阅读说明：本技术 开关柜配置系统 (Switch cabinet configuration system ) 是由 拉斯·马丁 托马斯·韦奇塞尔 于 2020-03-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了一种计算机辅助的开关柜配置系统,其被设计用于配置开关柜,开关柜包括模块化开关设备,模块化开关设备以特定于应用方式由多个电气和/或电子内置模块和其它的可选组件组成,所述开关柜配置系统包括计算单元,计算单元包括分类设备以及评估和模拟单元,用于生成具有不同布局的一组不同的开关柜方案,以及然后选择特定布局并相应地控制开关柜生产线。(A computer-aided switchgear assembly system is disclosed, which is designed for assembling a switchgear cabinet, which comprises a modular switchgear assembly, which is composed of a plurality of electrical and/or electronic built-in modules and other optional components in an application-specific manner, and which comprises a computing unit, which comprises a sorting device and an evaluation and simulation unit, for generating a set of different switchgear cabinet solutions with different layouts, and then selecting a specific layout and controlling the switchgear cabinet production line accordingly.)

1. A computer-aided switchgear configuration system (1) designed for configuring a switchgear cabinet, said switchgear cabinet comprising a modular switchgear cabinet apparatus, said modular switchgear cabinet apparatus being composed in an application-specific manner of a plurality of electrical and/or electronic installation modules and other optional components, said system comprising:

a calculation unit having a classification device (10) and an evaluation and simulation unit (18);

a database (11, 12, 13);

wherein the sorting device is designed to identify one or more switchgear configurations (30) for the installation to be regulated, taking into account the framework conditions data set (2), by selecting a suitable configuration from the historical reserve data sets stored in the database;

wherein the evaluation and simulation unit is designed to adjust the switch cabinet configuration identified taking into account the frame condition data set within a parameter space formed by different parameters, resulting in a set of different switch cabinet solutions (100) each having a different layout.

2. Computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation and simulation unit (18) is designed to calculate and graphically output, for each switchgear scenario (100) of the group, deviations from the frame conditions defined in the frame condition data set (2) and, if necessary, the resulting target settings.

3. Computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said set of frame condition data (2) comprises desired specifications of said switchgear.

4. Computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to any of the claims 2 or 3, wherein said target settings comprise manufacturing time and/or manufacturing cost of said switchgear.

5. Computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switchgear configuration system () is designed for generating the frame condition data set (2) by means of a first electronic selection form.

6. The computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a pattern recognition unit (20) for recognizing the one or more switchgear configurations by pattern recognition using the classification apparatus (10).

7. The computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the pattern recognition unit (20) employs fuzzy logic, artificial intelligence or neural networks for pattern recognition.

8. Computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation and simulation unit (18) is designed for generating parameters of the parameter space by means of a second electronic selection form.

9. Computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the parameters forming the parameter space comprise vertical integration, space requirements and costs.

10. The computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a decision device (40) designed for selecting a switchgear cabinet solution from the set of different switchgear cabinet solutions (100).

11. Computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to claim 10, designed for storing the switchgear configuration of the selected switchgear scenario in a database (11, 12, 13).

12. Computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation and simulation unit (18) comprises a modification algorithm implemented therein or associated therewith for generating at least one alternative switchgear solution (100), wherein the modification algorithm for modifying a switchgear solution into an alternative switchgear solution determines the value of the quality function and optimizes the modification in such a way that the quality function has an extreme value.

13. The computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to claim 12, wherein the modification algorithm comprises a parameterisable quality function having at least one predetermined layout optimization parameter of a set of layout optimization parameters.

14. The computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the set of layout optimization parameters comprises a degree of space utilization of the available switchgear volume in relation to the geometrical dimensions of the electrical and/or electronic installation module to be installed therein.

15. Computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said set of layout optimization parameters comprises a degree of thermal load taking into account waste heat generated by said installation module, ambient heat of the switchgear enclosure and optionally the heat dissipation capacity of the fan/air conditioning unit.

16. Computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to any of the claims 13 to 15, wherein said set of layout optimization parameters comprises a degree of power consumption taking into account at least the power consumption of said installation module.

17. Computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to one of the claims 13 to 16, wherein said set of layout optimization parameters comprises the EMC degree taking into account the electromagnetic radiation of said installation module.

18. Computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to one of the claims 13 to 17, wherein the set of layout optimization parameters comprises a degree of wiring length in order to take into account regulations regarding minimum or maximum cable lengths when arranging the installation modules in a switchgear cabinet housing.

19. A switchgear manufacturing facility (200) designed for manufacturing a switchgear, comprising:

computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to any of the preceding claims;

an at least partially automated production line (201) is provided for assembling a switchgear cabinet at least partially automatically according to a switchgear cabinet solution generated by the switchgear cabinet configuration system.

20. Use of a computer-assisted switchgear configuration system (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 18 for the fully automated production of a switchgear.

21. A method for configuring a switchgear cabinet comprising a modular switchgear cabinet apparatus assembled in an application-specific manner from a plurality of electrical and/or electronic installation modules and other optional components, the method having the following steps:

identifying one or more switchgear configurations (30) for the facility to be controlled taking into account the framework conditions data set (2) by selecting an appropriate configuration from historical stock data sets stored in the database;

adjusting the identified switchgear configurations taking into account the frame condition data sets within a parameter space formed by different parameters, thereby generating a set of different switchgear solutions (100) each having a different layout;

a switchgear cabinet plan having a layout is selected from the different switchgear cabinet plans of the group.

22. A computer program product having program code means for performing the method according to claim 21, when the computer program product is run on a computing unit of a switchgear manufacturing facility (200) according to claim 19 or stored on a computer readable data carrier or in cloud storage.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a computer-aided switchgear assembly system, which is provided for assembling a switchgear cabinet, comprising a modular switchgear cabinet arrangement, which is composed of a plurality of electrical and/or electronic built-in modules and other optional components in an application-specific manner. Furthermore, the invention relates to a switchgear manufacturing facility, a use, a method and a computer program product.

Background

The field of application of the invention extends to switchgear and control cabinet constructions. Switchgear is mainly used in the background of industrial applications. The switchgear cabinet accommodates electrical and electronic components, which are designed in the form of standardized built-in modules for controlling automated production facilities, process engineering facilities, mechanical tools, etc. The built-in modules accommodated in the switchgear cabinets are usually control modules, which are not arranged directly on the machine as field devices. For example, a programmable logic controller, a general-purpose computing unit, a frequency converter for speed control, a communication module for connection to buses of various bus systems, a digital input/output module, or an analog input module is used as a built-in module. In addition, switchgear cabinets also typically contain electrical terminal blocks for connecting cables at the point of use, establishing connections with the power supply and the machinery and systems to be controlled. The production of a switchgear cabinet with application-specific switchgear cabinet equipment is carried out according to a three-dimensional layout previously developed in the solution phase, which also includes parts inventory information of the components to be installed.

WO 2008/071309 a1 shows a switchgear arrangement with several individual switchgear cabinets which are divided by wall sections into several partial compartments serving as functional compartments, in which for example low-voltage systems, slide-in units, cooling units and other components can be placed. In this context, the sub-spaces may accommodate, for example, a power distribution track arrangement and device adapters placed thereon for mounting associated electrical or electronic mounting modules.

EP 0943165B 1 discloses various equipment solutions for a switchgear cabinet. In a first embodiment, the component-oriented switchgear cabinet comprises a switchgear cabinet housing in which a plurality of electrical and electronic components and devices are arranged. A number of input/output modules are located in the upper part of the switchgear cabinet housing, a number of fuse elements and a greater number of circuit breakers are located in the middle part, and a clamping device for fixing the cable bundles to the respective machines is located in the lower part. In order to connect the individual components and devices to one another, several terminals for connection to wiring, several terminals for intermediate routing and several terminals for outgoing routing are arranged in the switchgear cabinet.

Summary of The Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a switchgear configuration system for configuring a switchgear in which the layout can be designed in a manner that is efficient for the user and well balanced in terms of possible optimization.

This object is solved according to the features of the independent patent claims. Further embodiments of the invention result from the dependent claims and the following description.

A first aspect relates to a computer-aided switchgear assembly system, which is provided for assembling a switchgear cabinet having a modular switchgear cabinet arrangement, which is composed of a plurality of electrical and/or electronic built-in modules and further optional components in an application-specific manner. The computer-aided switchgear assembly system has a computing unit which comprises a sorting device and an evaluation and simulation unit. In addition, a database is also provided, and the database can also be cloud storage. The classification apparatus is arranged to identify one or more switchgear configurations of the facility to be controlled taking into account the frame condition data set by selecting an appropriate configuration from the historical reserve data set stored in the database. In particular, these stored configurations include configurations of switch cabinets that have already been produced, i.e. successfully used. The evaluation and simulation unit is adapted to adjust the identified switchgear configuration taking into account the frame condition data set within a parameter space formed by different parameters, thereby generating a set of different switchgear solutions, each having a different (three-dimensional) layout.

The evaluation and simulation unit may be arranged to calculate and graphically output, for each switchgear cabinet solution of the group, deviations from the frame conditions defined in the frame condition data set and, if necessary, the target settings resulting therefrom.

The frame condition data set may in particular comprise desired specifications of the switchgear. The target setting may in particular comprise the manufacturing time and/or the manufacturing cost of the switchgear cabinet.

The package configuration system may be further configured to create a frame condition record using the first electronic selection form through interaction with a user.

According to an embodiment, there is further provided a pattern recognition unit using a classification device to identify one or more switchgear configurations using pattern recognition.

For this purpose, the pattern recognition unit may perform pattern recognition using fuzzy logic, artificial intelligence, or a neural network.

According to a further embodiment, the evaluation and simulation unit is arranged to generate the parameters of the parameter space by means of a second electronic selection form. This may also be generated or accomplished through interaction with the user.

According to another embodiment, the parameters forming the parameter space comprise the manufacturing depth, the space requirement and/or the cost of the switchgear.

According to a further embodiment, a decision device is provided, which is arranged for selecting a switchgear cabinet solution from the set of different switchgear cabinet solutions. This decision device may be arranged to accept user input. It may also be set to be fully automatic so that the computer-assisted cabinet configuration system makes the autonomous selection. This selection may take into account a quality function as described further below.

According to a further embodiment, the system is arranged to store the switchgear configuration of the selected switchgear scenario in a database, such that the system can reference it in future switchgear configurations.

This design and construction of the encapsulation device is based on software creation, e.g. via epilan ProCAD-supported designAnd (4) form creation. The planned design includes, inter alia, three-dimensional mounting structures in the form of layouts, virtual wiring and, if necessary, other components of electrical and electronic built-in modules, and the configuration of copper busbars for packaging equipment-matched flexible power distribution systems. For example, electrical or electronic mounting modules may be secured in a switchgear enclosure using top hat rails. Optional components such as fans, ventilators, filters, heat exchangers, air conditioning units, interior lighting systems, cable entries, etc. can also be designed to complete the switchgear cabinet.

The software-supported design for creating a three-dimensional layout is characterized by a sorting device and an evaluation and simulation unit, which, when accessing a library (database) of installation modules connected thereto, supports the layout of the switchgear device, taking into account structural boundary conditions, such as distance dimensions, accessibility or electrical energy consumption specifications.

The various mounting modules may be mounted on a common mounting rail in the switchgear cabinet housing. The switch cabinet is designed to be function block oriented, which means that it only includes those built-in modules that are necessary for the function of the machine. In addition, the switchgear cabinet housing also contains a number of bus terminals for connecting the switchgear cabinet to a bus system, a signal monitoring unit, a number of input/output modules, a power supply unit and a load relay. At the bottom of the switchgear cabinet housing, there is a cable bushing through which the mechanical connection lines as well as the lines for additional sensors and/or actuators can be led into the interior of the switchgear cabinet. Such a switchgear cabinet of the second embodiment is designed at least in a manner corresponding to protection class IP 65.

In general, the layout of the switchgear cabinet must meet the framework conditions defined by the application and can also be optimized according to additional aspects, for example with regard to thermal load capacity, electromagnetic compatibility, packing density of the built-in modules and other components, electrical energy consumption, etc. However, these optimization aspects are often in a competing relationship, so optimization in one direction comes at the expense of the other. For example, increasing packing density generally results in a higher thermal load on the switchgear.

The examples include the following technical teachings: arrangement in a switchgear cabinetInitially, the creation or provision of a functional plan of the switchgear assembly in the form of a circuit diagram SP begins. Subsequently, the circuit diagram SP of the packaging device is converted into a three-dimensional layout L1, the three-dimensional layout L1 being used for arranging at least several electrical and/or electronic installation modules in at least one packaging casing, wherein the three-dimensional layout L1 of the packaging device lays out the auxiliary units LA (e.g. the applicant's product EPLAN Pro)) Access the installation module library connected thereto.

It can be provided that the modification of the three-dimensional layout L1 created in this way is subsequently performed by a modification algorithm Mod implemented in the layout assistance unit LA for generating at least one alternative three-dimensional layout L2. Thus, the modification algorithm Mod for modifying the three-dimensional layout L1 into the alternative layout L2 determines the value of the quality function and optimizes the modification in such a way that the quality function has an extremum. The switchgear cabinet may then be transported to an assembly plant according to an alternative three-dimensional layout L2.

The modification algorithm utilizes a mathematical quality function. The quality function embodies the goal to be achieved by modifying, for example, the degree of space utilization, i.e., packing density. This mathematical model provides the prerequisite to find a compromise in the lowest common denominator sense in case of conflict of targets, if several targets are to be achieved simultaneously. In addition to the quality function, hard boundary conditions may be specified, such as maximum temperature or maximum energy consumption. For each layout variable, the evaluation may be performed in several runs, which are tested using a quality function. To find the next variable, any optimization method can be used that derives a new variable with a potentially improved value of the quality function from the history of previous variables.

In other words, the designer first creates the three-dimensional layout L1 using software layout assistance when implementing the electrical schematic SP. Subsequently, it can be specified that a three-dimensional layout arranged in a distributed manner according to the original layout L1 on, for example, two switch cabinets should be installed in a smaller installation area of a single switch cabinet. According to this specification, the modification algorithm Mod generates a correspondingly adapted proposal for a modified layout L2, possibly irrespective of the granularity or the like normally applicable. However, in this case, since the priority of the higher degree of space utilization is better than the predetermined distance size, the modified layout L2 is prioritized. Any higher heat generated thereby can be compensated for by, for example, installing a cooling device with a higher cooling capacity.

If the pre-certification of the alternative three-dimensional layout L2 shows that this embodiment is allowed, it can be provided that this alternative three-dimensional layout L2 is stored in the application database a connected to the layout assistance unit LA in order to be considered as the initially allowed layout in the future conversion of the same or similar circuit diagram SP'. This measure leads to an enrichment of the application database a, which in this respect is not limited to embodiments strictly adhering to predetermined structural boundary conditions or the like. Due to this flexibility, a more application-oriented layout of the switchgear apparatus is possible. The solution according to the invention therefore creates a method which takes into account the individual optimization possibilities, including their interaction with each other, when creating a layout for a switchgear cabinet.

In terms of system technology, this solution can be implemented by additionally implementing or assigning the Mod modification algorithm in the LA layout assistance unit, which may be a unit with EPLAN ProA computer on which the software is installed.

For example, the modification algorithm Mod has a parametrizable quality function comprising at least one variable layout optimization parameter P1 to Pn. This layout optimization parameter provides input options for the planner to use for different optimization directions, e.g., through simulated rotation controls on a graphical user interface, to select desired weights for layout modification. The system determines a coordinated, reasonable proportion of various predetermined layout optimization parameters based on a modification algorithm Mod and proposes a relevant alternative layout L2. However, in the simplest case, it is also conceivable that only a single layout optimization parameter can be predefined. Various layout optimization parameters P1 through Pn are contemplated, which are selected as follows without limitation:

the first layout optimization parameter P1 describes the degree of space utilization of the available switchgear volume in relation to the geometrical dimensions of the electrical and/or electronic installation module to be installed therein.

The second layout optimization parameter P2 describes the degree of thermal loading taking into account the waste heat generated by the built-in modules, the ambient heat of the switchgear and, if applicable, the heat dissipation capacity of the optional fan/air conditioning unit.

The third layout optimization parameter P3 describes the degree of power consumption, at least taking into account the power consumption of all built-in modules. Although the total power depends on the electrical design of the switchgear device, alternative built-in modules for the same function with different power consumption may be considered. Therefore, optimization in this respect is also possible.

The fourth layout optimization parameter P4 describes the EMC (EMC) level, which takes into account the electromagnetic radiation of the built-in modules.

The fifth layout optimization parameter P5 describes the extent of the wiring length in order to take into account the regulations regarding minimum or maximum cable length when arranging the built-in modules in the switchgear cabinet housing.

Since some of these layout optimization parameters P1 to P5, given here only as an example, compete with each other, i.e. optimization with respect to one parameter may be at the expense of another parameter, the mathematical approach of the parametrizable quality function may achieve an optimal balance between different optimization parameters in order to find a compromise in this respect. In this process, one parameter may be given a higher priority than another in the sense of priority. By means of the modification algorithm Mod according to the invention, the switchgear cabinet installation can thus be optimized with respect to different criteria relating to space utilization, thermal load, electrical energy consumption, EMC, wiring material costs, etc.

A further aspect relates to a cabinet manufacturing facility arranged for manufacturing cabinets, comprising a computer-assisted cabinet configuration system as described above and below, and an at least partially automated or fully automated manufacturing line arranged to assemble cabinets at least partially automatically or fully automatically according to cabinet solutions generated by the cabinet configuration system.

Another aspect relates to the use of the computer-aided switchgear configuration system described above and below for the fully automated manufacture of switchgear.

A further aspect relates to a method for configuring a switchgear cabinet comprising a modular switchgear cabinet arrangement, which is composed of a plurality of electrical and/or electronic built-in modules and other optional components in an application-specific manner. In the method, one or more switchgear configurations of the system to be controlled are identified taking into account the set of frame condition data by selecting an appropriate configuration from a set of historical inventory data stored in a database. Thus, the adjustment of the identified switchgear configuration taking into account the frame condition data set takes place within a parameter space formed by different parameters, thereby generating a set of different switchgear solutions having respectively different layouts. Thus, one of the switchgear solutions with a specific layout is selected from the set of different switchgear solutions, and the switchgear is then manufactured according to this selected switchgear solution.

A final aspect relates to a computer program product with program code means for performing the method when the computer program product is run on a computing unit of a control panel manufacturing facility or stored on a computer readable medium or in cloud storage.

Further embodiments are shown in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Wherein:

fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a computer-aided switchgear configuration system for configuring a switchgear.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a switchgear manufacturing facility;

figure 3 shows a flow chart of a process performed by the system for optimized configuration of a switchgear;

fig. 4 shows a more detailed schematic representation of a computer-assisted switchgear configuration system for configuring a switchgear.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a computer-assisted switchgear configuration system 1 for configuring a switchgear. The switchgear assembly system 1, also referred to as "assembly tool" in the following, comprises as basic components a sorting device 10 and an evaluation/simulation unit 18.

By means of the switchgear configuration system 1, a switchgear cabinet solution 100 for the installation to be controlled is created from framework conditions 2, which framework conditions 2 comprise the desired specifications of the switchgear cabinet, such as desired functions or control tasks, and the resulting target settings, which describe the economic parameters of the project, such as costs or production time. In doing so, the switchgear scheme 100 is described with a specific executable configuration of the resulting target settings, such that further elaboration or interpretation of information output by the switchgear configuration system, such as the selection of components from different manufacturers, is not necessary.

The frame condition data set 2 is configured, for example, by means of a first electronic selection table, in which information necessary for describing the frame conditions, for example, with respect to the system to be controlled (energy consumption, location of use, etc.), environmental conditions (temperature, etc.), geometric parameters (size/arrangement of air conditioning units, etc.), component preferences (manufacturer/design) is stored in the database partition 11.

The frame condition data set 2, which typically comprises a plurality of individual data, is transmitted to the sorting device 10. The classification device 10 determines, by means of the pattern recognition unit 20, from the frame conditions, at least one switchgear configuration 30 having frame conditions anchored in the frame condition data set 2, by selecting a suitable recipe/configuration from the stored historical inventory. These schemes are stored in a database (partition) 12.

The pattern recognition unit 20 utilizes pattern recognition and/or fuzzy logic and/or neural network techniques and methods.

The switch cabinet configuration 30 identified in this way is adjusted by the evaluation unit/simulation unit 18 within the parameter space formed by the different parameters. These different parameter sets are stored in a database (partition) 13. For example, the parameter space contains parameter sets relating to different manufacturing variables, in particular information about the automation depth of the manufacturing variables and the resulting impact on the frame conditions (such as space requirements and impact on target settings) and higher level variable target settings (such as maximum cost budget). For example, individual parameters of the parameter set are selected through a second electronic selection form. The evaluation unit/simulation unit 18 simulates a set of switchgear scenarios 100, for example by numerical simulation, based on the at least one switchgear configuration 30 defined by the frame condition 2 and the parameter space defined by the selected parameter set.

The evaluation unit/simulation unit 18 may be arranged to calculate and graphically output, for each switchgear cabinet solution of the group, a deviation from the required frame conditions of the frame condition data set 2 and a target setting. The selection of the switchgear configuration to be manufactured is made by means of the decision device 40.

The design and production of a switchgear cabinet is an extremely complex matter, which can be broken down into different dimensions.

Dimension of the value chain:

the design/production of a switchgear can be divided into several value creation phases (engineering, work preparation, order planning and implementation), each of which has a large number of degrees of freedom and is usually provided by several participants in the ecosystem.

Batch dimension:

each switchgear can be regarded as a unique piece, since for each set of condition and target settings there are various planning options possible in the project, which may differ, for example, in the form of electrical design or component selection.

Once the switchgear is configured, it can be manufactured in different ways, for example with different automation depths. Manufacturing variables have a direct impact on the engineering stage, for example, automated assembly limits packing density.

Framework dimensions:

the frame condition is understood to be, for example, a geometric property, a preferred component or functional range of different manufacturers, or a specification of a customer. For example, these framework conditions may lead to the fact that certain production variables are not feasible.

Dimension of target setting:

targeting can be understood as business parameters (preferences) that describe the main aspects that affect individual decisions across all phases of the value chain.

Dimension of production variables:

different manufacturing partners have different manufacturing infrastructures, which differ essentially by the degree of automation (see batch manufacturing variables).

A switchgear configuration system that provides information across all incremental phases and allows access to past projects when necessary can significantly reduce planning effort and identify optimization methods.

The customer benefit mentioned here depends to a large extent on the content of the optimization method to be determined. Generally, the following customer benefits are served:

1) ease of use: the system suggests different switch cabinet configurations for each stage of the value chain depending on the situation and displays the corresponding results for the downstream steps, e.g. the feasibility of automatic wiring.

2) Planning reliability: by linking business parameters such as cost or resources, for example, profitability of the entire project may be modeled.

3) Flexibility: based on engineering results, implementations may be simulated separately at each stage of the value chain.

A switchgear configuration system is provided which can propose a desired configuration of a switchgear on the basis of several parameters, whereby the system:

having a database, the database having different partitions,

where there are general conditions (customer specifications) in the partition,

there is a target setting (preference) in the partition,

there are production variables (preferences) in the partition,

the configuration that has already been implemented stored in the partition;

having a linking provision to link the frame condition with the target setting in an appropriate manner;

a linking rule having a linking configuration with different production variables;

the method comprises a pattern recognition unit, wherein the pattern recognition unit can recognize similar known configurations for predefined frame conditions and target settings in a predefinable deviation interval and output configuration suggestions;

having a simulation unit which simulates possible (virtual) production variables, electrical configurations, for different configurations;

there is an evaluation unit for evaluating the results of the respective simulations in relation to the various target settings and presenting the results and adapted to the respective value creation phase, for example adapting the proposed manufacturing variables to the actual manufacturing infrastructure.

Fig. 2 shows a switchgear manufacturing facility 200 comprising the above-described switchgear configuration system 1, the switchgear manufacturing facility 200 being connected to a fully or partially automated manufacturing line 201 and thus controlling the robots of the manufacturing line.

Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a method for configuring a switchgear, wherein in step 301 one or more switchgear configurations are identified as further described above, in step 302 a set of different switchgear scenarios is generated as described above, and in step 303 a selection of a switchgear scenario with a layout for the switchgear to be manufactured is selected from the set of different switchgear scenarios. If the system determines that the selected switchgear solution does not meet the predetermined requirements, it may return to the evaluation and simulation unit, which then takes into account any changed parameters, thereby generating a new set of switchgear solutions. This control loop can be run several times until the switchgear solution is optimized. In step 304, the switchgear is then manufactured according to the selected final switchgear scenario. In step 305, the selected switchgear scenario is stored in the database 12 (see also the lower dashed arrow in fig. 4) for later use by the sorting apparatus. In particular, the system may thus be structured as a self-learning system that continuously increases its "knowledge". In particular, the circuit diagram configurations stored in the database 12 may be used to create a switchgear solution for future customers characterized by, for example, low material and tool usage, light weight, low power consumption, low heat generation, and small size.

Fig. 4 is a more detailed schematic representation of a computer-assisted switchgear configuration system for configuring a switchgear.

In addition, "comprising" and "includes" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. It should also be noted that features or steps which have been described with reference to any of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting.

List of reference numerals

1 switchgear configuration system

2 framework Condition data set

10 sorting installation

11 database

12 database

13 database

18 evaluation and simulation unit

20 sample recognition unit

30 switchgear arrangement

40 decision making device

100 switch cabinet scheme

200 cubical switchboard manufacturing facility

201 production line

301 method step

302 method step