Control cabin for a large-scale industrial installation

Abstract

Proposed is a control cabin (3) for a large-scale industrial installation, in particular an installation in the raw materials industry, for example in the metal industry, specifically a rolling mill. The control cabin is designed as a room of a building, said room having a floor (4), a ceiling (5) and side walls (6). The control cabin (3) comprises a control station (8) which in turn comprises a human-machine interface (12) for the installation. The human-machine interface (12) has output devices (13) for outputting information about the installation to an operator (14) and has input devices (15) for receiving control instructions for the installation from the operator (14) and / or has combined input / output devices (16) for outputting information about the installation to the operator (14) and for receiving control instructions for the installation from the operator (14). The control station (8), without being a room of the building per se, has its own floor (9) and its own ceiling (10) which are interconnected via side elements (11) of the control station (8) which extend between the floor (9) and the ceiling (10) of the control station (8), such that the floor (9), the ceiling (10) and the side elements (11) of the control station (8) form an inherently stable structure and, in this form, are arranged in the control cabin (3) of the large-scale industrial installation. The human-machine interface (12) is arranged within a station volume (17) delimited by the floor (9) and the ceiling (10) of the control station (8).

Description

[0001] 202400206 1

[0002] Description

[0003] Title of the invention

[0004] Control cabin for a large industrial plant

[0005] field of technology

[0006] The present invention relates to a control cabin for a large industrial plant, in particular a plant in the basic materials industry, for example the metal industry, specifically a rolling mill,

[0007] - wherein the control cabin is designed as a room within a building, having a floor, a ceiling and side walls,

[0008] - the control cabin includes a steering position,

[0009] - the control station includes a human-machine interface to the system,

[0010] - wherein the human-machine interface includes output devices for issuing information about the system to an operator and input devices for receiving control instructions for the system from the operator and / or combined input / output devices for issuing information about the system to the operator and for receiving control instructions for the system from the operator.

[0011] The wording “output devices ... and input devices ... and / or combined input / output devices ...” is meant to imply that

[0012] - either only the output devices and the input devices

[0013] - or only the combined input / output devices

[0014] - or both output devices and input devices as well as combined input / output devices are available.

[0015] Output devices can include monitors and other display devices. Information about the system can include, in particular, its status. Input devices can include buttons and other controls. Combined input / output devices combine the features of both output and input devices. These can include, for example, touchscreens.

[0016] State of the art 202400206 2

[0017] Control stations for large industrial plants are generally known. As a purely illustrative example, reference can be made to the brochure "OPERATION and VISUALIZATION, Electrical Engineering and Automation" by SMS group GmbH.

[0018] A borehole control station is known from WO 2020 / 061 134 A1. The control station comprises a room and a workstation within the room. The workstation is a standard workstation, including a chair for an operator and standard input and / or output devices such as a touchscreen. The control station can be, for example, a container, a cabin, or the superstructure of a trailer. It includes a floor, a ceiling, walls, windows, a door, etc. Control devices are located inside.

[0019] US patent 2002 / 0 060 093 A1 describes a workplace located near an oil derrick or similar structure. The workplace has several seats. Various display and control devices are located in front of the seats. Several monitors may be arranged around each seat.

[0020] Summary of the invention

[0021] A control station for a large industrial plant is typically implemented by arranging the individual elements of the human-machine interface within a control cabin. A control cabin is a room within a building. Currently, the control cabin is located in the immediate vicinity of the large industrial plant. However, with increasing digitalization and data transmission, remote control and monitoring of the plant is also conceivable. Since the large-scale industrial plant is generally unique, meaning that no two identical plants exist, the control station is also correspondingly individualized. Modularity is not a given. Therefore, planning the specific design of each control station is complex.

[0022] Another disadvantage is that the assembly and wiring of the individual components of the control station can only be carried out on site. Often, however, it only becomes apparent during on-site assembly that certain aspects are not feasible or are detrimental. In such cases, adjustments must be made – often quickly and under considerable time pressure. This negatively impacts the design of the control station in terms of clarity, usability, and other aspects.

[0023] The object of the present invention is to provide means by which the disadvantages of the prior art can be overcome. 202400206 3

[0024] The problem is solved by a control cabin with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the control cabin are the subject of dependent claims 2 to 17.

[0025] According to the invention, a control cabin of the type mentioned above is designed by:

[0026] - that the control station, without being a room of the building as such, has its own floor and ceiling, which are connected to each other via side elements of the control station running between the floor and the ceiling, so that the floor, ceiling and side elements of the control station form a stable structure in themselves and are arranged in this form in the control cabin of the large industrial plant, and

[0027] - that the human-machine interface is located within a floor space bounded by the floor and ceiling of the control station.

[0028] The control room is therefore a self-contained room within a building. As components of the building, it has a floor, a ceiling, and side walls. At least one of the side walls contains a door. Often, the control room is located near the main industrial plant. In this case, at least one side wall may have large windows. The windows may be vertical or angled outwards (viewed from bottom to top).

[0029] The floor, ceiling, and side panels of the helm station are distinct elements from the floor, ceiling, and side walls of the control cabin. Because the helm station has its own floor and ceiling, connected by the side panels, it is a self-contained component separate from the control cabin. The helm station is located within the control cabin. However, even if it were located outside the control cabin, the helm station would remain stable and would not collapse or otherwise deteriorate.

[0030] Typically, the outer elements of the helm station—the floor, ceiling, and side panels—are constructed as a metal frame. Furthermore, these basic elements are usually detachably connected, for example, by bolting them together. The metal used can be, for instance, aluminum or steel.

[0031] The control station typically comprises an operator panel and a workstation for the operator. The input devices are located on the operator panel. The workstation is positioned in front of the operator panel, allowing the operator to sit in front of it – for example, on a standard office swivel chair or similar. Preferably, the output devices include a monitor wall located behind the operator panel, which in turn comprises a number of monitors displaying the system status. 202400206 4

[0032] The control panel, like the control station as a whole, is often designed as a metal skeleton, the free surfaces of which are covered with sheet materials, for example made of metal, a wood-containing material or plastic.

[0033] The display on the monitors of the monitor wall can be numerical, image-based, graphical, etc., as needed. In some cases, a single large monitor may suffice. However, typically there are n columns side by side, each with m monitors arranged vertically, where both n and m are greater than 1. Typical pairs of values ​​(n, m) are (2, 2), (3, 2), and (3, 3).

[0034] The monitor wall can be stationary relative to the control station in some cases. Preferably, however, the monitor wall is movable relative to the control station, so that it can be moved between an operating state in which the monitor wall is located behind the control panel from the operator's perspective, and a parked state in which the monitor wall is not located behind the control panel.

[0035] The mobility of the monitor wall serves in particular to allow, if necessary, a view of the system to be revealed in the event of its placement in front of the windows of the control cabin.

[0036] In operating mode, the monitors of the video wall are generally active, displaying information about the system's status. In parked mode, the monitors can be either active or inactive. The term "parked mode" is used here simply to distinguish it from the operating mode, thus providing a straightforward way to differentiate between the two locations where the video wall is installed.

[0037] In the simplest and currently preferred configuration, the monitor wall is only moved laterally. In this case, manual operation may suffice, for example, sliding it along a rail located in the control station above the monitor wall, from which the monitor wall is suspended. However, motorized movement is also possible. As an alternative to lateral movement, the monitor wall can be pivoted around its upper edge or moved similarly to a garage door. In the latter case, the upper edge of the monitor wall moves essentially horizontally towards the operator's station. The lower edge of the monitor wall moves correspondingly upwards. This is usually done with a motor. However, manual movement may also be possible using springs and / or counterweights.

[0038] It is conceivable that the output facilities consist solely of the monitor wall.

[0039] Normally, however, this is not the case. For example, the output devices may also include several monitors arranged on the control panel. 202400206 5

[0040] For example, a total of four monitors can be arranged side by side on the control panel. In this case, the two middle monitors are often arranged in a straight or nearly straight line next to each other, and the two outer monitors each form an angle with the two middle monitors, so that the monitors are arranged in a curved shape around the control station. The angles can be adjusted, if necessary, by swiveling the two outer monitors around vertical pivot axes.

[0041] It is possible for the monitors arranged on the control panel to be fixed in a vertical position. Preferably, however, these monitors can be lowered into the control panel individually, in groups, or as a whole. Currently, with a total of four monitors side by side, it is preferred to lower the two left and the two right monitors into the control panel together. However, it is also possible to lower the monitors individually or in other group configurations. For example, the two outer monitors can be lowered individually, and the two middle monitors as a group. Alternatively, motorized raising / lowering or spring-assisted raising / lowering is possible.

[0042] Preferably, the combined input / output devices on the control panel include touchscreens arranged in front of the control panel monitors. This often allows for very intuitive input. For example, there can be three touchscreens: one in the center and one each on the left and right. However, there can also be four or five touchscreens. A symbolic representation of the system is typically displayed on the central touchscreen (or one of the central touchscreens).

[0043] Preferably, the touchscreens are arranged at an angle relative to a horizontal plane. This angled arrangement allows the operator to easily view the touchscreens. Nevertheless, the monitors mounted on the control panel are not obscured, or at least only minimally. The angle of the touchscreens can be adjustable, if necessary. This allows the upper edge of each touchscreen to be raised and lowered as needed, or—currently preferred—the lower edge of each touchscreen to be raised and lowered as needed. If required, the control panel can have a recess to accommodate the respective lower edge. A combination of raising and lowering both the upper and lower edges of each touchscreen is also possible.

[0044] Preferably, the input devices for receiving control instructions for the system are at least partially arranged in an operating console of the control station, which in turn is located centrally in front of the touchscreens on the control panel. This configuration 202400206 6 has proven to be particularly practical. An operating console is a self-contained unit in which the corresponding input devices are arranged.

[0045] The control console can have discrete buttons as input devices. For example, if the plant is a rolling mill with multiple rolling stands, the control console can have a group of buttons for each rolling stand. In this case, the buttons are arranged such that the groups of buttons are positioned side by side from left to right, corresponding to the sequence of the rolling stands. Preferably, the buttons are arranged identically for each rolling stand. However, the control console can also be designed as a touchscreen or a touchpad. Preferably, the control console is replaceable as a unit, either with an identical or a different type of control console.

[0046] Additionally, a joystick may be located on the left and / or right edge of the control console, or to the left and / or right of the control console, or to the left and / or right of the touchscreens, as viewed from the operator's position. This allows for further input in a simple and often very intuitive way.

[0047] In the case of three touchscreens arranged side by side, the right joystick is preferably positioned in front of the right touchscreen, and the left joystick is preferably positioned in front of the left touchscreen.

[0048] Each joystick can be dynamically assigned a function. This selection can be made, for example, by choosing a field on the touchscreen in front of the corresponding joystick or by choosing a field on the central touchscreen. For instance, the operator can select the display of a plant component (such as a rolling mill stand) on the central touchscreen, thereby defining the functionality for the corresponding joystick. Alternatively, a completely different control element may be available, allowing the selection of an element displayed on one of the monitors arranged on the control panel—in the case of four monitors arranged side-by-side, specifically one of the two central monitors, for example, the rightmost of the two central monitors.

[0049] Preferably, from the operator's perspective, an additional control element is arranged to the right of the right joystick and / or to the left of the left joystick. These control elements are generally not part of the control console. Such control elements can be used, for example, to control components that are part of the control station. For instance, they can be used to adjust the height of the control panel, control the workstation lighting, and so on. 202400206 7

[0050] Currently, it is preferred that an additional console be located below the control panel, which can be extended from the control panel towards the operator's workstation or retracted from the workstation beneath the control panel. This additional console could, for example, accommodate a standard computer keyboard for user input. Optionally, it could also have space for a computer mouse. This allows for the simple implementation of standard PC functionality. The corresponding output medium could be, for example, (at least) one of the monitors located on the control panel.

[0051] Preferably, a retractable or extendable small console is arranged to the right of the additional console, as viewed from the operator's position. This small console can be sized to accommodate a computer mouse or similar device, unless the additional console already serves this purpose. The small console is dimensioned accordingly. For example, it can have a width of approximately 20 cm to 30 cm and a depth of a similar magnitude. The small console can be lowered relative to the additional console, allowing the computer mouse to be used regardless of whether the additional console is retracted or extended.

[0052] Furthermore, it is possible that a control panel is located to the left of the additional console, as viewed from the operator's position. The elements of the control panel can be used to control, for example, components of the control station or, if the control station is located in a control cabin, components of the control cabin, such as integrated lighting. The control panel can be extendable and retractable, similar to the additional console.

[0053] Preferably, the control panel has a flap on its upper surface, located between the monitors mounted on the panel and the monitor wall, which can be pivoted upwards about a horizontal axis running from left to right as viewed from the operator's position. When the flap is pivoted upwards, so that it is essentially vertically oriented, an area of ​​the control panel is accessible, which is covered by the flap when it is pivoted downwards, so that it is essentially horizontally oriented. This area may contain slots or other pre-installed recesses for electrical and electronic assemblies. These assemblies may be connected, in particular, to the monitors, touchscreens, operator console, and control panel, etc.on the one hand, and on the other hand, the system and controlled elements of the control station and possibly also the control cabin interact, thus serving as an interface between the rest of the control station and the system.

[0054] Any ventilation slots or holes for dissipating heat from the area covered by the flap are preferably not located on the top of the control panel or on the flap itself, but rather in the upper area of ​​the sides of the control panel. This arrangement of the ventilation openings serves to protect the components in case a liquid is accidentally spilled on the control panel, for example, if a bottle or cup falls over.

[0055] Preferably, the control station has lighting elements that are dynamically controlled by a control unit of the control station.

[0056] It is possible that the activation of the lighting elements during normal operation of the system serves, for example, (simply) to "entertain" the operator, preventing them from falling asleep during a night shift. However, the activation can also be dynamic, depending on the system's status, to alert the operator that certain actions are required regarding the system and / or control station, or even that faults have occurred requiring immediate action from the operator. It is also possible to activate the lighting elements based on whether the control station is occupied or not. This allows someone outside the control station, within the system's area, to recognize this status. This, of course, requires that the corresponding lighting elements are visible from within the system.at least its control state is recognizable from the system or generally from the outside.

[0057] Controlling the system based on whether an operator is present at the control station requires appropriate detection. Such detection is readily achievable, even automatically. It can be implemented, for example, using a motion detector at the control station or a force sensor in the chair where the operator typically sits. Other detection methods are also possible, such as a dead man's switch or a similar device. Occupancy detection can be linked to a time limit, allowing the operator to leave briefly without immediately triggering a "control station unoccupied" message. The time limit can be set as needed, ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes (at most).

[0058] Other, non-dynamically controlled lighting elements can, for example, serve to illuminate the operator station or control console. These lighting elements are usually located in the ceiling of the control station.

[0059] Preferably, the human-machine interface is located in a core area of ​​the floor space. To increase operator comfort, the control station may include a kitchen unit located within the floor space next to the core area (and thus, in particular, outside the core area). 202400206 9

[0060] To be considered a kitchen unit, it must (at least) include a sink with its water tap and drain. Typically, a kitchen unit also includes a cooktop (preferably with at least two burners), a refrigerator, and a work surface. In many cases, a kitchen cabinet is also present. Other possible components of a kitchen unit include a refrigerator, a microwave, and possibly a small oven.

[0061] Preferably, loudspeakers and / or acoustic elements and / or lighting elements and / or optical elements for lighting effects are arranged in the ceiling of the control station. This allows for appropriate output, either to the operator in the control station or to the outside.

[0062] Brief description of the drawings

[0063] The properties, features, and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more readily understandable in connection with the following description of an exemplary embodiment, which is explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. These drawings show:

[0064] FIG 1 shows a basic materials industry plant from above,

[0065] FIG 2 shows the arrangement of FIG 1 from a direction II in FIG 1,

[0066] FIG 3 shows a control station from the side,

[0067] FIG 4 the control station of FIG 3 from a direction IV in FIG 3,

[0068] FIG 5 is a perspective view of elements of the control station shown in FIGS 3 and 4.

[0069] FIG 6 shows a top view of essential parts of a control station,

[0070] FIG 7 is a modification of FIG 6,

[0071] FIG 8 shows a top view of a control panel,

[0072] FIG 9 shows a side view of a control panel and

[0073] FIG 10 is a block diagram.

[0074] Description of the embodiments

[0075] According to FIGS. 1 and 2, a large industrial plant has a plant area 1 containing various units 2 of the plant. In this case, the plant is a rolling mill and thus a plant of the metal industry. In the case of a rolling mill, the units 2 are rolling stands and their supplementary components. The rolling stands are shown only schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2. A material being rolled in the rolling stands is not shown. In principle, however, the plant does not have to be designed as a rolling mill. It can also be designed as a different type of plant of the metal industry. It can even be a plant of the 202400206 10

[0076] It is a basic materials industry facility that is not a metal industry plant. The facility is usually located in a hall.

[0077] The system can be controlled, for example, from a control cabin 3. The control cabin 3 is a room within a building. Therefore, the control cabin 3 has a floor 4, a ceiling 5, and side walls 6. Part of the side walls 6 can be fitted with windows 7 to allow a view of the system. As shown in FIG. 2, the windows 7 are often arranged at an angle. The building itself is not relevant here and is therefore not shown. The control cabin 3, and thus also the building, can be located near the system. If, in this case, the system is located in a hall, then the control cabin 3 and the building are also located in the hall.

[0078] A control station 8 is also provided for the large industrial plant, for example, the rolling mill. Such a control station 8 is often also referred to as a COC (central operation cockpit). The control station 8 is used to monitor and control the large industrial plant. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the control station 8 is located in the control cabin 3. However, the control station 8 is not a room within a building as such. According to FIGS. 1 to 4, the control station 8 has its own floor 9 and ceiling 10, which are connected to each other via side elements 11 of the control station 8. The floor 9, ceiling 10, and side elements 11 of the control station 8 are therefore distinct elements from the floor 4, ceiling 5, and side walls 6 of the control cabin 3.They form a self-contained, stable structure which, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, can be arranged in this form in the control cabin 3 and is indeed arranged in this way. According to FIG. 3, the control station 8 has side elements 11 at all four corners. In some embodiments, however, it may be sufficient if only two side elements 11 are present. For this reason, two of the side elements 11 are shown only with dashed lines in FIG. 3. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the side elements 11 are struts. Alternatively, the side elements 11 can also extend over a larger area like a wall.

[0079] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a possible configuration of the control station 8. In FIG. 5, the floor 9 is shown only in foreshortened form. In reality, it extends further to the left, right, and also forward. The ceiling 10 and the side elements 11 are not shown at all in FIG. 5, but they are present. According to FIG. 5, the control station 8 includes a human-machine interface 12 to the system, hereinafter referred to as HMI 12. As is generally known to those skilled in the art, HMI stands for human-machine interface.

[0080] The HMI 12 has output devices 13. Of the output devices 13, only some are labeled with their reference numerals in FIG. 5. The output devices 13 are used to output information about the system to an operator 14. Furthermore, the HMI 12 202400206 11

[0081] The HMI 12 features input devices 15. These input devices 15 are used to receive control instructions for the system from the operator 14. Furthermore, the HMI 12 also includes combined input / output devices 16. Only some of these combined input / output devices 16 are shown with their reference numerals in FIG. 5. The combined input / output devices 16 perform both functions: outputting information about the system to the operator 14 and receiving control instructions for the system from the operator 14.

[0082] The floor 9 and the ceiling 10 define – see FIGS. 3 and 4 – a volume 17, hereinafter referred to as the floor volume. The HMI 12 is arranged within the floor volume 17.

[0083] As a rule, the control station 8, as shown in FIG. 5, has an operating panel 18. The operating panel 18 can be mechanically or electrically height-adjustable, as is common practice for office desks. Possible configurations of the operating panel 18 are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The input devices 15 are arranged in the operating panel 18. The control station 8 also has an operator station 19 for the operator 14. The operator station 19 is located in front of the operating panel 18.

[0084] The output devices 13 often include a monitor wall 20. The monitor wall 20 is arranged behind the control panel 18. The monitor wall 20 itself comprises a number of monitors 21, which display the system status. The illustration in FIGS. 4 and 5, in which the monitor wall 20 has a total of four monitors 21 in a 2x2 arrangement, is purely exemplary. The lower edge of the monitor wall 20 is preferably located at a height at which all monitors 21 of the monitor wall 20 are fully visible from the operator station 19, i.e., in particular, are not obscured by other elements.

[0085] Preferably, the monitor wall 20 is movable relative to the control station 8. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a support rail can be provided along which the monitor wall 20 can be moved. The mobility is indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5 by a double arrow P1.

[0086] FIGS. 5 and 7 show the monitor wall 20 as seen from the operator station 19, behind the control panel 18. This state is referred to as the operating state. In the operating state, the monitors 21 are generally active. The dashed line in FIG. 5 shows the position to which the monitor wall 20 can be moved. In this state, the monitor wall 20 is not directly behind the control panel 18, but to the side. This state is referred to below as the parked state. In the parked state, the monitors 21 can be either active or inactive. If, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an additional control panel 22 is arranged next to the control panel 18, and the monitor wall 20 is located behind the additional control panel 22 in the parked state, then the monitors are generally also active in the parked state.The additional control panel 22 can, in certain cases, have the same functionality as the control panel 18. However, it often has reduced functionality, for example for emergency operation or for partial tasks, in order to relieve the operator 14 who operates the control panel 18.

[0087] The output devices 13 can, as shown in FIG. 5, also include several monitors 23 arranged on the control panel 18. According to FIGS. 5 to 7 – see also FIG. 8 – a total of four such monitors 23 are present. However, the number of monitors 23 can also be greater or less.

[0088] It is possible for the monitors 23 to be arranged in a row as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, the monitors 23 can be arranged at an angle α relative to each other as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8. The angle α can optionally be adjustable in steps or continuously. The angle α is typically at least 120° and at most 180°. The formation of the angle α applies in particular to the two outer monitors 23 relative to the two middle monitors 23.

[0089] It is possible for the monitors 23 to always be arranged on the control panel 18. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, it is possible for the monitors 23 to be recessed into the control panel 18. The recessing capability is indicated in FIG. 9 by a double arrow P2. It is possible for the monitors 23 to be recessed individually, in groups, or all at once. It is also possible that, if the monitors 23 are to be recessed, they must be arranged in a row (angle α = 180°) as shown in FIG. 6.

[0090] The combined input / output devices 16 preferably comprise touchscreens 24 arranged on the control panel 18 in front of the monitors 23. The touchscreens 24 are preferably arranged at an angle relative to a horizontal plane (indicated by the top surface 25 of the control panel 18), as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9. Preferably, the lower edge of each touchscreen 25 is located below the top surface 25, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0091] The input devices 15 are at least partially arranged in an operating console 26 of the control station 8. The operating console 26 is itself arranged centrally in the control panel 18 in front of the touchscreens 24. Furthermore, as viewed from the operator's position 19, a joystick 27 is arranged on the left edge and on the right edge of the operating console 26. Alternatively, it is also possible that a joystick 27 is arranged only on the left edge or only on the right edge of the operating console 26. The joystick 27 or joysticks 27 can, in particular, be input devices 15. 202400206 13

[0092] As an alternative to being arranged at the respective edge of the control console 26, the joysticks 27 could also be arranged to the left and / or right of the control console 26 or to the left and / or right of the touchscreens 24. Optionally, another control element could be arranged to the right of the right joystick 27 and / or to the left of the left joystick 27, as viewed from the operator's position 19. These additional control elements are not shown in the FIG.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an additional console 28 can be provided below the control panel 26 on the control panel 18. If present, the additional console 28 can be extended from the control panel 18 to the operator station 19, or moved from the operator station 19 under the control panel 18. This movement is indicated in FIGS. 5 and 6 by a double arrow P3.

[0094] From the operator's position 19, a small, extendable or retractable console can also be arranged to the right of the additional console 28. This console is not shown in the FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, a control panel can also be arranged to the left of the additional console 28, as seen from the operator's position 19.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 9, the control panel 18 can have a flap 29 on its upper surface 25. The flap 29, if present, is located between the monitors 23 and the monitor wall 20. The flap 29 is pivotable about an axis 30. The axis 30 is oriented horizontally and runs from left to right as viewed from the operator's position 19. Typically, when the flap 29 is pivoted upwards, the edge 31 of the flap 29 furthest from the axis 30 is located near the rear of the monitors 23, as shown in FIG. 9. When the flap 29 is pivoted downwards, it rests substantially horizontally on a stop 32. In this position, the edge 31 is spaced from the rear of the monitors 23.

[0096] In many cases, the control station 8 will have lighting elements 33 and 34, as shown in FIG. 4. The lighting elements 33 typically serve only for the "normal" illumination of the station volume 17. The operator 14 can switch the lighting elements 33 on and off independently. The lighting elements 34, on the other hand, are dynamically controlled by a control unit 35 of the control station 8, as shown in FIG. 10. For example, the control can be triggered depending on a state Z1 of the controlled system in order to alert the operator 14 to critical situations in a timely manner. Alternatively or additionally, the control can be triggered depending on a state Z2 of the control station 8 itself, in particular depending on whether the operator station 19 is occupied by the operator 14 or not.For example, the color of the light elements 34 can be changed by appropriate control (e.g., a change from green to red, possibly via the intermediate state of yellow). Alternatively or additionally, a time-varying control can be implemented (e.g., depending on state Z1 and / or state Z2, continuous illumination, slow flashing, or fast flashing).

[0097] The HMI 12 is arranged in a core area 36 of the floor space 17, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7. The floor space 17 may also include a supplementary area 37 (FIG. 4, FIG. 5) and / or a kitchen area (not shown). The supplementary area 37 and / or the kitchen area are located adjacent to the core area 36. The supplementary control panel 22 is located in the supplementary area 37, if present. A kitchen unit is located in the kitchen area, if present.

[0098] Furthermore, 8 loudspeakers and / or other acoustic elements can be arranged in the ceiling of the control station.

[0099] The present invention has many advantages. The control station 8 has a modular design and can therefore be easily maintained, repaired and adapted to changing needs.

[0100] Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived from them by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention.

[0101] 202400206 15

[0102] Reference symbol list

[0103] 1 Plant area

[0104] 2 units

[0105] 3 Control cabin

[0106] 4, 9 floors

[0107] 5, 10 blankets

[0108] 6 side walls

[0109] 7 windows

[0110] 8 Control station

[0111] 11 page elements

[0112] 12 Human-Machine Interface

[0113] 13 dispensing facilities

[0114] 14 Operator

[0115] 15 Input devices

[0116] 16 combined input / output devices

[0117] 17 floor volume

[0118] 18, 22 Control panels

[0119] 19 operator stations

[0120] 20 monitor wall

[0121] 21, 23 monitors

[0122] 24 touchscreens

[0123] 25 Top

[0124] 26 Control console

[0125] 27 Joystick

[0126] 28 additional consoles

[0127] 29th flap

[0128] 30 axis

[0129] 31 edge

[0130] 32 stops

[0131] 33, 34 lighting elements

[0132] 35 Control unit

[0133] 36 Core area

[0134] 37 Supplementary area

[0135] P1 to P3 Double Arrows

[0136] Z1, Z2 states a angle

Claims

202400206 16 Claims 1. Control cabin for a large industrial plant, in particular a plant in the basic materials industry, for example the metal industry, specifically a rolling mill, - wherein the control cabin (3) is designed as a room of a building which has a floor (4), a ceiling (5) and side walls (6), - wherein the control cabin includes a control station (8), - wherein the control station (8) includes a human-machine interface (12) to the system, - wherein the human-machine interface (12) has output devices (13) for outputting information about the system to an operator (14) and input devices (15) for receiving control instructions for the system from the operator (14) and / or combined input / output devices (16) for outputting information about the system to the operator (14) and for receiving control instructions for the system from the operator (14), characterized by , - that the control station (8), without being a room of the building as such, has its own floor (9) and its own ceiling (10), which are connected to each other by side elements (11) of the control station (8) running between the floor (9) and the ceiling (10) of the control station (8), so that the floor (9), the ceiling (10) and the side elements (11) of the control station (8) form a stable structure in itself and is arranged in this form in the control cabin (3) of the large industrial plant, and - that the human-machine interface (12) is arranged within a floor volume (17) bounded by the floor (9) and the ceiling (10) of the control station (8).

2. Control cabin according to claim 1, characterized in that the control station (8) has an operating panel (18) in which the input devices (15) are arranged, that the control station (8) has an operator station (19) for the operator (14) arranged in front of the operating panel (18), that the output devices (13) comprise a monitor wall (20) arranged behind the operating panel (18) and that the monitor wall (20) in turn comprises a number of monitors (21) on which states of the system are displayed.

3. Control cabin according to claim 2, characterized in that the monitor wall (20) is movable with respect to the control station (8), so that the monitor wall (20) is movable between an operating state in which the monitor wall (20) is located behind the control panel (18) as seen from the operator's station (19) of the control station (8), and a parked state in which the monitor wall (20) is not located behind the control panel (18). 202400206 17 4. Control cabin according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the output devices (13) comprise several monitors (23) arranged on the control panel (18).

5. Control cabin according to claim 4, characterized in that the monitors (23) arranged on the control panel (18) can be lowered individually, in groups or as a whole into the control panel (18).

6. Control cabin according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the combined input / output devices (16) on the control panel (18) comprise touchscreens (24) arranged in front of the monitors (23) of the control panel (18).

7. Control cabin according to claim 6, characterized in that the touchscreens (24) are arranged obliquely relative to a horizontal plane.

8. Control cabin according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the input devices (15) for receiving the control instructions for the plant are at least partially arranged in an operating console (26) of the control station (8), which in turn is arranged in the control panel (18) centrally in front of the touchscreens (24).

9. Control cabin according to claim 8, characterized in that a joystick (27) is arranged on the left edge and / or on the right edge of the control console (26) or to the left and / or right of the control console (26) or to the left and / or right of the touchscreens (24) as seen from the operator's position (19).

10. Control cabin according to claim 9, characterized in that a further control element is arranged to the right of the right joystick (27) and / or to the left of the left joystick (27) when viewed from the operator's position (19).

11. Control cabin according to claim 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that an additional console (28) is provided on the control panel (18) below the control console (26) 202400206 18 is available, which can be extended from the control panel (18) to the operator station (19) or moved away from the operator station (19) under the control panel (18).

12. Control cabin according to claim 11, characterized in that, viewed from the operator's position (19), a small extendable or retractable console is arranged to the right of the additional console (28).

13. Control cabin according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a control panel is arranged to the left of the additional console (28) as seen from the operator's position (19).

14. Control cabin according to one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that the control panel (18) has a flap (29) on its upper side (25) between the monitors (23) arranged on the control panel (18) and the monitor wall (20), which can be pivoted upwards about a horizontal axis (30) extending from left to right as seen from the operator's position (19).

15. Control cabin according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the control station (8) has lighting elements (34) which are dynamically controlled by a control device (35) of the control station (8).

16. Control cabin according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the human-machine interface (12) is arranged in a core area (36) of the floor volume (17) and that the control station (8) has a kitchen element which is arranged within the floor volume (17) next to the core area (36).

17. Control cabin according to one of the above claims, characterized in that loudspeakers and / or acoustic elements and / or lighting elements (33) and / or optical elements for lighting effects are arranged in the ceiling (10) of the control station (8).

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