Abstract:
A component assembly system includes a supporting profiled rail, a functional component, and a bridging module configured to electrically connect to the functional component. The bridging module includes a module retention device configured to hold the bridging module on the supporting profiled rail. The functional component is configured to partly seat onto the bridging module, and includes a component retention device configured to hold the functional component on the supporting profiled rail. A locking slide is configured to releasably fix a functional component to a supporting profiled rail. The locking slide is configured to positively engage around the supporting profiled rail.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a 373 national phase filing of International Application No. PCT/EP2014/073545, entitled “Component Assembly System”, filed Nov. 3, 2014, which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2013 112 099.7, entitled “Komponentenaufbausystem”, filed Nov. 4, 2013. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Modern component systems in automation technology typically consist of a plurality of functional components arranged in a control cabinet. The energy and data distributing functions are realized by separate connector systems. Assembly without control cabinets is not possible since peripheral devices near the control cabinet hinge on a radial distribution of energy. If field bus concepts are used in which individual components are set onto backplanes, the backplanes are subject to high forces of weight. 
         [0003]    The disclosure WO 2004/075356 A1 describes a modular electrical device in which the individual functional components are mounted on backplanes. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The task underlying the present disclosure is that of specifying a component assembly system able to simplify the assembling of the functional components. 
         [0005]    This task is solved by the subject matter features according to the independent claims. Advantageous examples of these features are provided in the figures, the description and the dependent claims. 
         [0006]    According to a first set of examples, the task is solved by a component assembly system having a supporting profiled rail, by a functional component; a bridging module for electrically connecting a functional component which comprises a module retention device for holding the bridging module on the supporting profiled rail; wherein the functional component is designed to partly seat onto the bridging module, and wherein the functional component comprises a component retention device for holding the functional component on the supporting profiled rail. This for example thereby achieves the technical advantage of the weight of the functional component bearing on the supporting profiled rail instead of on the bridging module. 
         [0007]    The component assembly system can for example be a field bus system. 
         [0008]    In one advantageous example, the module retention device is designed to produce a snap-lock connection between the bridging module and the supporting profiled rail. 
         [0009]    In a further advantageous example, the module retention device can be snapped onto the supporting profiled rail, particularly by a pivoting of the bridging module. 
         [0010]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the module retention device comprises a rigid retention element engaging around the supporting profiled rail and an elastically flexible retention element opposite the rigid retention element for latching onto the supporting profiled rail. 
         [0011]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the supporting profiled rail exhibits an undercut profile which interacts with the module retention device and/or the component retention device. 
         [0012]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the supporting profiled rail is designed as a multiple-piece system having a first and a second supporting profiled element or is designed as a single-piece system. 
         [0013]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the bridging module and/or the functional component is/are displaceable on or along the supporting profiled rail. 
         [0014]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the component assembly system comprises a clamping element for fixing the bridging module against displaceability on the supporting profiled rail, wherein the clamping element is connectable to the bridging module. 
         [0015]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the clamping element is friction-lock or form-lock connectable to the bridging module, particularly by means of a T-slot/groove connection, a dovetail connection, a screwed connection or a clamped connection. 
         [0016]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the clamping element is designed to positively engage around and/or frictionally clamp the supporting profiled rail. 
         [0017]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the clamping element has an externally conducting grounding connection which is electro-conductively connectable to the supporting profiled rail. 
         [0018]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the bridging module has plug connections for electrically connecting to the functional component. 
         [0019]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the functional component and the bridging module are connectable in a form-fit connection, particularly a tongue-and-groove connection, to absorb the tensile forces acting on the connection between the connecting module and the functional component along a supporting profiled rail. 
         [0020]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the functional component comprises a first component retention device for a first supporting profiled element and a second component retention device for a second supporting profiled element. 
         [0021]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the supporting profiled rail can be mounted on a surface, e.g. by means of screwed connections. 
         [0022]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the component retention device comprises a displaceable locking slide for engaging under or positively engaging around the supporting profiled rail. 
         [0023]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the locking slide is displaceable on the functional component between an extended locking position for engaging under or positively engaging around the functional component on the supporting profiled rail and a retracted release position for seating the functional component on the supporting profiled rail. 
         [0024]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the locking slide comprises a pressure spring for aiding the motion of the locking slide into the extended locking position bearing the locking slide against a housing wall of the functional component. 
         [0025]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the locking slide comprises a locking arm for latching the locking slide into the locking position and for latching the locking slide into the release position. 
         [0026]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the component retention device comprises a first latch opening and a second latch opening for the locking arm. 
         [0027]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the locking slide comprises a fixing spring arm for fixing the locking slide in the release position. 
         [0028]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the fixing spring arm comprises a pressure element for pressing the fixing spring arm into a disengaging position in which the locking slide can be displaced into the locking position. 
         [0029]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the component assembly system is designed such that the pressure element is actuatable upon the seating of the functional component on the supporting profiled rail. 
         [0030]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the locking slide comprises a supporting section for the support of the fixing spring arm. 
         [0031]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the locking slide comprises an opening for the insertion of a tool for displacing the locking slide. 
         [0032]    In a further advantageous example of the component assembly system, the functional component can be set onto the bridging module, and wherein the module retention device can be covered by an edge of the functional component housing and thus able to be locked or blocked from actuating. 
         [0033]    According to a second set of examples, the task is solved by a locking slide for releasably fixing a functional component to a supporting profiled rail, wherein the locking slide is designed to positively engage around the supporting profiled rail. 
         [0034]    In a further advantageous example of the locking slide, the locking slide is displaceable into an extended locking position for engaging under the functional component on the supporting profiled rail, and wherein the locking slide is displaceable into a retracted release position for seating the functional component on the supporting profiled rail. 
         [0035]    In a further advantageous example of the locking slide, the locking slide comprises a pressure spring for aiding the motion of the locking slide into the extended locking position. 
         [0036]    In a further advantageous example of the locking slide, the locking slide comprises a locking arm for latching the locking slide into the locking position and for latching the locking slide into the release position. 
         [0037]    In a further advantageous example of the locking slide, the locking slide comprises a first latch opening and a second latch opening for the locking arm. 
         [0038]    In a further advantageous example of the locking slide, the locking slide comprises a fixing spring arm for fixing the locking slide in the release position. 
         [0039]    In a further advantageous example of the locking slide, the fixing spring arm comprises a pressure element for pressing the fixing spring arm into a disengaging position in which the locking slide can be displaced into the locking position. 
         [0040]    In a further advantageous example of the locking slide, the pressure element is actuatable upon the seating of the functional component on the supporting profiled rail. 
         [0041]    In a further advantageous example of the locking slide, the locking slide comprises a supporting section for the support of the fixing spring arm. 
         [0042]    In a further advantageous example of the locking slide, the locking slide comprises an opening for the insertion of a tool for displacing the locking slide. 
         [0043]    The locking slide according to the second set of examples can incorporate the features of the locking slide according to the first set of examples. 
         [0044]    Example embodiments of the invention are depicted in the drawings and will be described in greater detail below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0045]    Additional exemplary embodiments are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Additional examples are depicted in the drawings and will be described in greater detail below. 
           [0046]      FIG. 1  shows a cross-sectional view of a component assembly system; 
           [0047]      FIG. 2  shows a top view of the component assembly system; 
           [0048]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a supporting profiled rail with a bridging module; 
           [0049]      FIG. 4  shows a further perspective view of the supporting profiled rail with multiple bridging modules; 
           [0050]      FIG. 5  shows a view of the supporting profiled rail with a plurality of bridging modules; 
           [0051]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the supporting profiled rail with the bridging module and a functional component; 
           [0052]      FIG. 7  shows a further perspective view of the supporting profiled rail with a plurality of bridging modules and functional components; 
           [0053]      FIG. 8  shows a further perspective view of the supporting profiled rail with a plurality of bridging modules and functional components; 
           [0054]      FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view through the functional component on the supporting profiled rail; 
           [0055]      FIG. 10  shows an enlarged cross-sectional view through the functional component and a component retention device; and; 
           [0056]      FIG. 11  shows a further view of the locking slide together with the functional component. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0057]      FIG. 1  shows a cross-sectional view of a component assembly system  100 . The component assembly system  100  is composed of connectable housing modules with which the components are latched onto a supporting profiled rail  200 . The structural concept of the component assembly system  100  encompasses a supporting profiled rail  200 , bridging modules  300  and functional components  400 , each consisting of a connective bottom part and a functional upper part. 
         [0058]    Different embodiments of the structural concept can be realized depending on the intended application. The structural concept is infinitely extensible. The internal electrical connections for energy distribution of for example 400 V or 24 V and the data bus are realized simultaneously with plugging the components together. The connecting functions are realized in the housing bottom part  421 - 2  of functional components  400  and the bridging modules  300  by bridging plugs  305 . The supplying, shielding, switching functions result from the sequential arrangement of the functional components  400 . The application functions, such as for example supplying, shielding and switching, are realized in the housing upper part  421 - 1  which is connected to the housing lower part  421 - 2  by plug contacts. 
         [0059]    The housing upper part  421 - 1  has a defined mechanical and electrical interface with the housing bottom part  421 - 2  and can also be used with other housing bottom parts  421 - 2  having the same interface. The housing bottom part  421 - 2  only incorporates the connection system. The separating, shielding or switching functions, for example, are incorporated in the housing upper part  421 - 1 . The direction of action of the above-cited functions is effected in the line and/or in the load outflow dependent on the housing upper part  421 - 1  and the housing bottom part  421 - 2 ; i.e. a plug connection in the housing upper part  421 - 1 . The connectivity can be disengaged in the housing bottom part  421 - 2 . 
         [0060]    The supporting profiled rail  200  forms a one-piece supporting system with a wide rail for a rack mount which emulates the geometry of the supporting edges of the bridging module  300  and the functional components  400 . Alternatively, two separate standard supporting profiled rails can be used as a two-piece supporting system, e.g. 35 mm wide, for a wall mount. The supporting profile can be formed by a top-hat profile. 
         [0061]      FIG. 2  shows a view of the component assembly system  100 . Latchable bridging modules  300  with forward-facing bridging plugs  305  are snapped onto the supporting profiled rails  200  as an electrical connection for energy distribution and the data bus. The mounting direction of the bridging module is perpendicular to the plane spanned by the supporting profiled rails  200 . 
         [0062]    The terminal block  500  as the clamping element fixes the entire system to a fixed point on the supporting profiled rail  200  in the x direction. With this configuration, the system structure can freely distend in the x direction from a fixed point, such as for example upon a thermally-induced longitudinal expansion. The mechanical clamping of this fixed point is at the same time the central electrical grounding and connection to the supporting profiled rail of the system assembly. 
         [0063]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a supporting profiled rail  200  with the bridging module  300 . The bridging module  300  comprises the plug contacts and a module locking device  301  for latching the bridging module  300  onto the supporting profiled rail  200  when the bridging module  300  is being seated. The bridging modules  300  are freely displaceable along the supporting profiled rail  200  after being latched on. 
         [0064]      FIG. 4  shows a further perspective view of the supporting profiled rail  200  with multiple bridging modules  300 . The bridging modules  300  can be realized in different widths so that the bridging modules  300  dictate the distance between joined functional components  400 . This spacing defines a ventilation channel between the functional components  400  which for example comprises a metallic housing upper part  421 - 1  as a heat sink. 
         [0065]      FIG. 5  shows a view of the supporting profiled rail  200  with multiple bridging modules  300 . The bridging modules  300  are laterally displaceable in the direction of the arrow in the mounted state. The free displaceability of the bridging module  300  enables, albeit not imperatively, a non-locked mounting on the supporting profiled rail  200 . The mechanical positioning of the functional components  400  in the remote location is generally unrestricted. The line&#39;s arrangement and sequence determine function. 
         [0066]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the supporting profiled rail  200  with the bridging modules  300  and the functional component  400 . The functional component  400  is seated perpendicularly onto the supporting profiled rail  200  so that it pairs with two suitably positioned bridging modules  300  to the left and right on the plug connector  305 . This assembly method allows consistent solutions within and external of a control cabinet and provides an alternative to contact rail-based distributions in the control cabinet. 
         [0067]      FIG. 7  shows a further perspective view of the supporting profiled rail  200 . After the first functional component  400  has been seated, a second functional component  400  is seated on the supporting profiled rail  200 . The bridging modules  200  are thereby displaceable such that they can be adjusted to the width of the respective functional component  400 . The combination of functional component  400  and bridging module  300  on the supporting profiled rail  200  can also still be displaced after having been seated and joined. A latching and displacing of the bridging modules  300  and functional components  400 , an assembly with locking from above and below, and a flow of current are possible in the joined assemblage. The functional components  400  can be mechanically fixed or attached to the bridging modules  300  so they can absorb drawing and insertion forces for the further assembly or disassembly of the functional components  400 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 8  shows a further perspective view of the supporting profiled rail  200  with multiple bridging modules  300  and functional components  400 . After mounting and positioning of the full joined combination of bridging modules  300  and functional components  400 , the assemblage is locked to the supporting profiled rail  200 . Component retention devices  401  are provided on the functional components  400  for this purpose. 
         [0069]    The component retention devices  401  secure the joined assemblage against displacement and the functional components  400  against detaching and canting. The bridging modules  300  terminating the joined combination to the left and right incorporate a mechanism for a unilateral mechanically clamping such as for example a screw terminal and for the PE contacting of the internal protective conductor on the supporting profiled rail  200 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional view through the functional component  400  on the supporting profiled rail  200  and through the component retention devices  401 . Latching of the functional component  400  to the supporting profiled rail  200  is achieved by means of the component retention devices  401 - 1  and  402  which comprise a laterally actuatable locking slide  403 . The first component retention device  401 - 1  fixes the functional component  400  to a first supporting profile. The second component retention device  401 - 2  fixes the functional component  400  to a second supporting profile. 
         [0071]      FIG. 10  shows an enlarged cross-sectional view through the functional component  400  and the component retention device  401  so as to illustrate the locking slide  403 . The locking slide  403  is displaceably arranged on the functional component  400  and can be moved between a locking position for locking the functional component  400  on the supporting profiled rail  200  and a release position for seating or removing the functional component  400  on the supporting profiled rail  200 . In the locking position, a mounting lug  417  engages behind the supporting profiled rail  200  so as to create a positive locking. In the release position, the mounting lug  417  is retracted. 
         [0072]    The locking slide  403  comprises an elastic locking arm  405  which engages into a first latch opening  407 - 1  or a second latch opening  407 - 2  depending on position, thereby maintaining the latched locked or release position. When the locking arm  405  is disposed in the first latch opening  407 - 1 , the locking slide  403  is in the locking position. When the locking arm  405  is disposed in the second latch opening  407 - 2 , the locking slide  403  is in the release position. 
         [0073]    The locking slide  403  moreover comprises a fixing spring arm  409  for fixing the locking slide  403  in the release position so that the locking slide  403  will be held in the release position until the fixing arm  409  is pressed upward. To this end, the fixing spring arm  409  of the locking slide  403  strikes a stop  419  inside the component retention device  401  and thereby blocks the movement of the locking slide  403 . The stop  419  prevents the locking slide  403  from displacing in the direction of the locking position. 
         [0074]    When the functional component  400  is set onto the locking rail  200 , the fixing spring arm  409  is pressed upward by the pressure element  411  such that the fixing spring arm  409  is pressed into a disengaging position in which the fixing spring arm  409  can enter into the recess  423  upon the displacement of the locking slide  403 . In this disengaging position, the locking slide  403  can be moved from the release position into the locking position and subsequently latch into latch opening  407 - 1 . The pressure element  411  is actuated upon the functional component  400  being seated on the supporting profiled rail  200  such that the locking slide  403  can only lock upon a seated functional component  400 . 
         [0075]    A supporting section  415 , which widens outwardly over the fixing spring arm  409 , is provided to increase the effect and stability of the fixing spring arm  409 . The locking slide  403  additionally comprises an opening  413  for the insertion of a tool such as e.g. a screwdriver for displacing the locking slide  403 . The laterally removable locking slide  403  is formed for example as a single plastic part. 
         [0076]    The remote locations can be used as conventional star distribution end devices by employing a simple feed-in or as an energy distribution network by employing a connector and distributor module (AV module) to subscribers or nodes. Switching and protective elements, motor switches, bus couplers, or I/Os, etc., can be arranged to the left and right of the AV module in any unrestricted, functionally determined order. Doing so achieves engineering advantages based on the visible separating of low and extra-low voltage components. Multiple remote locations can span a network as a subscriber in any structure such as e.g. linear, tree or ring. 
         [0077]    The configured range of energy distribution output no longer requires a central control cabinet. By suitably configuring the accompanying data bus, the order and positions of the remote location&#39;s individual components can be checked prior to putting the design-conformant arrangement into operation (remote putting into service, remote service) 
         [0078]    The component assembly system  100  enables an assembly of “smart” installation networks for direct and alternating current and cabinet-free distribution in applicable system layouts. The component assembly system can be used in installation or energy distribution fields of application. In distributed automation, an assembly of modular remote locations as functional nodes in “smart” installation networks is possible. In alternative control cabinet concepts, an assembly of modular units in a control cabinet without conductor rails and without control wiring is possible with identical design for IP20 . . . IP6x. 
         [0079]    The component assembly system  100  enables the development of remote modular motor switches of high protection class. The component assembly system  100  additionally develops a comprehensively integrated system concept (power &amp; drive, P&amp;D) which solves the task of advantageous remote energy distribution and supply, e.g. external of a control cabinet. The modularity of the component assembly system  100  enables the expansion of the application beyond the modular remote location to “smart” energy distribution through to an alternative control cabinet design. Covering the spectrum of stand-alone functional components as end devices in a conventional star-shaped energy distribution can additionally be achieved. 
         [0080]      FIG. 11  shows a view of the locking slide  403  together with the functional component  400 . The locking slide  403  comprises a pressure spring  425  for aiding the motion of the locking slide  403  into the extended locking position bearing the locking slide  403  against a housing wall of the functional component  400 . The pressure spring  425  presses the locking slide into the extended locking position. The pressure spring  425  is arranged between a contact surface of the locking slide  403  and a contact surface of the functional component  400 . 
         [0081]    All of the features defined and depicted in conjunction with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in various combinations in the inventive object in order to realize their advantageous effects simultaneously. 
         [0082]    The protective scope of the present invention is yielded by the claims and is not limited by the features defined in the description or depicted in the figures. 
       REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST 
       [0000]    
       
           100  component assembly system 
           200  supporting profiled rail 
           300  bridging module 
           301  module locking device 
           303  plug contact 
           305  bridging plug 
           400  functional component 
           401  component retention device 
           401 - 1  component retention device 
           401 - 2  component retention device 
           403  locking slide 
           405  locking arm 
           407 - 1  latch opening 
           407 - 2  latch opening 
           409  fixing spring arm 
           411  pressure element 
           413  opening 
           415  supporting section 
           417  mounting lug 
           419  stop 
           421 - 1  housing upper part 
           421 - 2  housing bottom part 
           423  recess 
           425  pressure spring 
           500  clamping element/terminal block