US 10,503,137 B2 · Safety module for an automation system, method for operating a safety module in an automation system and automation system

Abstract

A safety module for an automation system including a communication interface, which is configured for a signal-transmitting connection to a communication system including an output interface, which is configured for a signal-transmitting connection to consumers, which can be attached downstream, and including a processing device which is connected to both interfaces and is configured for processing communication signals from the communication interface and for providing processing results as output signals at the output interface. The processing device is configured such that a safety-related output signal is provided at the output interface if a safety signal, which is contained in a communication signal, is present, and if at least two data records, which are respectively provided in a communication signal, are encoded differently and are directed at the processing device, conform with one another.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A safety module for an automation system, comprising a communication interface which is configured for a signal-transmitting connection to a communication system, comprising an output interface which is configured for an electrical connection to consumers which can be attached downstream, and comprising a processing device which is connected to both interfaces and is configured for processing communication signals from the communication interface and for providing processing results as output signals at the output interface, wherein the processing device is configured such that a safety-related output signal is provided at the output interface if a safety signal, which is contained in a communication signal, is present, and if at least two data records which are respectively provided in a communication signal, are encoded differently and are directed at the processing device, conform with one another.

A method for operating a safety module in an automation system, the method comprising:

transferring a first data record written according to a first encoding, from a superordinated control to a safety module;
transferring a second data record written according to a second encoding, from the superordinated control and/or a safety control, associated with the superordinated control to the safety module;
decoding and comparing the two data records in a processing device of the safety module;
transferring a safety signal from the superordinated control to the safety module;
checking address information contained in the first or second data record against address information imprinted on the safety module;
processing the safety signal in the processing device into at least one safety-related output signal;
and
providing the at least one safety-related output signal from the safety module to an output interface, to which at least one consumer is attached, if the address information contained in one of the two data records conforms with address information imprinted on the safety module and with the two data records.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Safety module for an automation system, method for operating a safety module in an automation system and automation system

Life of this patent

Safety module for an automation system, method for operating a safety module in an automation system and automation system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11