to the information processing module (10) installed in the case (110). The power transmission module (124) installed in the case (110) provided with the second power terminal (115) supplies power provided from the power supply unit through the second power terminal (115) to the corresponding information processing module (10). Here, although not shown in the drawing, the power supply module (125) may further be provided with a power conversion means so as to convert the power supplied through the second power terminal (115) into a voltage or current suitable for the corresponding information processing module (10).

[0037] Meanwhile, the power supply module (125) installed in the case (110) in which the second power terminal (115) is not provided provides power transmitted through the power connection part (127) and connection socket (122) of the connection terminal (121) to the information processing module (10) installed in the case (110).

[0038] The auxiliary joint (130) is provided with an auxiliary projection (131) that is formed protruding on the right side of the case (110) so that it can be inserted into an auxiliary groove (117) of the adjacent case (110). The auxiliary projection (131) is formed to have a cross-sectional area corresponding to the auxiliary groove (117) so that it can be forcefully fitted into the auxiliary groove (117), and it is preferable that it protrudes from the right side of the case (110) by a length corresponding to the insertion depth of the auxiliary groove (117). Since the auxiliary projection (131) is forcefully fitted into the auxiliary groove (117), the adjacent cases (110) are more firmly coupled.

[0039] The detachable distributed control device (100) according to the present invention, configured as described above, is provided with a coupling unit (120) that can connect cases (110) having built-in information processing modules (10) to enable data communication, so that separate fixing means and communication means are not required, making installation easy, and since the cases (110) can be arranged in close contact with each other, it has the advantage of being able to be set up even if the installation space (111) is narrow.

[0040] The description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is to be construed in the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A plurality of cases having an installation space formed inside so that an information processing module that processes data input from an external device or transmits control signals or data to the external device can be installed; and As a means of interconnecting the above cases, a coupling unit is provided that connects the information processing modules installed in the interconnected cases so that data communication between the information processing modules is possible; The above combination unit is Connection terminal provided in the above case; A connecting socket that is inserted into the connecting terminals of the cases with both ends adjacent to each other to connect the cases, and interconnect the connecting terminals so that data communication is possible; A communication module connected to the above connection terminal to transmit data input through the connection terminal to an information processing module installed inside the case or to transmit a control signal or data received from the information processing module to the connection terminal; and An auxiliary joint for separably joining the adjacent cases; Detachable distributed control unit.

2. In paragraph 1, The above case has an auxiliary groove formed on one side to be inserted inward, The above auxiliary joint part has an auxiliary projection formed protruding on the other side of the case so as to be inserted into an auxiliary groove of the adjacent case; Detachable distributed control unit.

3. In paragraph 2, The case is formed with an insertion groove that is retracted inward from the outer surface to a predetermined depth so that the outer surface can be in close contact with the outer surface of the case joined by the joining unit, and the connection terminal is installed on the insertion groove. Detachable distributed control unit.

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