Sensor-machine interface and method for operating the same

• US 20050216106A1
• Filed: 03/08/2003
• Published: 09/29/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/18/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Sick AG (Sick)
• Original Assignee: Sick AG (Sick)
• Inventors: Maenner, Bernd
• Application Number:
  US10/508,167
• Publication Number:
  US 20050216106A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/79
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/0428 Safety, monitoring G05B19/0423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/21119 Circuit for signal adaption, voltage level shift, filter noise
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/21122 Programmable signal discrimination, input can be used for several functions

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor-machine interface (1) for coupling at least one sensor (9) to at least one machine (10). Said interface comprises at least one sensor input (5) for receiving signals relating to the condition of the sensor, at least one machine output (8) for emitting signals that control the machine, a program memory (4), in addition to a control unit (3) for impinging the machine output in a program-controlled manner in accordance with the signals received via the sensor input. The invention also relates to a method for operating an interface of this type.

Claims

1. A sensor/machine interface (1) for the coupling of at least one sensor (9) to at least one machine (10) having at least one sensor input (5) for the reception of sensor state signals, at least one machine output (8) for the transmission of machine control signals, a program memory (4) and a control unit (3) for outputting program control signals to the machine output (8) in dependence on the signals received via the sensor input (5).

2. A sensor/machine interface in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the sensor/machine interface (1) is accommodated in a housing (2) separate from the sensor (9) and from the machine (10).

3. A sensor/machine interface in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that at least one machine input (6) is provided for the reception of machine state signals (8), with it being possible to control the machine output in dependence on signals received via the sensor input (5) and/or via the machine input (6).

4. A sensor/machine interface in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the machine output (8) is designed for the transmission of machine switch-off signals and/or for the transmission of machine actuation signals, in particular machine clock signals.

5. A sensor/machine interface in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the hardware and the software satisfy customary safety standards, in particular the standards IEC61508 and/or EN 61496.

6. A sensor/machine interface in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that at least the control unit (3) is present in duplicate in a redundant manner.

7. A sensor/machine interface in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that different programs or program modules can be stored in the program memory (4) so that the program control of the machine output (8) can be carried out in different manners.

8. A sensor/machine interface in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that the different programs or program modules can be loaded into the program memory (4) by an external programming device (13), in particular by a computer or by a laptop, via a programming interface (12).

9. A sensor/machine interface in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that a plurality of program modules forming a program library can be assembled into programs.

10. A sensor/machine interface in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that the program modules, and thus also the programs assembled from them, satisfy customary safety standards, in particular the standards IEC61508 and/or EN 61496.

11. A sensor/machine interface in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of sensor inputs (5), sensor outputs (7), machine outputs (8) and/or machine inputs (6) are provided.