Automation assembly having a housing

Abstract

The invention relates to an automation assembly (1) comprising a housing (2) which has a rear side (Ru), a front side (Vo), an under side (Un), an upper side (Ob), a left-hand side (li) and a right-hand side (re). A printed circuit board (LP) is arranged in the housing (2) between the left-hand side (li) and the right-hand side (re) of the housing. On the printed circuit board (LP), a plug connector element (SW1) is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the under side (Un). The plug connector element (SW1) is designed to receive a plug connector mating element (SM1), which in turn is provided with a plurality of connection terminals (AK) for receiving signal lines. A recess (CP1, CP2) is arranged in the front side (Vo) of the housing (2). The recess (CP1, CP2) is designed to receive and fasten the plug connector mating element (SM1) in such a way that the connection terminals (AK) are directed frontward, as a result of which a wiring position for connecting the signal lines to the connection terminals (AK) is produced for a person skilled in the art.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Automation module with one housing

[0003] The invention relates to an automation module with a housing which has a rear side, a front side, a bottom side, a top side, a left side and a right side, in the housing a printed circuit board is arranged between the left side and the right side of the housing, on the printed circuit board in the immediate vicinity of the bottom side a connector element is arranged, the connector element is designed to receive a connector counter element, which in turn is provided with several connection terminals for receiving signal lines.

[0004] Automation components with housings and connection fields or with connectors for signal lines are already known from the following patents and published applications. EP 2 906 030 B1 describes an electronic assembly with an electrically conductive connection. EP 2 624 378 B1 describes an input / output assembly for industrial automation technology. EP 2 654 317 B1 shows an input / output assembly with a display element. EP 2 683 227 B1 shows an electronic module for insertion into a carrier unit. EP 2 728 984 A1 discloses a housing with a first housing part and a second housing part with a pivot joint.

[0005] EP 2 456 017 B1 describes a connector device for electronic modules in automation systems. Here, a connector device for the electronic module is disclosed which enables easily accessible pre-wiring of signal lines.

[0006] US Patent No. 5,032,951 describes a modular system for electronic controls comprising several modules arranged side by side on a carrier. Each module contains at least one circuit board and is housed in a housing with several superimposed guides for receiving sliding blocks. A unique feature is the color-coding of the sliding block handles, which allows for quick identification of their function. The subject matter of US Patent No. 5,253,140 A relates to an I / O module for programmable control units that allows for easy assembly and disassembly. An L-shaped lever on the housing ensures the assembly unit is engaged and released.

[0007] The object of the invention is to facilitate the installation of the signal line cabling to the terminals of the connector mating element for a person skilled in the art. Currently, it is difficult to hold the connector, press the spring release on the connector, and simultaneously install the cable or signal line or insert it into the terminal.

[0008] The object is achieved in that the automation module comprises the connector counter-element, wherein a recess is arranged in the front of the housing, wherein the recess is designed to receive and fix the connector counter-element in such a way that the connection terminals are directed forward, whereby a wiring position for connecting the signal lines to the connection terminals is realized for a specialist.

[0009] Now there's a way to make wiring easier for a technician. The connector mating element is inserted into the recess and held there. The technician can then make the connections to the signal lines.

[0010] Once the specialist has completed the installation on the automation module's housing and all wires or signal lines have been connected in the connector mating element, the wired connector mating element can now be plugged into the module's connector element and the module can be supplied with the process signals via the signal lines.

[0011] For a preferred installation of the automation module on a top hat rail or on a mounting plate, the housing has an upper part and a lower part, the lower part has the rear and the upper part has the front, the rear is designed for detachable mounting on a module rack, the upper part and the lower part are each designed with locking hooks or locking holes for plugging into one another.

[0012] In order to give the connector counter-element a firm and secure hold in the housing of the automation module, the recess has pins which are designed in such a way that their shape fits exactly between the pins of the connector counter-element.

[0013] To accommodate different connector sizes, the recess is divided into a first recess and a second recess, each located on a shared partition. This allows two different connector sizes to be securely held, for example.

[0014] Preferably, the upper part is designed to be double-walled in the region of the depression, for this purpose a first plane and a second plane run between the left side and the right side of the upper part in the region of the depression, the second plane has the recess for the depression and the first plane partially forms the bottom of the depression, with a border running between the first plane and the second plane, which border is arranged perpendicular to the first plane and forms a lateral boundary line of the depression.

[0015] The double-walled construction provides additional stability.

[0016] Preferably, the bottom and the top are at least partially designed as a ventilation grille to enable convection cooling inside the housing.

[0017] To facilitate identification of the correct connection points for each signal line, the front of the housing is designed around the recess so that a label is arranged around the recess to indicate the correct position for the signal lines to the connection terminals. A sticker could be used to create this label. Laser marking around the recess is also conceivable.

[0018] Preferably, the front side is designed such that a lid with a rotatable joint is arranged and the lid is designed to cover the recess.

[0019] To ensure the lid stays securely in place after closing, the lid has a hook on its inside, which is designed to snap into an opening in the frame when the lid is closed. In a further advantageous embodiment, the lid has a stabilizing element on its inside, which is designed to sink into the recess when the lid is closed in such a way that lateral forces acting on the lid are transferred to the upper part. This provides protection for the lid and its joints or hinges, as well as for the hook. Lateral forces will no longer damage the lid.

[0020] In summary, the automation module now features a "pocket" or parking position, i.e., a recess, for securing and holding the connector mating element, allowing the technician to perform wiring with both hands. The "pocket" also aligns the connector mating element so that the terminals of the connector mating element are located at the correct label positions, making it easier to identify the correct position for each wire.

[0021] An example of the automation module is shown in the drawing. It shows:

[0022] FIG 1 shows an automation module in a perspective view,

[0023] FIG 2 the automation module with a view of a recess in the housing,

[0024] FIG 3 the automation module with a plugged-in connector counter element in the recess,

[0025] FIG 4 the automation module with a first recess and a second recess in the housing,

[0026] FIG 5 the recess in the housing in detail,

[0027] FIG 6 the automation component with the upper part hidden and a view of the circuit board,

[0028] FIG 7 a plug connector counter element with a view of the plug contacts,

[0029] FIG 8 the connector counter element with a view of the connection terminals, FIG 9 the upper part of the housing in a sectional view with a view of the recess,

[0030] FIG 10 the automation component with a view of the recess and an open lid,

[0031] FIG 11 a sectional view showing a locking mechanism of the lid in the recess,

[0032] FIG 12 a labeling field,

[0033] FIG 13 the labeling field with schematic connector counter element and

[0034] FIG 14 a lid to cover the recess.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an automation group 1 with a housing 2. The housing is divided into an upper part 2a and a lower part 2b. The upper part 2a and the lower part 2b can be plugged together. Furthermore, the housing 2 has a rear side Ru, a front side Vo, a bottom side Un, a top side Ob, a left side li, and a right side re.

[0036] A printed circuit board LP (see FIG 6) is arranged in the housing 2. A connector element SW1 is arranged on the printed circuit board LP in the immediate vicinity of the underside Un. Likewise, a further connector element SW2 is arranged on the printed circuit board LP in the immediate vicinity of the top side Ob. The connector elements SW1 and SW2 are each designed to accommodate a connector mating element SM1, SM2. These connector mating elements SM1, SM2 in turn have a plurality of connection terminals AK for receiving signal lines. The automation group 1 shown is preferably an input / output module for industrial process signals. The signals from the process can then be fed to the connector mating elements SM1, SM2 via signal lines and plugged into the connection terminals AK for contacting.LED indicators are located on the front side Vo in the center of automation module 1. These indicate the status of the inputs and outputs of the signal lines. A first cover D1 is located on the front side near the bottom Un, and a second cover D2 is located on the front side Vo near the top Ob. Covers D1 and D2 each cover a recess CP1 and CP2.

[0037] A first ventilation grille LG1 is located on the underside Un, and a second ventilation grille LG2 is located on the top side Ob. Ventilation grilles LG1 and LG2 ensure that convection air can be directed through the automation module 1, thus cooling the automation module 1 from the inside.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows the automation module 1 from FIG. 1 such that the first cover D1 on the underside Un has been removed. This reveals a first recess CP1. The first recess CP1 is arranged in the front Vo of the housing 2 or the upper part 2a. The first recess CP1 is designed to receive and fix the first connector counter-element SM1 such that the connection terminals AK face forward. With such an automation module 1 and the corresponding first recess CP1 (connector pocket), a specialist now has the option of carrying out wiring work on the connector counter-element SM1 more easily. The specialist can insert the connector counter-element SM1 into the first recess CP1, whereby the connector counter-element SM1 is held in the first recess CP1.The specialist can now establish the connections to the signal lines by plugging the signal lines into the connection terminals.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows how the first connector mating element SM1 is inserted into the first recess CP1. Since the automation module 1 shown in the example is also designed to accommodate a connector mating element SM2 from the top side Ob, a second recess CP2 is also arranged on the front side Vo in the area of ​​the top side Ob.

[0040] FIG 4 once again illustrates the arrangement of the first recess CP1 and the second recess CP2 in the upper part 2a of the housing 2.

[0041] FIG 5 shows a detailed view of the first recess CP1. The first recess CP1 has a first recess area 51 and a second recess area 52. The first recess CP1 is divided into the first recess area 51 and the second recess area 52 because this allows two different sizes of plug-in connectors to be securely placed in the first recess CP1. The first recess area 51 has a first pin 51a, a second pin 51b, and a third pin 51c. The second recess area 52 accordingly also has a first pin 52a, a second pin 52b, and a third pin 52c. The first recess area 51 is separated from the second recess area 52 by a partition wall 53.The corresponding pins 51a, 51b, 51c, 52a, 52b, 52c in the recessed areas 51, 52 are designed in such a way that their shape fits exactly between the pins of the connector counter element SM1 and thus provides the connector counter element SM1 with a secure hold for wiring assembly.

[0042] According to FIG 6, the automation module 1 is shown in a partially opened view. The upper part 1b of the housing 2 has been removed, giving a view of the printed circuit board LP. The first connector element SW1 is arranged on the underside Un, and the second connector element SW2 is arranged on the top side Ob of the printed circuit board LP. Via these connector elements SW1, SW2, which are connected to the printed circuit board LP, the signals from the signal lines from the process can be fed to the automation module 1 via the corresponding connector counter elements SM1, SM2. The lower part 2b of the housing 2 has locking hooks VH, which interact with locking holes VL in the upper part 2a when the upper part 2a and lower part 2b are plugged together. Such a locking hole VL is shown in FIG 5.

[0043] According to FIG 7, a first connector counter element SM1 is shown with a view of the pins of the connector counter element SM1.

[0044] FIG 8 shows the first connector mating element SM1 with a view of the connection terminals AK. Using clamping elements KE, a stripped signal conductor can be inserted into the connection terminals AK, thus establishing electrical contact with the connection terminal AK all the way to the pins.

[0045] According to FIG 9, the upper part 2a of the housing 2 is shown in a sectional view.

[0046] FIG 9 thus allows a view of a first plane E1 and shows a border U of the first recess CP1. FIG 5 showed that the upper part 2a is double-walled in the area of ​​the recess CP1, CP2. For this purpose, a first plane E1 and a second plane E2 run between the left side (li) and the right side (re) of the upper part 2a in the area of ​​the recess CP1, CP2. The second plane E2 has the recess for the recess CP1, CP2. The first plane E1 partially forms the base of the recess CP1, CP2. The border U runs between the first plane E1 and the second plane E2, is arranged perpendicular to the first plane E1 and forms a lateral boundary line of the recess CP1, CP2. The double-walled structure ensures additional stability.

[0047] As FIG 9 further shows, an opening O is provided in the border U. This opening O serves to ensure that the cover D1, D2 can be securely closed. For this purpose, a hook H is arranged on the inside of the cover D1, D2, which hook is designed to snap into the opening O in the border U when the cover D1, D2 is closed (see also FIG 11). FIG 11 is a sectional view looking onto the underside Un. The first cover D1 is shown in the closed state and accordingly the hook H of the first cover D1 is locked in the opening O of the border U.

[0048] For further illustration, FIG 10 shows a perspective view of the opened first cover D1 with a view of the first recess CP1 and the plug-in connector counter-element SM1 inserted into the corresponding first connector element SW1. To ensure that the first cover D1 sits securely after closing, the first cover D1 has not only the hook H on its inside, but also a stabilizing element S. The stabilizing element S is designed such that when the first cover D1 is closed, the stabilizing element S can fit precisely into the first recess CP1. If lateral forces now act on the first cover D1, these lateral forces are transferred to the upper part 2a. The first cover D1 is now protected from lateral forces which could otherwise destroy the joints or the hinge and / or the hook H of the first cover D1. A lateral force no longer leads to damage to the first cover D1.

[0049] A labeling field BF is shown in FIG 12. The labeling field BF can, for example, be designed as a sticker. Furthermore, the labeling field BF is designed so that it can be positioned precisely around the first recess CP1. If a connector mating element SM1 is now plugged into the first recess CP1, the specialist can see which signal lines must be connected to which connection terminal AK. The example shows a connection diagram for a relay module. The relay module and its outputs are represented by the abbreviation DQB. A voltage supply L+ is connected from above to the left of the connection terminals AK, and a ground supply M is connected to the right of the connection terminals AK. The other terminals on the left and right are numbered from zero to seven. This means that eight outputs can be controlled accordingly. The connection terminals 2L are reserved for special purposes.

[0050] According to FIG 13, the labeling field BF shown in FIG 12 is shown again, with the special feature that the connector counter element SM1 is shown schematically and thus the direct relationship between the connection terminals AK and the labeling instructions of the labeling field BF is given again.

[0051] FIG 14 shows the first cover D1 again in a detailed view.

[0052] The first lid D1 has a hook H for secure closure in the first recess CP1 and the first lid D1 also has a stabilizing element S to absorb lateral forces acting later on the first lid D1.

[0053] The stabilizing element S is preferably designed to be wide enough so that it can be inserted exactly into the first recess CP1 without lateral play.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Automation module (1) with a housing (2) which has a rear side (Ru), a front side (Vo), a bottom side (Un), a top side (Ob), a left side (li) and a right side (re). In the housing (2), a printed circuit board (LP) is arranged between the left side (li) and the right side (re) of the housing (2). A connector element (SW1) is arranged on the printed circuit board (LP) in the immediate vicinity of the bottom side (Un). The connector element (SW1) is designed to receive a connector counter-element (SM1), which in turn is provided with several connection terminals (AK) for receiving signal lines.to receive and fix the connector counter element (SM1) in such a way that the connection terminals (AK) are directed forward, thereby realizing a wiring position for connecting the signal lines to the connection terminals (AK).

2. Automation module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (2) comprises an upper part (2a) and a lower part (2b), the lower part (2b) has the rear side (Ru) and the upper part (2a) has the front side (Vo), the rear side (Ru) is designed for detachable mounting on a module carrier, the upper part (2a) and the lower part (2b) are each designed with locking hooks (VH) or locking holes (VL) for plugging into one another.

3. Automation module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recess (CP1, CP2) has pins (51a, 51b, 51c) which are designed such that they fit exactly between pins of the connector counter element (SM1) due to their shape.

4. Automation module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the recess (CP1.CP2) is divided into a first recess field (51) and a second recess field (52), which are each arranged on a common partition wall (53).

5. Automation module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper part (2a) is designed to be double-walled in the region of the recess (CP1.CP2), for this purpose a first plane (E1) and a second plane (E2) run between the left side (li) and the right side (re) of the upper part (2a) in the region of the recess (CP1.CP2), the second plane (E2) has the recess for the recess (CP1, CP2) and the first plane (E1) partially forms the bottom of the recess (CP1.CP2), between the first plane (E1) and the second plane (E2) runs a border (U) which is arranged perpendicular to the first plane (E1).

6. Automation module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the underside (Un) and the upper side (Ob) are at least partially designed as a ventilation grille (LG1.LG2) in order to enable convection cooling in the interior of the housing (2).

7. Automation module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the front side (Vo) of the housing (2) around the recess (CP1.CP2) is designed such that a label is arranged around the recess (CP1.CP2) as an indication for identifying the correct position for the signal lines to the connection terminals (AK).

8. Automation module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the front side (Vo) is designed such that a cover (D1, D2) is arranged with a rotatable joint and the cover (D1, D2) is designed to cover the recess (CP1.CP2).

9. Automation module (1) according to claim 8, wherein the cover (D1, D2) has on its inside a hook (H) which is designed to snap into an opening (O) provided in the border (U) when the cover (D1, D2) is closed.

10. Automation module (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the cover (D1, D2) has on its inside a stabilizing element (S) which is designed to dip into the recess when the cover (D1, D2) is closed in such a way that lateral forces acting on the cover (D1, D2) are transferred to the upper part.

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