Installation device and installation assembly with control modules

The present invention relates to an installation device with a port to which a connection module for connecting is attached by electrical wires.

Load feeder combinations as installation equipment can be realized, are used to protect electrical Consumers, such as a motor. A load feeder combination this has the functions short-circuit protection, Overload protection, electrical or mechanical Turn and lockable isolating distance.

In more complex systems, the load feeder combinations be connected to a master controller. It is true, the control terminals of the load feeder combination as simple, compact and easy to handle to design.

From the document EP 1126568 A1 is such a load feeder combination known to the means of connection modules Control lines are connectable. The described therein Load feeder combination consists of a circuit breaker, a contactor and a control panel. The thereby switching devices used are of a mechanical Adapters and jumpers together. Over the entire Front end of the load feeder combination are connections distributed. Thus, in the control panel mean Terminals connected to control terminals of the power switch are, and lower terminals that the control terminals Contactor are connected, provided. About an upper connection , the diaphragm with the manifold connections of Control distributor are connected. This control distributor collects the signals of a group of load feeder combinations and a connector can be either a Connection to a programmable logic controller or a further lateral connectors connect be prepared to a communication module.

The object of the present invention is thus, the functionality and operability of an installation device improving or installing device group.

This object is achieved by an installation device with a first interface for attaching a Module, this first interface, a control module releasably mounted with internal signal processing.

Preferably the installation device according to the invention is as Load feeder or load feeder combination configured. Here, a load feeder should the functions: Short circuit protection, overload protection, electronic or mechanical own switching and lockable isolating distance. This is a standard load feeder with the feature extended a lockable isolating distance, so that in particular energized one strand assembly work can be and this with, for example a padlock is hedged.

Furthermore, the installation device may comprise at least a second having interface to which a power connection module is attached for connecting power cables. there it is favorable if the first port on a first Page of the service device and the second interface an opposing the first side of the second side positioned installation device. For wall mounting of the service device can thus clearly distinguish between a power side, which usually lies above, and a control side, which is typically below, be distinguished.

Optionally, the installation device, a control module exhibit that a terminal for a power supply of the service device and / or has control module. Because of this Summarizing control lines and power lines to the drive module, further reduction of items and improved handling and mountability be achieved.

The control module, at least one input-output terminal exhibit. This allows controlling the installation device influence by the control module from the outside or check.

The control module may further include a third interface for comprise attaching a connector module. This third Interface desirably has the same structure as the first and second interface, so that in principle any Modules can be mounted to the interface. With Help the connection module can be the terminals also the control module comfortably attach.

The location with the features mentioned installation equipment can be combined to install device groups or be combined. Here, for example, a first Installation unit with a starting module for starting a electric machine and a second installation device be an expansion module equipped. In this way can an installation device group with complex functionality will be realized.

The start module and the expansion module to the installation devices installing device group can use a Connectors for bidirectional signal transmission connected be. This can be easily read with a demand Communication between the modules with a Create a single plug movement. The connector can same for the mechanical connection of the two modules serve.

In a particularly preferred embodiment only comprises a starting module installation a device group with several Extension modules, an interface for a connection module on. It is thus possible, all control lines for installing equipment group on the at the to lead start module to be connected connection module. This means, that the connections for the entire install device group are combined centrally at one point. This facilitates the installation of an installation device group significantly.

The present invention will now reference to the accompanying explained drawings, in which:<dl tsize="5" compact="compact"><dt>1 shows</dt><dd>a circuit diagram of connection of installation equipment to a PLC system;</dd><dt>FIG 2</dt><dd>a perspective view of an installation device with plugged modules;</dd><dt>FIG 3</dt><dd>one accessory with attached and marked out Interfaces;</dd><dt>FIG 4</dt><dd>a perspective view of two combined installation equipment with attached Ansteuermodulen;</dd><dt>FIG 5</dt><dd>the two installation devices of FIG 8 with removed Ansteuermodulen; and</dd><dt>FIG 6</dt><dd>a detailed view of the control modules of FIG 7, wherein remove the connector module of the starting module is.</dd></dl>

The exemplary embodiments illustrated in more detail below preferred embodiments of the present invention represent.

1 shows a power distribution system 1 to which several Wiring devices 2 are connected. The connection of the Wiring devices 2 to a higher-level controller (PLC) 3 through a system with standard input and output modules 4. respectively over a Ansteuerkanal K1 or K2 a or more installation devices via control modules plugged driven and the switching states of the installation devices 2 reported back to the host controller. 3

The control modules, for example, as a starting modules 5 or 6 expansion modules may be implemented include, for the data transfer each electronic unit. With Connectors 7, the drive modules 5, 6 each get connected. The Start Module 5 require terminals for example, a power supply and the Ansteuer- or feedback channel K1 or K2. Since the supply voltage and the control signals via a connector 7 from Start Module 5 for the first expansion module 6 or between the additional extension modules 6 are passed, are with the expansion modules 6 in this form no Terminals necessary.

For various lines to be connected is present For each installation device in addition to a terminal module 8 stocked. However, the clarity are connecting cables, which open into the connection modules, in FIG 1 not shown.

For a quick and safe assembly and disassembly of the drive modules 5, 6 to the installation equipment 2 is subsequently proposed mounting technique described, with the the modules plugged without confusion and space-saving Locking devices to prevent accidental loosening can be locked at the installation device. 2

For further explanation of the invention are shown in Figures 2 and 3 Installation devices shown with connection modules. In the However, these figures do not depicted objects Embodiments of the present invention. They serve However, to show, the interfaces used with their mechanical and electrical properties for connection modules and control modules used equally are. The so-equipped installation devices are consequently versatile.

In FIG 2, a motor starter, a typical installation device 2, shown in perspective. A total of four connection modules 8 mounted on the installation device 8A. Usually carried out the power connections on a connection module each side of the service device and the drive terminals advantageously via connection modules 8B on a Side of the service device 2, as shown also in FIG 2 is. About the terminals of the connection module, in Also requires a supply voltage for the installation device be connected. The housing further includes an attachment 10 to the switching device, for example, to mount in a cabinet on a DIN rail.

In FIG 3 are for the demonstration of the constructive expression of Interface between the installation unit 2 and the respective Connection module two of the connection modules 81 from the installation device 2 removed and rotated in an exploded view reproduced. In addition, a third connecting module represented the 82nd The connection modules can as standard in any connection technologies be. In the example of FIG 3, the two connection modules 81 in the embodiment, screw connection and the connection module 82 shown in the embodiment of spring contacts. In known Example, in the connection modules 81 connecting wires screwed. In contrast, in the connection module 82, which is carried out in spring-loaded terminals, wire terminations in also pinch known manner. The attachment of the However, modules to the installation devices is independent of the connection technology used.

As is apparent from FIG 3 also possesses the installation device 2 at its lateral boundary walls L- or angular recesses 9. The recesses 9 lead the assembling of a connecting module 8 a first geometrical Fixation brought to the installation device. 2 This first fixing is carried out in accordance with a first movement, with which the to be fixed to the module installation unit 2 and in the Recess 9 is conducted. this fixation is supported by phases or roundings at the recesses. 9

A second movement perpendicular to the first movement is the connection module along the frontal guide wall brought 21 of the service device in its final position. In This end position locked a Verrasthaken 83 in a recess 22 at the end face of the service device 2. Using a Standard tools, such. As a screwdriver can, of Locking or Verrasthaken 83 from its locking in the recess are placed 22nd By opposing the joining process Movements, the connection module of the installation device 2 are then dismantled.

The electrical connection to the respective interface module be made through contacts 23rd This project in the present example, the installation unit 2 outwardly and engage in recesses 86 with corresponding following module.

For fixing in the angular recesses 9 has each module corresponding to both sides of clamp-like projections 84. These have in partial sections in a cross-section perpendicular to said module interface an L-shaped Shape. When assembled, then accesses the remote from the module Limb of the L-shaped projection 84 in the recess 9 of the service device.

A differentiated assignment of interfaces to different Slots on the service device 2 can corresponding encoding processes.

The explained in connection with Figures 2 and 3, module interface can also be a control interface for a control module be used. This provides an independent module Interface that for at the installation device releasably mounted control module is preferably used can be. has this universal plug-in interface the following advantages:<ul><li>Same, consistent handling of the equipment by the user both during assembly and during dismantling is guaranteed.</li><li>The coding and the lock are in the housing parts introduced contours feasible, ie there is no additional effort in the preparation by additional parts.</li><li>The geometrical dimensions of the modular terminal blocks and the control modules can be kept very low.</li><li>The execution of the coding and the locking is independent from the connection technology.</li></ul>

In FIG 4, a service device, for. Example, a motor starter, with mounted Ansteuermodulen for a connection to an automation system shown in Fig. 1 At the two combined installation devices 2 are in addition to the connection modules 8 also drive modules 5, 6 infected. Especially is on one of the installation devices 2 a Start Module 5 and fitted onto the other extension module 6th These two control modules are, as already indicated in FIG 1, coupled to a connector 7th

Since the start module requires 5 connectors, is the starting module 5 private connection module 8, for example, to connect stuck to a PLC. can for this interface uses the same mounting and encoders be like for the interface between the starting module 5 and the installation device 2nd

This embodiment allows the installation of the device or load feeder 2 outwardly guided combined control terminals via a connection module 8 on the housing are arranged in one place. Depending on the number the terminals can also buy several adjacent connector modules according to FIG 2 - at a predetermined width optionally be executed - graded.

In FIG 5 is also installing equipment combining FIG 4 is shown but with the control modules 5 and 6 including the connection module 8 of the installation devices were taken. are in the graphical representation the removed drive modules 5, 6 rotated so that their terminal sides or module interfaces visible are. Accordingly, the installation units 2, for example, the angular recesses 9 and the Ansteuermodulen 5, 6, the fixing protrusions 84 and the Verrasthaken 83 clearly visible.

In FIG 6 are of the installation device combination FIG 4 plugged drive modules 5 and 6 shown enlarged. The connecting module 8 is removed in this figure and rotated reproduced. It has the same connection interface as the drive modules 5 and 6 or the connection modules 81, 82 of FIG 3. At the module slot the connecting module 8 at the start of Module 5 are accordingly seen in Figure 6, the angle-shaped recesses. 9

According to a preferred embodiment of the load feeder met 2, Short circuit protection, overload protection, mechanical or electronic switching and lockable Isolating distance. These functions are in a Switching device, that is realized in a housing, are summarized.

In summary it can be said that combinations significantly simplified for load feeders invention for connection to PLC can be built. Furthermore, resulting from the invention specifically the following advantages:<ul><li>The number of components to be used can be reduced be because, for example, distribution and connection modules, as they are called in the art, at least may be partially surrendered.</li><li>The tap of the connectors on the installation or switching device takes place at a central location and not, as in known in the art, at various points of Front or operator side of the machine. This allows the control module compared to the known control panel easier getting produced. Furthermore, have no long Signal paths are covered. Furthermore, the corresponding fall Tolerances smaller from a Verkant en occurs less frequently and simplified assembly can be achieved.</li><li>When installing equipment group may indicate a control distributor with plug interface to the operator aperture be waived.</li><li>As can also be dispensed on the control panel, the heat dissipation of the installed devices is improved. Especially with an overload protection with thermal bimetal performs a control panel that is to severe restrictions.</li><li>By spatial separation of the control modules of power units Installation of the device, particularly of interfaces a power distribution system, is a independent use of the control modules possible. This means, various types within one installation device group Power distribution systems are used , since not necessarily the entire switchgear Group must be supplied from a power system, as is known from the prior art. </li><li>According to the invention, the product variance be reduced, there is no longer an appropriate control distributor with associated coupling points must be provided. Ie. it no longer needs, for example, for a group of two Diverting a so-called 2-manifold and a group four branches a 4-manifold are provided. Rather, the inventive concept are only two Statement by Ansteuermodulen needed a fact Start and an expansion module, because the extension modules can be linked in any number together.</li></ul>