EP2991170B1 - Assembly with modular parts and adjustable coding means - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement with modular parts and adjustable coding, which have Kodiereinstellungen that allow or prevent assembly of the module parts.

When handling multiple module parts, it is often necessary to ensure that module parts are not unduly interconnected. If, for example, electrical connections between the module parts are provided, then a wrong assembly may cause erroneous operation of the module parts or even their destruction. By using coding the module parts are so individualized that an improper assembly is prevented.

From the US 4 595 250 It is known to provide rotatable elements as coding means, which have at the one part of the module protruding fingers and at the other module part corresponding openings. This type of coding makes the structure relatively complicated, since these are different for the two module parts form and special measures must be provided, which on the one hand allow the elements to rotate as needed, but on the other hand prevent the elements unintentionally from a certain rotational position are moved out.

From the US 6 142 592 It is known to provide as Kodiermittel on the module parts recesses in which Kodierpins are inserted. This type of coding has the disadvantage that the Kodierpins are formed as separate parts and therefore may be lost. Are not all recesses provided with a Kodierpin, so there is a risk that the coding is no longer unique and thus an improper assembly of module parts is possible.

From the US 6,196,881 It is known to provide recesses as coding means on the one part of the module and slidable slides with pins on the other part of the module. In a Kodiereinstellung, which allows an assembly of the module parts, the pins engage in the recesses. This type of coding has the disadvantage of limited adjustability, since the recesses are already provided on the one module part in the production, so that their positions can not be changed later.

From the DE 25 34 775 A1 It is known to provide coding elements which project from the coding element and which consist of plug-in pins on one module part and of break-out teeth on the other module part. This type of coding has also the disadvantage of limited adjustability, since a breaking out of a tooth can not be undone.

In the US 2002/146931 A1 and DE 43 43 024 A1 in each case coding means are described with elements which are fixedly mounted in the assembled state. To change the coding, the coding must be taken apart and put together differently. This complicates the setting of a coding.

From the DE 195 00 156 A1 Coding means are known which have wegbrechbare elements. This embodiment has the disadvantage that the coding can be set only once.

From the WO 91/10271 A1 and DE 199 64 150 A1 Coding means are known with elements which are permanently mountable and have a fixed shape. Changing the coding is complicated because it requires an exchange of elements.

An object of the present invention is to provide an assembly having modular parts and coding means of simpler construction and improved adjustability.

This object is achieved by the arrangement according to claim 1. The other claims indicate preferred embodiments of the inventive arrangement.

According to claim 1, the arrangement comprises coding means with back and forth displaceably arranged coding elements, which are each received in a receiving space and have a nose that protrudes from the receiving space. There are coding positions adjustable, in which either an assembly of the module parts is possible by a respective nose of a Kodierelements offset in the displacement direction to the nose of an opposite Kodierelements, or joining the module parts is prevented by at least one nose of a Kodierelements on the nose of a abuts opposite coding element.

As a result, the adjustability is improved and the structure is simplified.

Preferably, the respective nose of a coding is designed so that it is accessible for manual operation. The coding element can thus be moved without the need for an additional tool to be used.

• Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Detailansicht zweier Modulteile mit Kodierelementen,
• Fig. 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines einzelnen Kodierelements aus Fig. 1,
• Fig. 3 das Kodierelement aus Fig. 2 in einer Vorderansicht,
• Fig. 4 das Kodierelement aus Fig. 2 in einer geschnittenen Seitenansicht gemäss der in Fig. 3 angegebenen Ebene IV-IV,
• Fig. 5 eine Detailansicht aus Fig. 3,
• Fig. 6 der untere Teil der Anordnung aus Fig. 1 in einer geschnittenen Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 7 der untere Teil der Anordnung aus Fig. 1 in einer geschnittenen perspektivischen Seitenansicht,
• Fig. 8 der untere Teil der Anordnung aus Fig. 1 in einer Vorderansicht,
• Fig. 9 eine Draufsicht des unteren Teils der Anordnung aus Fig. 1 zusammen mit einer weiteren Kodierstelle,
• Figg. 10a-10b verschiedene Kodiereinstellungen der Anordnung aus Fig. 1 in einer geschnittenen Seitenansicht, und
• Fig. 11 eine Anordnung mit Modulteilen und mehreren Kodierstellen gemäss Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht

darstellen.Other specific design features and their advantages will be apparent from the following description and drawings of an embodiment in which

• Fig. 1 a detailed perspective view of two module parts with coding elements,
• Fig. 2 a perspective view of a single coding element Fig. 1 .
• Fig. 3 the coding from Fig. 2 in a front view,
• Fig. 4 the coding from Fig. 2 in a sectional side view according to the in Fig. 3 level IV-IV,
• Fig. 5 a detailed view Fig. 3 .
• Fig. 6 the lower part of the arrangement Fig. 1 in a sectional side view,
• Fig. 7 the lower part of the arrangement Fig. 1 in a sectional perspective side view,
• Fig. 8 the lower part of the arrangement Fig. 1 in a front view,
• Fig. 9 a plan view of the lower part of the arrangement Fig. 1 together with another coding point,
• Figg. 10a-10b different coding settings of the arrangement Fig. 1 in a sectional side view, and
• Fig. 11 an arrangement with modular parts and multiple coding according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view

represent.

Fig. 1 shows a coding with coding elements 10, 10 ', which are arranged on mating module parts 50, 50', for example on a housing or a plug with terminals (see. Fig. 11 ). A respective coding element 10, 10 'is displaceable back and forth so that it can assume two coding positions. Here is the situation shown that the selected coding position, a joining of the module parts 50, 50 'allowed.

The two coding elements 10 and 10 'and their arrangement on the respective module part 50, 50' are the same here. Hereinafter, the coding element 10 and its arrangement will be explained in more detail on the module part 50. The description applies analogously to the coding element 10 '.

In FIGS. 2-4, a single coding element 10 is shown. For the following explanation, a coordinate system X, Y, Z is used in which the X-axis is given by the direction along which the coding element 10 is displaced back and forth, and the Y and Z axes arranged transversely thereto along the Width and height of the coding element 10 run.

The coding element 10 has a base body 11 and a nose 31 set thereon. The base body 11 is provided at the bottom with a recess 12 which extends from the front side 11a into the interior. As a result, each of the according Fig. 3 on the left and right sides a foot part 13a, 13b and on the rear side 11b of the base body 11 a guide part 14 is formed, which projects downwards (cf. Fig. 4 ).

Above the foot parts 13a, 13b, a groove 15 is embedded in the front side 11a of the base body 11.

At the upper end of the base body 11 is in each case according to its Fig. 3 left and right side a locking bar 16a, 16b arranged, which extends in the Y-axis. In particular Fig. 3 shows, is the wall of the base body 11, which adjacent to the respective Arretierungsleiste 16a, 16b is, with weakening points 17a, 18a, 17b, 18b provided by the wall there runs inwards and thus the wall thickness is reduced. As a result, elasticity is imparted to the locking ledges 16a, 16b, which enables them to move downwards in the Z-axis, ie towards the foot parts 13a, 13b.

Like the detail view in Fig. 5 shows, the locking bar 16a seen in cross section on a round head 19, which is connected via a narrowing web 20 with the rest of the base body 11. The cross section of the other locking strip 16b is analogous.

In the resting state as in Figg. 3 and 4, the locking ledges 16a, 16b extend beyond the level defined by the upper surface 11c of the base body 11 on which the nose 31 is disposed (see the dashed line 21 in FIG Fig. 5 ). When a force is applied to the locking ledges 16a, 16b, this level is lowered.

The nose 31 is formed by a projection, which protrudes from the base body 11 and is arranged offset in the Y-axis to the rear, so that a distance between the front 11a of the base body 11 and nose 31 is given (see. Fig. 4 ). The nose 31 is here arranged flush with the rear side 11b of the base body 11 (cf. Fig. 4 ) and seen in the Z-axis has a tapered shape (see. Fig. 3 ).

The movable mounting of the coding element 10 is in the FIGS. 1 as well as 6-9. The module part 50 has a receiving space 51 which extends from the front 50a of the module part 50 in the interior thereof and here is formed substantially cuboid. The upper side 50b of the module part 50, which is arranged transversely to the front side 50a, has a slot 52 which opens into the receiving space 51 and has an opening 53 on the front side 50a. The base body 11 of the coding element 10 is received in the receiving space 51, while the nose 31 protrudes from the receiving space 51 through the slot 52 to the outside. Its extension in the X-axis is chosen so that two lugs 31 find space next to each other.

On the bottom 51a of the receiving space 51, a guide element 54 is arranged, which is located within the recess 12 of the coding element 10 and which is arranged at a distance from the rear side 51b of the receiving space 51 (see, for example Fig. 9 showing two coding positions, the left coding digit being shown without coding element 10). As a result, a guide groove 55 is defined, in which the guide part 14 of the coding element 10 engages (see. Fig. 6 ).

On the ceiling 51c of the receiving space 51, a locking groove 56a, 56b, each having an undercut and extending in the Y direction, is inserted on both sides Fig. 8 , The cross-sectional shape of the locking groove 56a and 56b is here round and adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the head of the locking bar 16a and 16b.

In the coding position according to Fig. 8 engages the locking bar 16a via its head 19 in the locking groove 56a. The other locking strip 16b bears at least partially against the ceiling 51c of the receiving space 51 (see also the view in FIG Fig. 9 ). The locking strip 16b is from its rest position moved down so that it presses against the ceiling 51c due to its elasticity.

In order to bring the coding element 10 in the other coding position, a force is exerted on the nose 31 and / or groove 15, so that the head 19 of the locking bar 16 a is pressed down and pushed out of the locking groove 56 a. The head 19 now rests against the ceiling 51c. The coding element 10 is then further displaced until the locking strip 16b engages in the locking groove 56b. The displacement is guided by the elements 14, 54.

The coding element 10 can be manufactured, for example, in one piece from plastic or another material. The provision of the opening 53 (cf. Fig. 9 ) allows the coding element 10 to be inserted from the outside into the receiving space 51. The guide element 54 is designed in the form of a ramp, which increases in relation to the guide groove 55 (cf. Fig. 6 ). This shaping makes it easier to push away the guide part 14 via the guide element 54 during assembly of the coding element 10 until it comes to engage in the guide groove 55.

With a pair of coding elements 10, 10 ', which are arranged on joinable module parts 50, 50', four different coding positions are adjustable, as they are in Fig. 10a-10d are shown. In these figures, "0" denotes the position at which the coding element 10, 10 'is located on the left in the direction of the nose 31, 31', while "1" is the position at which the coding element 10, 10 'moves in the direction the nose 31, 31 'seen on the right. The letter "A" refers to the coding element 10, the letter "B" refers to the coding element 10 '.

In the situation according to FIG. 10a and 10b, the two coding elements 10, 10 'are in the same position (i.e., either 0 or 1 position) so that the module parts 50, 50' could be joined together. The lugs 31, 31 'of the coding elements 10, 10' are arranged offset to one another in the direction of displacement, so that they can engage in the receiving space 51, 51 'of the opposite module part 50, 50'. In the situation according to FIG. 10c and 10d, the two coding elements 10, 10 'are in different positions. The lugs 31, 31 'are arranged opposite each other and abut each other, so that the module parts 50, 50' can not be joined together.

Depending on the application, a plurality of pairs of coding elements 10, 10 'may be provided. In general, with N pairs of coding elements 10, 10 '(N = 1, 2, 3,...), A maximum of 2 ^N pairs of modular parts of a first and second type can be uniquely coded, ie the coding can be set so that each of the 2 ^N-1 module parts of the first type can be joined together only with a single module part of the second type.

Fig. 11 shows an example of an application of the coding means 10, 10 'in a device comprising the module parts 60 and 60'. These can be put together in such a way that an electrical connection between them is established. For this purpose, the module part 60 'has an extension 67', which can be inserted into a recess 67 on the module part 60, in which a (not visible here) contacting, for example, a plate is arranged, with the module part 60 'electrically contacted is. The module part 60 is for example part of a module which is designed to receive, process and output signals. Such modules are used eg in rail-bound vehicles, eg trains Control and / or automation purposes, which include, for example, the following aspects: air conditioning, heating, ventilation, lighting control, door control, anti-slip, cab automation, skid resistance, traction, remote maintenance, wet cell control, visualization, vehicle steering, etc. The module parts are also in other areas, especially used in industry.

The module part 60 here has a recess 61, which is designed for mounting on a rail. The module part 60 comprises, on the side, connecting elements 68, via which an adjacent module part can be connected, in order, for example, allow the exchange and / or forwarding of signals. The connection elements 68 may be e.g. be designed as a plug, knife, jacks or in any other form, so that an electrical connection can be produced.

The module part 60 'is designed here as a terminal block to which wires can be connected. It has connecting recesses 61 'into which the wire ends can be inserted.

• einen am Modulteil 60 gebildeten Bügel 62, in welchem ein am Modulteil 60' gebildeter Haken 62' eingreifen kann,
• ein am Modulteil 60' gebildeter Vorsprung 63', der unter eine Haltekante 63 am Modulteil 60 greifen kann, sowie
• ein am Modulteil 60' gebildeter Bügel 64', der an einem am Modulteil 60 gebildeten Gegenstück 64 einrastbar ist.

For holding together the assembled module parts 60 and 60 'holding means are provided. These include the following elements:

• a bracket 62 formed on the module part 60, in which a hook 62 'formed on the module part 60' can engage,
• a formed on the module part 60 'projection 63', which can engage under a retaining edge 63 on the module part 60, as well as
• a formed on the module part 60 'bracket 64', which is latched to a formed on the module part 60 counterpart 64.

Of course, depending on the application, the retaining means may also be designed differently to effect cohesion, with preferably the retaining means being such as to provide a releasable connection between the module parts.

The respective module part 60, 60 'has a plurality of coding elements 10 and 10', which are each arranged in a row. In the present example, 5 pairs of coding elements 10, 10 'are provided so that a maximum of 5 ² = 32 pairs of module parts 60, 60' can be clearly coded. Of course, this number of coding elements 10, 10 'can also be different depending on the intended use. The respective module part 60, 60 'has a housing wall, in which the receiving spaces for receiving the coding elements 10, 10' are formed.

When assembling a plurality of modules, each consisting of the module parts 60 and 60 ', the user can set the coding elements 10 and 10' manually so that only one module part 60 'can be joined to another module part 60. This can prevent erroneous connection from being established and e.g. a faulty operation is caused.

The encoders shown here are versatile in order to adjust joinable module parts so that incorrect connections are prevented. The module parts are e.g. designed for the control, regulation and / or monitoring of certain operations or operations.

The holding means for holding the one module part on the other module part are versatile interpretable, and can, for example Snap and locking elements, fittings, separate security parts, etc. include.

Claims (14)

1. Assembly comprising:

   - at least one modular part of a first type (50, 60),

   - at least one modular part of a second type (50', 60'),

   - adjustable coding means (10, 10'), which have coding settings, which allow or prevent a joining together of the modular parts, and

   - holding means (62-64, 62'-64') for holding one modular part on the other modular part when these are joined together,

   wherein the coding means comprise coding elements (10, 10'), which in each case are received in a receiving space (51, 51') formed in the modular part of the first and second type (50, 50', 60, 60'), respectively and which in each case comprise a projection (31, 31') projecting out of the receiving space, characterized in that the respective coding element is disposed so as to be movable to and fro in order to assume at least two coding positions, which can be selected so that

   a) for joining together of the modular parts a respective projection of a coding element is disposed in the direction of movement offset with respect to the projection of an opposing coding element, and

   b) for prevention of a joining together of the modular parts at least one projection of a coding element abuts the projection of an opposing coding element.
2. Assembly according to claim 1, further comprising locking means (16a, 16b, 56a, 56b) for locking a coding element (10, 10') in the respective coding position.
3. Assembly according to claim 2, wherein the locking means (16a, 16b, 56a, 56b) comprise locking ridges (16a, 16b), which are formed on the coding elements (10, 10') and are preferably configured to be resiliently movable.
4. Assembly according to claim 3, wherein the respective wall of the coding elements (10, 10') adjacent to the locking ridges (16a, 16b) includes weakened areas (17a, 18a, 17b, 18b).
5. Assembly according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the respective locking ridge (16a, 16b) comprises a round head (19) when viewed in cross-section.
6. Assembly according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the receiving spaces (51, 51') comprise locking grooves (56a, 56b) in which the locking ridges (16a, 16b) can engage, the respective locking groove preferably comprising an undercut.
7. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the respective receiving space (51, 51') a guide groove (55) is formed, in which a guide part (14) formed on the coding element (10, 10') engages.
8. Assembly according to claim 7, wherein a guide element (54) is disposed on the base (51a) of a respective receiving space (51, 51') in order to form the guide groove (55), wherein the guide element is preferably designed as a ramp.
9. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective receiving space (51, 51') is configured to be laterally open, so that for assembling a coding element (10, 10') can be inserted into the receiving space.
10. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coding elements (10, 10') are disposed on the modular part of the first type (60) as well as on the modular part of the second type (60') in each case in a row, which preferably extends in the direction of movement of the coding elements.
11. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular parts of the first and second type (60, 60') are designed as parts (60, 60') to produce an electrical connection therebetween when they are joined together.
12. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular part of the first type (60) comprises a recess (61) for mounting on a rack and/or connecting elements (68) for producing an electrical connection with a further modular part mounted on the rack.
13. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular part of the second type (60') comprises connections (61') to which wires leading outwards can be connected, preferably the modular part of the second type comprises a terminal block.
14. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein N pairs of coding elements (10, 10') and at most 2^N pairs of modular parts of the first and second type (50, 50', 60, 60') are provided.

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