Remote activation of the wireless service interface of a control device via a peripheral device

Abstract

A control device (e.g., a controller), especially for building automation, for controlling one or more field devices, which are connected to the control device in a data-technical manner via a communication network, especially via a fieldbus, wherein the field devices include a wireless service interface (wireless service interface, e.g., a WiFi interface), and wherein the control device is configured to receive a service signal generated by the field device and activate (or switch on) the wireless service interface based on this service signal. A method for transmitting data to a control device, which is used to control one or more field devices, which are connected to the control device in a data-technical manner via a communication network, especially via a fieldbus, wherein the wireless service interface of the control device is activated via a service signal generated by the field device and sent to the control device, and wherein after the wireless service interface is activated by a tool (e.g., an engineering tool, a commissioning tool), the data is transmitted to the control device via the wireless service interface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for controlling one or more field devices, which are connected to the control device in a data technology manner via a communication network, in particular via a fieldbus. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for transmitting data to a control device for controlling one or more field devices, which are connected to the control device in a data technology manner via a communication network, in particular via a fieldbus. Background Art

[0002] The commissioning of building automation systems for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, etc. requires the efficient loading of a large amount of data (such as application software, parameterization data, text libraries, UI graphics for user interfaces) onto the control devices (such as controllers, automation devices) required therefor. Furthermore, during the commissioning or maintenance of the control devices, updates of the firmware (for bug fixes, security updates or function extensions) are often required.

[0003] At the time of commissioning a control device (such as an IP-based controller) that communicates via the Internet protocol (such as IPv4, IPv6) for building automation, the IP building network (backbone network) is often not yet ready for operation and the efficient loading of a large amount of data via the backbone network is therefore not possible.

[0004] The loading of a large amount of data onto the control device using a "non-IP building network" (such as a BACnet MSTP backbone network) is generally very inefficient due to the low transmission capacity and will take too long for commissioning (such as several hours for firmware updates).

[0005] In principle, a large amount of data can be efficiently loaded onto the controller via the local USB interface on the controller (control device). However, the controllers for automation systems are often installed in inaccessible locations (such as in false ceilings, in window panels or in false floors), and it is difficult and time-consuming to arrange a USB cable between the tool and the controller. In addition, the length of the USB cable is limited to within a few meters. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a control device onto which a large amount of data can be efficiently loaded. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for efficiently loading a large amount of data onto a control device, in particular for building automation.

[0007] This task is solved by a control device (such as a controller, automation device), which is especially used for building automation and is used to control one or more field devices. The field devices are connected to the control device in a data technology manner through a communication network, especially through a fieldbus. The control device includes a wireless service interface (Wireless-Service interface, such as a WiFi interface). The control device is configured to receive service signals generated by the field devices (peripherals) and activate (or turn on) the wireless service interface (Wireless-Service interface, such as a WiFi interface) based on the service signals. In building automation, a field device (such as an actuator or sensor) is assigned to exactly one control device (such as a controller). This ensures that service signals generated by the field devices are received by the relevant control device (i.e., the controller that controls the field device). Field devices usually have service pins or programming buttons. When operating the service pins or programming buttons, the field devices generate fieldbus-specific messages (service signals) for service and commissioning purposes, and the messages are sent to the corresponding controller.

[0008] Through this simple and clear remote activation (Fernaktivierung) of the local wireless service interface, for example, service technicians or facility managers can very quickly, effectively, and safely identify (locate) the correct controller for a room and directly start quickly downloading the required data to the corresponding controller. The building backbone network (i.e., the backbone network in the building, such as an IP network) does not have to be ready to run for this purpose. Eliminate the time-consuming location of the controller in an inaccessible position and the removal of false ceilings, window panels, or false floors for placing USB cables on the controller or for operating the service buttons on the controller (control device). The use of services during continuous operation is significantly simplified and accelerated because data can be loaded onto the controller (control device) at high speed via the wireless service interface. The execution of commissioning and service work on the controller (such as maintenance, patch installation, firmware update) becomes significantly faster and more reliable.

[0009] Optionally, the control device is configured to receive service signals generated by the field devices and activate the wireless service interface based on the service signals (when the wireless service interface is off) and / or deactivate the wireless service interface (when the wireless service interface is on).

[0010] A first advantageous design of the present invention is that the control device (controller) is configured to simulate the operation of a service button located locally at the control device through the received service signal and thereby activate the wireless service interface. The controller converts the received service signal by simulating the operation of the local service button on the controller as if someone had operated the service button locally at the controller.

[0011] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that after activating the wireless service interface, the control device is configured to receive data and / or transmit data via the wireless service interface (such as a radio interface, WLAN, WiFi). Debugging and service use during continuous operation are significantly simplified and accelerated because data can be loaded onto the control device at high speed via the wireless service interface.

[0012] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that the control device is configured to automatically deactivate the wireless service interface after receiving or transmitting data. By automatically turning off the wireless service interface by means of a timeout, the manual deactivation by the service technician after the end of the service work (which is often forgotten) is eliminated.

[0013] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that the wireless service interface is automatically deactivated after a defined period of time when not in use. By automatically turning off the wireless service interface by means of a timeout, the manual deactivation by the service technician after the end of the service work (which is often forgotten) is eliminated.

[0014] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that the service signal is a fieldbus-specific message for service and debugging purposes generated by operating a programming button or service pin on the field device. The field device usually has a service pin or a programming button. When operating the service pin or the programming button, the field device generates a fieldbus-specific message for service and debugging purposes, and the message is sent to the controller.

[0015] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that the control device is configured to receive the service signal generated by the field device and deactivate the wireless service interface (SS) based on the service signal.

[0016] Furthermore, this task is solved by a method for transmitting data to a control device (such as a controller, an automation device), which is particularly used for building automation and is used to control one or more field devices. The field devices are connected to the control device in a data technology manner via a communication network, particularly via a fieldbus. The wireless service interface (such as a WiFi interface) of the control device is activated via a service signal generated by the field device and sent to the control device. After activating the wireless service interface, data is transmitted to the control device via the wireless service interface (such as WLAN, WiFi) by a tool (such as an engineering tool, a debugging tool). This method can be easily implemented using the infrastructure that already exists anyway.

[0017] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that the operation of a service button located locally at the control device is simulated by a service signal received by the control device, and thereby the wireless service interface of the control device is activated. The control device (such as a controller, PLC, SPS) is configured to convert the received service signal so as to simulate the operation of the local service button on the controller as if someone has operated the service button locally on the controller.

[0018] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that the wireless service interface is automatically deactivated after the data transfer has been performed. By automatically turning off the wireless service interface by means of a timeout, the manual deactivation by the service technician after the service work has ended (which is often forgotten) is eliminated.

[0019] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that the wireless service interface is automatically deactivated after a defined period of time when not in use. By automatically turning off the wireless service interface by means of a timeout, the manual deactivation by the service technician after the service work has ended (which is often forgotten) is eliminated.

[0020] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that the service signal is a fieldbus-specific message for service and commissioning purposes generated by operating a programming button or a service pin on the field device. The field device usually has a service pin or a programming button. When operating the service pin or the programming button, the field device generates a fieldbus-specific message for service and commissioning purposes, and the message is sent to the controller. The operation of the programming button or the service pin on the field device can be performed, for example, by a service technician.

[0021] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that the wireless service interface of the control device is deactivated via a service signal generated by the field device and sent to the control device. Thus, the WiFi interface of the control device (such as a controller) can not only be switched on via the fieldbus, but also be manually switched off via another command.

[0022] Another advantageous design of the present invention is to provide a device for performing the method. The device includes a control device (controller) according to the present invention, correspondingly configured components (field device, tool, etc.) and correspondingly suitable communication connections (such as WLAN, fieldbus). Description of the Drawings

[0023] The present invention and its advantageous embodiments are explained by way of the following figures. Here:

[0024] Figure 1 An exemplary communication network with an exemplary control device and a field device is shown, and

[0025] Figure 2 Exemplary flowchart showing a method for transmitting data to a control device. Detailed Description

[0026] Figure 1 Exemplary communication network KN is shown having exemplary control device SG and field devices FG1 - FG3. The exemplary control device SG can for example be a correspondingly configured controller or an automation device for building automation (Automation Device), for example for controlling or regulating HLK functions (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) in a building. The communication network KN is advantageously a fieldbus or installation bus (e.g., KNX bus system). The field devices FG1 - FG3 are for example actuators (e.g., drives for awnings or curtains, dimmers, temperature displays, alarm indicators, etc.) or sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, temperature detectors, motion detectors, presence detectors, dimmer buttons, etc.).

[0027] According to Figure 1 the exemplary control device SG is configured to control one or more field devices FG1 - FG3, wherein the field devices FG1 - FG3 are connected to the control device SG in a data - technological manner via a communication network KN (e.g., a fieldbus or installation bus). The control device SG includes a wireless service interface SS (e.g., a radio interface, a WiFi interface), wherein the control device SG is configured to receive service signals SIG generated by the field devices FG1 - FG3 and to activate the wireless service interface SS based on the service signals SIG.

[0028] Each of the field devices FG1 - FG3 includes a respective programming button PT1 - PT3 and / or a respective service pin SP1 - SP3. When operating the service pins SP1 - SP3 or when operating the respective programming buttons PT1 - PT3, the respective field devices FG1 - FG3 generate fieldbus - specific messages SIG for service and commissioning purposes, which are sent to the control device SG (controller).

[0029] In the illustration according to Figure 1 the fieldbus - specific message, i.e., the service signal SIG, is for example generated by a user B (e.g., a service technician) operating the programming button PT2 on the field device FG2. The service signal SIG is sent via the communication network KN (e.g., a building installation bus) to the control device SG. The control device SG is configured to receive and evaluate the service signal SIG accordingly. The control device SG includes a processor P for executing instructions of a program (especially software (e.g., an application) or firmware FW). In addition, the control device SG includes one or more storage media M (e.g., a working memory or a flash memory) for accommodating application software, firmware FW or an operating system.

[0030] Today, controllers or control devices SG are increasingly equipped with local wireless service interfaces SS (such as WiFi, Bluetooth). The wireless service interface SS must be manually activated by a technician for service purposes and automatically cut off again after a timeout, so that the wireless service interface SS remains deactivated during normal operation (e.g., due to a pre-given building IT management; as an IT security protection measure; or because of the lower current consumption caused by a radio module that is switched off during normal operation in the controller SG).

[0031] So far, the wireless service interface SS has been activated via a local service button ST on the control device SG (controller). Due to the inaccessible installation location of the control device SG, it is difficult and time-consuming for the operator B to operate the service button ST to activate the wireless service interface SS (e.g., removing the panel, opening the ceiling). Advantageously, the control device SG is thus set up to simulate the operation of the service button ST local to the control device SG by receiving a service signal SIG and thereby activate the wireless service interface SS. The wireless service interface SS is, for example, a radio interface (such as a WiFi interface).

[0032] After activating the wireless service interface SS, the control device SG is set up to receive data (such as firmware FW and / or application programs) and / or send data via the wireless service interface SS. In the Figure 1 illustrated example, after activating the wireless service interface SS, the control device SG is located in the WLAN network of an exemplary router R. After activating the wireless service interface SS, the user B (such as a commissioning engineer or service technician) can load the firmware FW or firmware update onto the control device SG via a tool T (such as a mobile communication terminal device, smartphone, tablet, personal computer). A communication connection KV is established between the tool T (such as an engineering tool or commissioning tool (Inbetriebnahme-Tool)) and the control device SG via the WLAN network of the router S.

[0033] Advantageously, the control device SG is set up to automatically deactivate the wireless service interface SS after receiving or sending data FW. The data can be, for example, useful data, parameters, configurations, application software, and / or firmware FW.

[0034] Advantageously, the wireless service interface SS is automatically deactivated after a defined period of time when not in use.

[0035] Advantageously, the service signal SIG is a fieldbus-specific message for service and commissioning purposes, which is generated by operating the corresponding programming buttons PT1 - PT3 or service pins SP1 - SP3 on the corresponding field devices FG1 - FG3.

[0036] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that the wireless service interface of the control device is deactivated via a service signal SIG generated by the field devices FG1 - FG3 and sent to the control device SG. Thus, the WiFi interface of the control device (such as a controller) can not only be turned on via the field bus, but also be manually turned off via another command.

[0037] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that the control device SG is configured to receive a service signal SIG' generated by the field devices FG1 - FG3 and deactivate the wireless service interface SS based on the service signal SIG'.

[0038] Figure 2 An exemplary flowchart showing a method for transmitting data (such as firmware, firmware updates) to a control device (such as a controller, an automation device), which is particularly used for building automation to control one or more field devices, and the field devices are connected to the control device in a data - technical manner via a communication network, particularly via a field bus (such as a building installation bus, a KNX bus).

[0039] (VS1) wherein the wireless service interface of the control device is activated via a service signal generated by the field device (such as an actuator or a sensor) and sent to the control device, and (VS2) wherein after the wireless service interface is activated, data (such as firmware) is transmitted to the control device via the wireless service interface (such as a radio interface, WiFi, WLAN) by a tool (such as an engineering tool or a commissioning tool). The tool can be implemented, for example, on a mobile communication terminal device, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a personal computer.

[0040] Advantageously, the operation of a service button located locally at the control device is simulated by the service signal received by the control device, and thereby the wireless service interface of the control device is activated.

[0041] Advantageously, after the data is transmitted, the wireless service interface is automatically deactivated.

[0042] Another advantageous design of the present invention is that the wireless service interface of the control device is deactivated via a service signal SIG generated by the field devices FG1 - FG3 and sent to the control device SG. Thus, the WiFi interface of the control device (such as a controller) can not only be turned on via the field bus, but also be manually turned off via another command.

[0043] Advantageously, the corresponding service signal SIG is a field - bus - specific message for service and commissioning purposes generated by operating a programming button or a service pin on the field device.

[0044] This method can be implemented by utilizing the infrastructure (such as a WLAN router) that usually already exists in a building.

[0045] Exemplary scenarios of using this method:

[0046] a) Each controller (control device) controls one or more field devices that are simply accessible in a room, such as room operating devices, valve drivers, via a fieldbus (such as KNX bus, Modbus, LON).

[0047] b) These field devices are directly connected to and available from the controller (control device) via the corresponding fieldbus.

[0048] c) Generally, only one controller (control device) is connected to the fieldbus. Therefore, the assignment between the field devices and the controller is clear.

[0049] d) Field devices usually have service pins or programming buttons. When operating the service pin or programming button, the field device generates a fieldbus-specific message for service and debugging purposes, which is sent to the controller (control device).

[0050] e) This identification message from the field device is received by the controller (control device). The controller (control device) converts the signal in such a way that the controller simulates the operation of a local service button on the controller (control device), as if someone had locally operated the service button on the controller (control device).

[0051] f) Therefore, the wireless service interface on the controller (control device) is turned on for a determined period of time.

[0052] g) The controller (control device) can be simply identified on a tool (mobile phone, tablet, PC) by recognizing the wireless network (such as a new WiFi SSID).

[0053] h) After connecting a tool (such as an engineering tool, debugging tool) to the wireless service interface, a large amount of data can be very simply and quickly loaded onto the controller (control device) (such as for firmware update).

[0054] i) Advantageously, the activated wireless service interface automatically cuts off when not in use (after a timeout).

[0055] j) After the controller (control device) restarts, the wireless service interface is no longer turned on (such as after a successful FW download and restart).

[0056] Exemplary advantages of the present invention:

[0057] - With simple and clear remote activation via the local wireless service interface, service technicians can very quickly, effectively and securely identify (locate) the correct controller for the room and directly start a quick download of the required data. The building backbone network does not have to be ready to operate for this.

[0058] - Eliminate the time-consuming location of the controller in an inaccessible position and the removal of false ceilings, window panels or false floors for laying USB tool cables or operating service buttons.

[0059] - The service during continuous operation is significantly simplified and accelerated because data can be loaded via the wireless service interface at high speed.

[0060] - By automatically shutting down the wireless service interface by means of a timeout, eliminate the manual deactivation by the service technician after the service work has ended (which is often forgotten).

[0061] - The execution of commissioning and service work becomes significantly faster and more reliable.

[0062] A control device (e.g., a controller), especially for building automation, for controlling one or more field devices, which are connected to the control device in a data technology manner via a communication network, especially via a fieldbus, wherein the control device includes a wireless service interface (wireless service interface, e.g., a WiFi interface), and wherein the control device is configured to receive a service signal generated by the field device and activate (or switch on) the wireless service interface based on the service signal. A method for transmitting data to a control device for controlling one or more field devices, which are connected to the control device in a data technology manner via a communication network, especially via a fieldbus, wherein the wireless service interface of the control device is activated via a service signal generated by the field device and sent to the control device, and wherein after the activation of the wireless service interface, data is transmitted to the control device via the wireless service interface by a tool (e.g., an engineering tool, a commissioning tool).

[0063] Reference Signs

[0064] SG Control device

[0065] ST Service button

[0066] SS Service interface

[0067] P Processor

[0068] M Memory

[0069] R Router

[0070] WLAN Wireless network

[0071] KV Communication Connection

[0072] KN Communication Network

[0073] FG1 - FG3 Field Devices

[0074] PT1 - PT3 Programming Buttons

[0075] SP1 - SP3 Service Pins

[0076] SIG, SIG' Service Signals

[0077] T Tool

[0078] B User

[0079] FW Firmware

[0080] VS1, VS2 Method Steps

Claims

1. A control device (SG) for building automation, for controlling one or more field devices (FG1 - FG3), which are connected to the control device (SG) in a data - technological manner via a fieldbus. Wherein the control device (SG) includes a wireless service interface (SS). It is characterized in that the control device (SG) is configured to receive a service signal (SIG) generated by the field devices (FG1 - FG3) and activate the wireless service interface (SS) based on the service signal (SIG). Wherein the service signal (SIG) is a fieldbus - specific message for service and commissioning purposes generated by operating programming buttons (PT1 - PT3) or service pins (SP1 - SP3) on the field devices (FG1 - FG3).

2. The control device (SG) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (SG) is configured to simulate the operation of a service button (ST) local to the control device (SG) by the received service signal and thereby activate the wireless service interface (SS).

3. The control device (SG) according to any one of the above claims, wherein after activating the wireless service interface (SS), the control device (SG) is configured to receive data (FW) and / or send data via the wireless service interface (SS).

4. The control device (SG) according to claim 3, wherein the control device (SG) is configured to automatically deactivate the wireless service interface (SS) after receiving or sending the data (FW).

5. The control device (SG) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless service interface (SS) is automatically deactivated after a defined period of non - use.

6. The control device (SG) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (SG) is configured to receive another service signal (SIG') generated by the field devices (FG1 - FG3) and deactivate the wireless service interface (SS) based on the another service signal (SIG').

7. A method for transmitting data to a control device (SG) for building automation, the control device being used to control one or more field devices (FG1 - FG3), which are connected to the control device (SG) in a data - technological manner via a fieldbus. Wherein the wireless service interface (SS) of the control device (SG) is activated by a service signal generated by the field devices (FG1 - FG3) and sent to the control device (SG). Wherein after activating the wireless service interface, data is transmitted to the control device (SG) via the wireless service interface (SS) by a tool (T). Wherein the service signal (SIG) is a fieldbus - specific message for service and commissioning purposes generated by operating programming buttons (PT1 - PT3) or service pins (SP1 - SP3) on the field devices (FG1 - FG3).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the operation of a service button (ST) local to the control device (SG) is simulated by a service signal (SIG) received by the control device (SG), and thereby the wireless service interface (SS) of the control device (SG) is activated.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein after the transmission of the data (FW), the wireless service interface (SS) is automatically deactivated.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the wireless service interface (SS) of the control device (SG) is deactivated by another service signal (SIG') generated by field devices (FG1 - FG3) and sent to the control device (SG).

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