DE102006011127A1 - Switch cabinet arrangement, has switch cabinet brought in connection with actuators and sensors, where part of sensors is provided with wireless transmitting-and/or receiving interface for data transmission between sensors and stations - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement has a switch cabinet monitoring device with central monitoring- and controlling components (30) that are arranged in a switch cabinet (2) as base stations. The cabinet is brought in data transmission connection with humidity and temperature sensors (50.1, 50.2), which monitor switch cabinet-specific state variables such as temperature, and controllable actuators and/or signaling units. A part of the sensors is provided with a wireless transmitting-and/or receiving interface for wireless data transmission between the sensors and the stations.

Description

The The invention relates to a switchgear assembly with at least a control cabinet and a control cabinet monitoring device, the for monitoring control cabinet-specific state variables including temperature, humidity, Access, vibration, smoke, electricity and / or voltage is formed and arranged in at least one control cabinet central monitoring and Control components which monitor the state variables Sensors and controllable actuators and / or message units in data transmission connection brought or brought, at least one central monitoring and control component designed as a base unit with a wireless transmission / reception interface is.

Such a control cabinet arrangement with a control cabinet monitoring device is in the DE 101 19 637 A1 specified. The control cabinet monitoring device is designed for monitoring switch cabinet-specific functions, wherein control cabinet-specific state variables such as temperature, humidity or access control variables detected by sensors and evaluated transmitted to the central monitoring and control device data and issued appropriate messages or actuators are controlled. The central monitoring and control device, referred to as the main unit or master device, is provided with a transmission / reception interface for wireless transmission, for example via a radio link, in order to communicate with decentralized units including a sensor connection unit, a door control unit, a climate control unit, an operating unit, a power supply unit and an adapter unit to communicate, which are also provided with a wireless data transmission interface. The sensors designed for monitoring the control cabinet-specific state variables can be connected to the sensor connection unit. The wireless data transmission allows variable arrangement options for the decentralized units. The decentralized units are again connected to other components of the monitoring device, whereby the structure of the monitoring device requires a corresponding effort.

In the DE 197 10 019 C2 a further control cabinet and monitoring device is shown, in which various sensors are connected via a wired input interface to a central control device. The sensors can be used to record the various control cabinet-specific state variables such as temperature, humidity, smoke, current or voltage, door opening status, vibration or access data. Furthermore, various controllable units, such as air conditioning units, power supply or alarm devices are connected via corresponding interfaces to the central control device. With these measures, the control cabinet can be flexibly adapted to different operating conditions. However, care must be taken that the monitoring device does not hinder the installation space for the user.

Of the Invention is based on the object, a control cabinet assembly to provide the type mentioned above, with as possible little effort for the user diverse customization options allows for different conditions of use.

These The object is achieved with the features of claim 1. in this connection it is provided that at least some of the sensors are connected to a wireless transmitter and / or receiving interface for wireless data transmission between the sensors and the base station.

With these measures can the sensors without the interposition of additional components to simple Way in a suitable place for the monitoring control cabinet-specific status data are suitably positioned.

is provided that at least a part of the sensors for wireless Receiving data from other sensors and wireless or wired Forward the received data directly or via interposed sensors is formed on the base station, so can from at least some Sensors, in turn, for the detection of certain state variables are formed, according to Type of network node additional functions are adopted for the transmission, taking a Art repeater functions optionally with signal amplification for data transmission fulfill. In order to can by a kind of cascading also larger data transmission distances of e.g. be bridged up to 50 m or more. Through this structure can the transmission / reception power are kept relatively low, so that also the energy source present in the sensors, e.g. Battery, if possible little is charged and the energy supply for a long time (over several, e.g. 5 or 10 years) is secured. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable to equip the sensors with energy converters, for which as well low power consumption low is.

For the control of Schaltschnankfunktionen, such as air conditioning and / or humidity, or for the early detection of dangers causing conditions are further measures advantageous that at least some of the sensors outside the cabinet for detecting the control cabinet function influencing state variables can be arranged and bringban in wireless data transmission connection with the base station.

advantageous additional Design options, which result, are that for detecting control cabinet foreign Measured variables more Sensors are provided for wireless data transmission directly or indirectly via formed at least one intermediate sensor to the base station are. For example, you can in this way measured quantities in one Data center or in an industrial plant recorded and separated be reported.

there is for the data preparation and treatment of the obtained information the design favorable, that the other sensors with one in the data transmission einbindbaren identifier for distinguishing from the cabinet-specific Detecting state variables Sensors provided by at least one central monitoring and control component is evaluable.

For a clear, orderly and secure data transmission are the measures advantageous that the base station and / or the intermediate Sensors with a router function for assigning data transmission between transmitter and receiver are provided.

A unique association between base station and sensors, as well contributes to operational safety, is achieved by the base station with a teach-in mode in which a sensor to be taught for preparing the wireless data exchange with the base station sent an instruction will send that particular message packet to the the base station responds, and that the learn mode by a Input command of the user can be switched on and off again is.

The Administration and unique assignments are supported by the fact that the base station and the sensors with an identification tag provided in a memory of the base station and the relevant Sensor is deposited.

to Functional safety contribute to the measures that at least the intermediate sensors for issuing a message to the Base station are formed at certain intervals, the for function monitoring is evaluated.

Further a secure function is supported by the fact that the sensors and the base station have time indication blocks and that the base station is designed for sending time information to the sensors for temporal Synchronization of the sensors with each other.

The Installation of the control cabinet monitoring is favored by that the control cabinet monitoring device associated with a field strength meter is, with the quality of the Radio connection between the base unit and the sensors and the optionally intervening sensors can be checked.

For positioning In addition, the measures are advantageous that the Sensors a sensor housing having a uniform coupling portion having that connectors with provided on the coupling portion adapted connecting portion are and that the sensors over the connectors with a carrier are connectable. The connectors can with different mounting options on a carrier or underground be, for example an adhesive connection, Velcro connection, cord connection or screw connection.

To a simple design of sensors and units and a safe Carry data transmission the measures at that for data transfer a mix of amplitude, frequency and phase modulation under Band spread is used, the signal is distributed over the transmission band. It can important parts of Sender and receiver be formed with simple analog elements.

The Invention will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference closer to the drawings explained. Show it:

1 a switchgear assembly with two cabinets and a control cabinet monitoring device in a schematic representation,

2 a sensor unit with sensor housing and connector in disassembled and composite representation,

3 a further embodiment of a control cabinet assembly with control cabinet monitoring device and

4 a further embodiment of a control cabinet assembly with control cabinet monitoring device.

1 shows a cabinet assembly with two cabinets 2 and one of these associated cabinet monitoring device 1 , In the one cabinet is a base station in the form of a base unit 40 with an externally arranged on the cabinet and with the base unit 40 connected antenna 41 as well as a central unit 30 from central monitoring and control components with an internal antenna 31 arranged. As the 3 and 4 show, reject the unit 30 various central monitoring and control components with another base station in the form of another base unit 33 , an input-output unit 32 and a processing unit 34 on. With the central unit 30 or their base unit 33 and the other base unit 40 are different sensors of a sensor array 50 in wireless data transmission connection, according to 1 in the control cabinet arranged sensors via the internal antenna 31 with the central unit 30 are brought into data communication connection, while external sensors via the external antenna 41 with the other basic device 40 brought into data communication connection. In the second cabinet arranged further sensors can via the internal antenna 31 with the central unit 30 communicate, for example, in the transition area between the two cabinets 2 pages are open. Otherwise, for example, the data transmission via another external antenna 41 on the second control cabinet and the external antenna 41 done on the other cabinet. The sensors comprise at least one humidity sensor 50.1 , one or more temperature sensors 50.2 , a vibration-responsive vandalism sensor, for example 50.5 , an access sensor 50.6 a sensor for passing digital signals, wherein the sensor is designed to detect a specific state variable, for example of the aforementioned or another type. In addition, the second cabinet has 2 a secure door lock 4 as well as an access control unit 3 eg for entering a numerical code, reading a code card or with a transponder function.

In the 3 and 4 In addition, other sensors for detecting control cabinet foreign variables or state variables are shown, namely a light sensor 60.1 , a counter 60.2 for products of a manufacturing process, an exhaust gas sensor 60.3 , Level sensors 60.4 as well as an external temperature sensor 60.5 , These other sensors for control cabinet foreign variables, for example in a data center or in an industrial plant, are designed in a special way that they are compatible with the base unit 33 or the further base unit 40 via corresponding send / receive interfaces of the base unit 33 . 40 in wireless data transmission.

In 2 is a sensor unit 10 from a sensor housing containing a sensor housing 11 and a connector 20 shown in more detail. The sensor housing 11 is on its back with a coupling portion 12 for insertion and locking of the connector 20 provided, which has a coupling portion adapted to the coupling portion. For inserting the connector 20 has the coupling section 12 guide sections 12.1 . 12.2 and a locking element 12.3 on. The coupling section 12 can be attached to the sensor housing 11 molded or by means of fasteners 12.4 to be appropriate. Furthermore, it is a control element 12.5 For example, provided in the form of a light-emitting element or button on the coupling portion, so that, for example, a mounted state can be checked. At the opposite end of the insertion direction ends of the guide sections 12.1 . 12.2 these have a respective stop 12.6 to which the connector 20 in the inserted state with a counter-stop 20.3 comes into contact, so that there is a defined seat. Also the connector 20 is with guide sections 20.1 . 20.2 equipped, which are complementary to the guide sections 12.1 . 12.2 of the coupling section 12 are designed. For attachment to a substrate or a carrier, the connector is on its from the sensor housing 11 turned away outside with a glued connector 25 provided, the adhesive surface is covered in the unused condition with a fernba ren protective film. For different mounting options can different connectors 20 be provided, each having the same connection portions for attachment to the coupling portion 12 but different attachment portions for attachment to the carrier, for example, a screw, a belt connection, a suspension connection or a Velcro connection or the like.

For data transmission between the sensors and the base unit 33 respectively. 40 is advantageously provided a radio link with which, in contrast, for example, to an infrared connection, which in principle could also be in question, no line of sight is required. An interference-proof transmission method is achieved by combined modulation methods. In order to be able to bridge larger ranges of, for example, a few 10 m in enclosed spaces such as industrial halls or data centers at low transmit and receive power, at least some sensors in addition to their sensor function with a kind of relay function or rotor function for receiving data from another sensor and forwarding the same to another sensor node or to the base unit 33 . 40 educated. The data is encrypted and sent secure. By appropriate adaptation of the protocols and identifiers, the further sensors for the control cabinet-external measured variables can be inserted in the data transmission be bound, so that by means of the control cabinet monitoring device 1 the user is given the opportunity to fulfill other monitoring functions of his industrial plant or a data center. The management in the base unit or the other components of the central unit 30 is advantageously designed in conjunction with the sensor network itself organizing. In this case, a particular embodiment is that a control device is provided for a change of location of sensors or device components equipped therewith.

For the radio transmission are in the various radio modules radio transmitter-receiver units, Control units, non-volatile Memory for the deposit of relevant data, transmitting or receiving antenna, Power supply and optionally buttons in a housing, for example housed in plastic. The non-volatile memory is used for recording of production data, identification numbers and address information of the basic unit and can be integrated in a controller.

Also the basic device 33 . 40 comprises a radio transceiver unit, a control unit and a non-volatile memory in a housing, for example made of plastic. On the housing buttons and lights are arranged. The transmitting or receiving antenna is integrated or plugged. Also may be attached to the same base unit, a second terminal for a second antenna, so that one antenna inside and the other outside of the cabinet 2 can be arranged. The power supply of the base unit is via the connection to the processing unit 34 or a separate power supply via a supply voltage input, for example in the event that the base unit is not connected to the processing unit 34 is connected and takes over a repeater function. Here, too, the non-volatile memory of the recording of production data, identification number and also variable configuration data of the sensors is used. The firmware of the base unit is via an interface to the processing unit 34 updatable.

The Radio transmission parameters basically include a bidirectional transmission for one Handshake. Measurement and status values are transmitted when changes occur result. For the function monitoring in particular, the sensors are at intervals shorter than one hour, for example about every 10 minutes, messages sent.

The radio nodes formed by intermediate sensors are preferably equipped with integrated battery. Alternatively, converter units can be seen before, for example, convert light or heat into electrical energy for the operation of the sensors. The power supply of the base unit 33 respectively. 40 is being supervised. If the supply voltage drops from, for example, 24V to a value of, for example, less than 16V, a message is sent to the processing unit 34 , The battery capacity of the radio nodes is designed, for example, for 5 or 10 years of maintenance-free operation. The battery capacity in the radio module is monitored and a message about decreasing capacity is given in good time to the base unit.

Besides that is provided that radio protocols are repeated when detected is that they transmit incorrectly be lost or lost. Data transfer is encrypted to a listening to prevent.

The basic device 33 . 40 is designed so that it can be switched to a teach-in mode. This is done by pressing the button for a longer time, after which the teach-in mode is displayed. By pressing a button on the then assigned sensor to be learned, this connects to the base station in the form of a base unit by sending a special broadcast message packet to which the base unit responds and announces its address to the radio module. The radio module stores the address of the base unit in its read-only memory. The base unit is advantageously designed this way; that new sensors as a configuration change to the processing unit 34 be reported. Pressing the key again restores the base unit to normal mode, ignoring the broadcast packets of the radio modules. The teach-in process is carried out by the processing unit 34 so that the processing unit also makes the decision as to whether or not a new sensor is accepted by the base unit and included in the management. In addition, it is envisaged that keys are exchanged during the learning process via a secure procedure, with which the confidentiality and authenticity of the radio protocols are ensured. The data transmission is protected in such a way that radio modules that have not been explicitly learned on the base unit are ignored by the base unit. The imitation or repetition of radio packets from other sensors is provided by the base unit 33 . 40 intercepted.

The network structure can be designed so that only direct connections of the radio modules to the base station are possible. Preferably, however, the network structure is designed so that with the radio node formed by the intermediate sensors on the same hardware basis so-called multi-hop networks with tree-shaped Structure can be built. In the event that the base unit does not work with the processing unit 34 It can be put into a repeater mode via a front key, making it radio protocols of the processing unit 34 can forward. Also using repeater-based base unit 33 . 40 the system can be multi-hop enabled. For a routing, a so-called cluster-tree method can be provided. In addition, the system is advantageously prepared so that not only the base unit but all radio modules are equipped with multi-hop and routing capability. Furthermore, the training is such that the route of the base unit 33 . 40 is determined via the routing method, without the addresses of the available routes must be firmly configured in the individual radio modules.

Both the base unit 33 . 40 as well as working as radio modules sensors or possibly also actuators receive a unique identification code and a unique code as the type designation. The identification numbers or the identification code are assigned during manufacture and stored in the non-volatile memory.

If no data is transmitted, the radio nodes automatically issue a message at intervals of eg 10 minutes, so that the base unit 33 . 40 can monitor the function of the radio module. If a message is no longer received by a radio module at the expected time, the base unit issues a time-out message to the processing unit 34 further.

A Another embodiment is that the radio modules with each other synchronized by the base unit emitting a time signal at regular intervals, used for setting the timeout (timer) blocks of the radio modules becomes. That of the base unit emitted time signal is used in multi-hop networks of those working as a repeater Wireless node passed.

Special Characteristics of the sensors are that the digital input sensor an externally connected potential-free digital signal continues. Advantageously, the sensor is switchable between normally open and normally closed. Switching is via a cable bridge performed the plug and implemented by software. at the radio module, the switching can also be done in other ways. Dependent from the setting normally open or normally closed is the closed or opened State of alarm state. The alarm condition is registered immediately and as fast as possible Posted. If the signal goes back to the normal state, can the evaluation and retransmission with a delay time of e.g. some 10 seconds. By suitable circuit technology is ensured that's a big enough one Test current is used to evaluate the potential-free input, without the battery capacity too heavy a burden.

The vandalism sensor 50.5 is advantageously designed so that it responds to vibrations and reports an alarm when exceeding a limit. Vibrations deliver digital pulses that are added up and checked for an adjustable limit.

At the access sensor 50.6 it is one with a digital input, which is connected eg with a reed contact. Functionally, the sensor behaves like a digital input sensor. The alarm condition is when the door is open, ie the magnet is not near the reed contact.

Locking with Priority Function (Master Key Lock) is energy-saving enabling and an electronic push-button, a two-color status LED, a radio module and a battery are integrated. A release button is designed so that it can always be operated and thereby outputs an electronic signal that is evaluated by the radio module to a release request to the base unit 33 . 40 to generate and output an optical signal. The release button does not normally operate the lock lever. The radio module waits for a response from the base unit after sending the release request 33 . 40 , which indicates whether the door may be unlocked or not. If not, this is indicated by a red steady light for a few seconds. If so, this is indicated by a green steady light for a few seconds, for example, and the interlock is switched so that the locking lever can be mechanically actuated again by pressing the release button again. If the base station does not respond unexpectedly, it will be signaled for a few seconds, eg by a red flash.

At a keypad of the access control unit 3 an optical feedback occurs when the button is pressed eg via a light emitting diode. The entered sequence of numbers is buffered and transferred after pressing the Enter key. Pressing a reset button resets the cached sequence of numbers. Alternatively, each keystroke can be transmitted and made into a complete sequence of numbers in the base unit.

In the voltage and / or current sensor 50.7 the supply is via a voltage input, the supply ge advantageous is buffered, so that the radio module can still work for some time, if the supply voltage fails. Optionally, an additional current measurement is integrated.

To an energy-saving design of the sensors, the network node or Units, in particular their transmitter and receiver parts, also contributes special modulation method, which also simplifies Structure of transmitter and receiver parts enabled with analog elements and a secure data transfer supported. In the modulation method become established methods with a mix of amplitude, frequency and phase modulation combined with band spread (chirp spread spectrum), which the Signal in particular evenly over the complete transfer belt distributed by usually 2.4GHz. So can a digital signal processing to be bypassed. While at currently usual Modulations disturbing Signal echoes consuming be calculated out digitally, is in this modulation method the entire transfer belt (2.4 GHz) broadband with chirp pulses, resulting in losses in itself deleted Signal areas (fading) by gains in areas of constructive overlay by means of a special SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave). This succeeds advantageously at the low data rates available here without disturbing Inter-symbol interference. The quality of reception depends very little on the Setting up the antenna, you do not have to move them to (as in analog AV radio bridges) blind To avoid receiving positions. Echo compensation and complex hardware signal processing are avoided. The modulation method and the associated technology result in low energy consumption and relatively high ranges. In receive mode, the data transmission technique comes e.g. with a maximum current of 11 mA, for sending e.g. only one stream of 50 mA needed. It is in the relatively long "sleep" phases, as the data is under control the sensor control usually not continuously, but only sporadically transmitted, only one stream of about 1 μA consumed. This will ensure a long battery life over years supported.

To assist in the commissioning of the control cabinet monitoring device 1 a field strength meter is provided, which measures the connection quality between the radio modules and the base unit or an achievable repeater module, evaluated and represented as a percentage value. This enables the user to find the optimum position for a radio module to be installed.

Claims (13)

Control cabinet arrangement with at least one control cabinet ( 2 ) and a control cabinet monitoring device ( 1 ), which is designed to monitor control cabinet-specific state variables including temperature, humidity, access, vibration, smoke, current and / or voltage and in at least one control cabinet ( 2 ) central monitoring and control components ( 30 ), which with the state variables monitoring sensors ( 50.1 . 50.2 . 50.7 ) and controllable actuators and / or message units brought into data transmission connection or can be brought, wherein at least one central monitoring and control component as a base station ( 33 . 40 ) is formed with a wireless transmitting / receiving interface, characterized in that at least a part of the sensors ( 50.1 . 50.2 . 50.7 ) with a wireless transmitting and / or receiving interface for wireless data transmission between the sensors and the base station ( 33 . 40 ) Is provided. Switchgear assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of the sensors ( 50.1 . 50.2 . 50.7 ) for the wireless reception of data from other sensors ( 50.1 . 50.2 . 50.7 ) and for wireless or wired forwarding of the received data directly or via interposed sensors ( 50.1 . 50.2 . 50.7 ) to the base station ( 33 . 40 ) is trained. Switchgear assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least a part of the sensors ( 50.1 . 50.2 . 50.7 ) outside the control cabinet ( 2 ) for detecting the control cabinet function influencing state variables can be arranged and in wireless data transmission connection with the base station ( 33 . 40 ) can be brought. Switchgear cabinet arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for detecting switch cabinet-external measured variables ( 6 ) other sensors ( 60.1 . 60.2 . 60.3 . 60.4 . 60.5 ) are provided for wireless data transmission directly or indirectly via at least one intermediate sensor to the base station ( 33 . 40 ) are formed. Switchgear assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the further sensors ( 60.1 . 60.2 . 60.3 . 60.4 . 60.5 ) with an identifier which can be incorporated into the data transmission for distinguishing between the sensors which detect the cabinet-specific state variables ( 50.1 . 50.2 . 50.7 ) provided by at least one central monitoring and control component ( 30 . 31 . 32 . 33 ) is evaluable. Control cabinet arrangement according to one of hergehen claims, characterized in that the base station ( 33 . 40 ) and / or the intermediate sensors ( 50.1 . 50.2 . 50.7 ) is provided with a router function for allocating the data transmission between sender and receiver. Switchgear assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base station ( 33 . 40 ) is provided with a learning mode in which a sensor to be trained for preparing the wireless data exchange with the base station ( 33 . 40 ) an instruction is sent that this sensor sends a specific message packet to which the base station ( 33 . 40 ) and that the teach-in mode can be switched on and off by an input command of the user. Switchgear assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base station ( 33 . 40 ) and the sensors ( 50.1 . 50.2 . 50.7 ) are provided with an identification tag, which is stored in a memory of the base station and the relevant sensor. Control cabinet arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the intermediate sensors ( 50.1 . 50.2 . 50.7 ) for issuing a message to the base station ( 33 . 40 ) is formed at certain intervals, which is evaluated for functional monitoring. Switchgear assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors ( 50.1 , 50.2 . 50.7 ) and the base station ( 33 . 40 ) Have time indication blocks and that the base station ( 33 . 40 ) is designed for sending time information to the sensors for temporal synchronization of the sensors with each other. Control cabinet arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control cabinet monitoring device ( 1 ) a field strength meter is assigned, with which the quality of the radio connection between the base unit ( 33 . 40 ) and the sensors ( 50.1 . 50.2 . 50.7 ) and the possibly intermediate sensors can be checked. Switchgear assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors ( 50.1 . 50.2 . 50.7 ) a sensor housing ( 11 ) with a uniform coupling section ( 12 ), that connecting pieces ( 20 ) with the coupling section ( 12 ) adapted connecting portion are provided and that the sensors ( 50.1 . 50.2 . 50.7 ) via the connecting pieces ( 20 ) are connectable to a carrier. Switchgear assembly according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that for data transmission a mixture of amplitude, Frequency and phase modulation is used under band spread, where the signal is over the transmission band is distributed.