Automation assembly having a housing

Abstract

The invention relates to an automation assembly (1) having a housing (2) which has a rear face (Ru), a front face (Vo), a lower face (Un), an upper face (Ob), a left face (li) and a right face (re). A printed circuit board (LP) is provided in the housing (2) between the left face (li) and the right face (re) of the housing (2); a plug connector element (SW1) is provided on the printed circuit board (LP) in the direction of the front face (Vo); the plug connector element (SW1) is equipped with a plug connector mating element (SM1) which is provided with a plurality of connection terminals (AK) for receiving signal lines; and a checking unit (PE) is provided on the printed circuit board (LP), the checking unit being connected to a first contact (K1) of the plug connector element (SW1) via at least one first electrical line (L1) and to a second contact (K2) of the plug connector element (SW1) via a second electrical line (L2) and being designed to query a coding element (EK), which is provided in the connection terminals (AK) of the plug connector mating element (SM1), the coding element (EK) having a storage unit (3) on which an identification number (I-No) is stored, and the checking unit (PE) being designed to check whether the identification number (I-No) on the coding element (EK) matches a mating identification number (GI-No) on the checking unit (PE).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Automation assembly with a housing

[0003] The invention relates to an automation assembly with a housing which has a back, a front, a bottom, a top, a left side and a right side, a printed circuit board is arranged in the housing between the left side and the right side of the housing, a connector element is arranged on the printed circuit board in the direction of the front, the connector element is designed to receive a connector counterpart element which in turn is provided with several terminal blocks 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 publications: 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 discloses an input / output assembly with a display element. EP 2 683227 B1 discloses an electronic module for plugging 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 assemblies in automation systems; here, a connector device for the electronic assembly is disclosed which enables easily accessible pre-wiring of signal lines.

[0006] EP 2 683227 B1 describes an electronic module that is plugged into a carrier unit and comprises a pair of encoders consisting of a first and a second encoder element, designed according to the key-lock principle. The first encoder element is permanently snapped into the back of the module, while the second encoder element is detachably attached to the first. Additionally, a memory chip is attached to the second encoder element and connected to the connector.

[0007] This solution allows information to be stored in the memory chip, which can be evaluated when the electronic module is replaced, thus supporting the construction of fail-safe systems. US 9,813,832 B2 describes a system for authenticating and verifying audio devices on a network, using an electronic verification module to check the compatibility and authenticity of connected devices and to ensure that only authorized devices can operate on the network.

[0008] US 9 853 397 B1 describes a pluggable test module for electrical connectors, designed to verify the correct wiring and functionality of connectors by being plugged into the connector under test and performing various electrical tests to identify faults or problems in the connection.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to further develop the coding principle or the automation assembly in such a way as to minimize complexity and costs.

[0010] In the aforementioned automation assembly with a housing, the task is solved by arranging a test unit on the circuit board, which is connected to a first contact of the connector element via at least one electrical line and to a second contact of the connector element via a second electrical line, and is designed to query a coding element arranged in the connection terminals of the connector counterpart element, the coding element has a memory module in which an identification number is stored, the test unit is designed to check whether the identification number on the coding element matches a counterpart identification number on the test unit.

[0011] The coding element ensures that the connector mating element, which corresponds to a terminal block for a module, and the connector element belonging to the module are not accidentally swapped. For example, two terminal blocks could be swapped during maintenance work. Preferably, data is stored on the coding element, which is queried at least during startup by a higher-level controller.

[0012] The coding element, for example designed as a component, enables safe and reliable coding by establishing an electrical connection with the automation assembly or module. Integrating the component into the terminal block ensures the correct connection between the terminal block and the module, preventing mix-ups. Retrofitting such coding into existing assemblies is also advantageous.

[0013] The automation module includes a locking device which is connected to the test unit and is designed to generate a safety signal in the event that the identification number on the coding element does not match the counter-identification number on the test unit, and then to lock the automation module and / or send a stop signal to a higher-level automation controller.

[0014] To ensure a clear link between the terminal block and the module, the components are coded to each other using an electronic memory chip. Therefore, if multiple terminal blocks are disconnected from modules in the event of a fault or maintenance, the coding element ensures the correct assignment. A fail-safe automation controller recognizes this and would not start, but instead enter a safe state. This is particularly important when human lives are at stake.

[0015] To ensure continuous safety, the test unit is designed to cyclically query the coding element during the operation of the automation assembly.

[0016] Accordingly, the system is repeatedly checked during operation to see if the correct terminal block is still plugged in.

[0017] Regarding the terminal block or the connector counterpart, the connection terminals each have a first mating contact, which is either designed as a contact spring or is connected to the contact spring. The contact spring is designed to open automatically when a conductor is inserted, and thus the spring force of the contact spring provides the necessary clamping force for the conductor. Furthermore, it has an actuating push button, which is designed to be actuated by a standard screwdriver, thereby actuating the contact spring and releasing the conductor from the spring force. Two connection terminals are arranged side by side in the connector counterpart. Several connection terminals are arranged one above the other in a first column and several connection terminals in a second column, with an actuating push button located to the left and right of each connection terminal.

[0018] To increase security, the coding element has a housing in which a circuit board with the memory module is arranged; at least a first and a second pin protrude from the housing, which are connected to the circuit board and thus to the memory module; the pins are designed to be held in the connection terminals; the housing is designed in such a way that the actuating pushbuttons to the left and right of a connection terminal are covered by the housing.

[0019] The coding element and its housing are designed to completely cover at least two actuating pushbuttons of the connected terminals. If the actuating pushbuttons cannot be pressed—and especially not simultaneously—the contact springs cannot be opened. Consequently, the coding element cannot be removed.

[0020] The terminal blocks are designed to accept stripped cables (with or without ferrules). A cable of the appropriate diameter can simply be pushed into the terminal block. Optionally, the release button can also be pressed to open the contact spring and simplify insertion. This is particularly helpful with very small cable cross-sections.

[0021] To remove the cable, the release button must be pressed. Otherwise, the cable will not be released. Excessive pulling force can damage or destroy the cable or clamp.

[0022] The proposed coding element, for example, has four pins that are simultaneously pressed into the respective terminals. It is not necessary to press the actuating buttons. The coding element's plastic housing is designed to completely cover the four actuating buttons of the terminals used.

[0023] This non-removability is intentional, in order to clearly link electronically stored information to the wiring, even if the electronic module is replaced.

[0024] The proposed coding element can be retrofitted into an existing mechanical design. Mechanical coding as used in the prior art is no longer necessary.

[0025] In the context of the invention, contacts are metallic conductive components in connectors that establish electrical and mechanical connections between matching connector pairs. They are available in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each tailored to specific application requirements. Contacts are typically housed within a connector casing and, upon connection establishment, make physical contact with their counterparts, thereby creating an electrical path for signals.

[0026] To facilitate heat dissipation, the underside and top are at least partially designed as a ventilation grille to allow convection cooling inside the case.

[0027] The drawing shows an embodiment of the invention. The drawing shows:

[0028] FIG 1 shows an automation assembly in a perspective view,

[0029] FIG 2 shows the automation assembly in a sectional view looking at a printed circuit board,

[0030] FIG 3 shows the connector counterpart in a perspective view,

[0031] FIG 4 shows a sectional view of the connector counterpart and

[0032] FIG 5 a coding element.

[0033] Figure 1 shows an automation assembly 1 with a housing 2, which has a back side Ru, a front side Vo, a bottom side Un, a top side Ob, a left side li and a right side re. A printed circuit board LP is arranged in the housing 2 between the left side li and the right side re of the housing 2.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the automation assembly 1 depicted in FIG. 1, showing the printed circuit board LP. A connector element SW1 is arranged on the printed circuit board LP facing the front side Vo. The connector element SW1 is designed to accommodate a mating connector element SM1, which in turn has several terminals for receiving signal lines.

[0035] Figure 2 also shows that a test unit PE is arranged on the printed circuit board LP. The test unit PE is connected via a first electrical line L1 to a first contact K1 of the connector element SW1. The test unit PE is further connected via a second electrical line L2 to a second contact K2 of the connector element SW1. The test unit PE is configured to query a coding element EK arranged in the connector counterpart SM 1. The coding element EK has a memory module 3 in which an identification number I-Nr is stored. The test unit PE is configured to check whether the identification number I-Nr on the coding element EK matches a corresponding identification number Gl-Nr on the test unit PE.

[0036] Figure 2 also shows that a locking device 5 is arranged on the printed circuit board LP, which is connected to the test unit PE. The locking device 5 is designed to generate a safety signal 6 if the identification number I-Nr on the coding element EK does not match the corresponding identification number Gl-Nr on the test unit PE, and then to lock the automation assembly 1 and / or send a stop signal 7 to a higher-level automation controller F-CPU.

[0037] According to FIG. 2, the test unit PE can therefore query the coding element EK via the first line L1, through the first contact K1 and a first mating contact GK1. The coding element EK contains a circuit board 4, which in turn contains a memory module 3 with the identification number I-Nr. The information can then be transmitted back to the test unit PE via the second line L2, through the second mating contact GK2 and the second contact K2.

[0038] Furthermore, FIG. 2 shows that the connector mating element SM1 has the connection terminals AK. Each connection terminal AK has the first mating contact GK1, which is either designed as a contact spring KF or is connected to the contact spring KF. The contact spring KF is designed such that it opens automatically when a conductor is inserted, and thus the spring force of the contact spring KF provides the necessary contact force for the conductor.

[0039] To remove the conductor from the terminal AK, each terminal AK has an actuating push button P. The actuating push button P is designed to be operated with a standard screwdriver, thereby depressing the contact spring KF and releasing the conductor from the spring force, thus allowing the conductor to be detached from the terminal AK. Figure 3 illustrates that two terminals AK are arranged side by side in the connector mating element SM1. Furthermore, several terminals AK are arranged one above the other in a first column S1 and several terminals AK in a second column S2. An actuating push button P is located to the left and right of each terminal AK.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, a four-pin coding element EK is inserted into the connector mating element SM1 (see FIG. 5). The coding element EK has an enclosure UH. The circuit board P with the memory module 3 is arranged within the enclosure UH. As shown in FIG. 4, a first pin P1, a second pin P2, a third pin P3, and a fourth pin P4 protrude from the enclosure UH and are connected to the circuit board P and thus to the memory module 3. Pins P1, P2, P3, and P4 are configured to be located in the four upper terminals AK. The dimensions a,b of the enclosure UH are such that the actuating pushbuttons P to the left and right of the terminals AK are covered by the enclosure UH.The width a of the coding element EK is therefore at least wide enough to cover the actuators P in a horizontal plane, and the height b of the coding element EK is at least high enough to cover as many actuators P as the coding element EK occupies in rows. In this case, it occupies two rows a, which correspond to two terminals AK, so the coding element EK has four pins.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the connector counterpart SM1 is depicted in a sectional view to illustrate the principle of the actuating pushbuttons P. An actuating pushbutton P can be pressed in a direction BR with a screwdriver, thereby bending the contact spring KF, which allows a conductor inserted into the terminal AK to be released. The coding element EK is designed for safety purposes such that it covers the corresponding actuating pushbuttons P in such a way that the coding element EK can no longer be removed.

[0042] FIG 3 also clearly shows the covering of the coding element EK of the first four terminal blocks AK.

[0043] According to FIG. 5, the coding element EK with its four pins P1, P2, P3, P4 is shown in a perspective view. The dimensions a, b must always be chosen so that the corresponding actuating pushbuttons P for the respective terminals AK in which the coding element EK is inserted are covered.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Automation assembly (1) with a housing (2) having a back (Ru), a front (Vo), a bottom (Un), a top (Ob), a left side (li) and a right side (re), a printed circuit board (PCB) is arranged in the housing (2) 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 (PCB) in the direction of the front (Vo), the connector element (SW1) is designed to receive a connector counterpart element (SM1) which in turn is provided with several terminals (AK) for receiving signal lines, characterized in that a test unit (PE) is arranged on the printed circuit board (PCB),which is connected via at least one first electrical line (L1) to a first contact (K1) of the connector element (SW1) and via a second electrical line (L2) to a second contact (K2) of the connector element (SW1), a coding element (EK) is arranged in the connection terminals (AK) of the connector counterpart element (SM1), the coding element (EK) has a memory module (3) in which an identification number (I-Nr) is stored, the test unit (PE) is designed to cyclically check during operation whether the identification number (I-Nr) on the coding element (EK) matches a counterpart identification number (Gl-Nr) on the test unit (PE), and a locking device (5) is provided that, in case of a mismatch of the identification numbers, the automation module (1) locks or a stop signal (7) is sent to a higher-level automation controller (F-CPU). sends.

2. Automation assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connection terminals (AK) each have a first mating contact (GK1) which is either designed as a contact spring (KF) or is connected to the contact spring (KF), the contact spring (KF) is designed to open automatically when a conductor is inserted and thus the spring force of the contact spring (KF) provides the required contact force of the conductor and have an actuating push button (P), which is designed to be actuated by a common screwdriver and thus actuate the contact spring (KF) and thus release the conductor from the spring force, wherein two connection terminals (AK) are arranged next to each other in the connector counterpart element (SM1), furthermore several connection terminals (AK) are arranged one above the other in a first column (S1) and several connection terminals (AK) in a second column (S1), wherein an actuating push button (P) is arranged to the left and right of each connection terminal (AK).

3. Automation assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the coding element (EK) has a housing (UH) in which a circuit board (P) with the memory module (3) is arranged, at least a first pin (P1) and a second pin (P2) protrude from the housing (UH) and are connected to the circuit board (P) and thus to the memory module (3), the pins (P1, P2) are designed to be held in the connection terminals (AK), the housing (UH) is designed in its dimensions (a, b) such that the actuating pushbuttons (P) to the left and right of a connection terminal (AK) are covered by the housing (UH).

4. Automation assembly (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the underside (Un) and the top side (Ob) are at least partially designed as a ventilation grille (LG1.LG2) to enable convection cooling inside the housing (2).

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