Apparatus and method for operating a drive system

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive system (1) comprising a frequency converter (2), at least one drive unit (3) and a power supply (4), wherein the drive unit (3) comprises an electric machine (M) and at least one further component (36) comprising at least one sensor element, an actuator element and / or a data storage element, the frequency converter (2) supplies the further component (36) of the drive unit (3) with energy at least via the power supply (4), the frequency converter (2) is designed to obtain a first information (41) about the maximum available electrical energy of the power supply (4), the frequency converter (2) is designed to obtain a second information (31) about the electrical energy requirement of the further component of the drive unit (3), the frequency converter (2) is designed to perform a plausibility check of the first information (41) with reference to the second information (31), a decision criterion for the plausibility check is formed by a logical comparison of the first information (41) with the second information (31), the frequency converter (2) is designed to adjust a system state of the drive system (1) depending on the result of the plausibility check.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and method for operating a drive system. Background Technology

[0002] The drive system consists of a power supply unit, a frequency converter, and a drive unit.

[0003] A drive system and a method for operating the drive system are known from DE 102013005237A1, the drive system having an angle sensor and a converter, wherein the angle sensor detects the angular position of the rotor shaft of a motor, and the converter supplies power to the motor via a power supply cable.

[0004] A system and a method for operating the system are known from DE 102013007649B4. The system includes a motor fed by a converter via a connecting cable that functions as a power supply cable. Signal electronics are arranged on the motor side. In particular, the signal electronics include at least one sensor, actuator, and / or data storage. Signals are transmitted from the signal electronics to signal electronics on the converter side via the connecting cable.

[0005] As the closest prior art, a method for allocating addresses based on actions performed outside the bus system is known from DE 10 2007 040 425 A1.

[0006] A method for operating electrical installations is known from EP 2 787 405 A1.

[0007] A motor with a junction box is known from DE 10 2007 040 425 A1, in which modules are arranged, and sensors and actuators can be connected to the modules.

[0008] A method for optimizing control programs is known from DE 10 2007 007 601 B4.

[0009] A method for commissioning at least one field device is known from DE 10 2006 036 770 A1. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to further improve the energy transmission of the drive system.

[0011] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by means of an apparatus according to the features given in claim 1 and a method according to the features given in claim 14.

[0012] In the energy transmission system according to the invention, electrical energy generated by a component is transmitted to a drive unit, which includes a motor and at least one additional component, and the electrical energy is converted by the additional component of the drive unit to perform electrical work there.

[0013] Here, the frequency converter has neither information related to the electrical energy that the power supply can provide, nor information related to the electrical energy required by other components for operating the drive unit. That is, if this information is not sufficiently coordinated with each other, it leads to erroneous behavior of the entire drive system, even to complete failure.

[0014] However, according to the present invention, the frequency converter accesses this information before switching to normal operation, wherein the frequency converter performs a confidence check on this information by logical comparison and the result of the confidence check is used to set the system state of the drive system accordingly.

[0015] Therefore, on the one hand, it can protect the drive system from damage caused by design errors or incorrect construction or unacceptable combinations of system components, and also provides support to users in cause analysis, especially in fault finding and troubleshooting. On the other hand, for example, due to the limited functional range of the drive unit, the drive system can also operate with only minimal power requirements.

[0016] A key feature of the device for operating a drive system according to the present invention is that the drive system includes a frequency converter, at least one drive unit, and at least one power supply unit. The drive unit includes a motor and at least one additional component, said additional component including at least one sensor element, actuator element, and / or data storage element. The frequency converter supplies energy to the additional component of the drive unit via the power supply unit. The drive system is characterized in that the frequency converter is designed to obtain first information regarding the maximum available electrical energy / maximum supplyable electrical energy of the power supply unit; the frequency converter is designed to obtain second information regarding the electrical energy requirements of the additional component of the drive unit; the frequency converter is designed to perform a reliability check on the first information against the second information; a judgment criterion for the reliability check is formed by logically comparing the first information with the second information; and the frequency converter is designed to adjust the system state of the drive system based on the result of the reliability check. Here, the drive system is understood as a system that converts electrical energy into rotational and / or linear motion and movement processes. The drive system here mainly includes a frequency converter and at least one drive unit connected to the frequency converter.

[0017] The function of a frequency converter is to generate an AC voltage with variable frequency and amplitude from any input voltage, such as AC or DC voltage. This AC voltage is suitable for directly supplying an electric motor, particularly a synchronous or asynchronous motor. Frequency converters often also have multiple sensor measurement channels, which are used to perform and monitor the control and regulation of the motor. Furthermore, the frequency converter is also designed to provide electrical energy for the operation of these sensor measurement channels.

[0018] A structural unit that converts electrical energy into kinetic energy through energy conversion is called a drive unit. The drive unit includes a motor powered by a frequency converter and, most often, at least one additional component, including sensor elements, actuator elements, and / or data storage elements, such as rotary encoders, distance detectors, temperature detectors, vibration detectors, mounting position sensors, gyroscope sensors, GPS receivers, gravity sensors, Hall effect sensors, electronically readable nameplates, and / or one or more electronic brakes. The drive unit may also include a speed reducer directly mechanically connected to the motor and designed to optimally match the motor's torque or speed to the requirements of the industrial application. It is also possible to consider including a frequency converter within the structural unit, allowing for a very compact drive system design.

[0019] A power supply device is understood as an independent device or component used to supply electrical energy to devices or components that require voltages and currents different from those provided by the general power grid. Electrical energy refers to the form of energy transmitted by means of electricity or stored in an electric field.

[0020] Maximum available electrical energy refers to the energy that a generating unit, such as a power supply, can provide to a consumer. Here, the generating unit is physically limited in terms of the maximum electrical energy it can provide to the consumer.

[0021] The electrical energy demand described here refers to the demand for electrical energy converted by components of electrical devices, such as drive units, to meet their respective functions within a defined time period. "Reliability check" here refers to the application of evaluation criteria that lead to a corresponding response. Here, a logical comparison of first and second information is performed as the evaluation criteria, and the system state of the drive system is adjusted accordingly in response to this logical comparison. The system state can be understood as the overall behavior of the entire drive system at a specific moment. Drive systems typically have multiple different states. Specifically, here a distinction is made only between the following system states: "normal operating state" B1, "operating state with reduced power consumption of the drive unit" B2, "parameterized state" P, and "fault state" F.

[0022] Here, the term "normal operating state" B1 is understood as: the defect-free state possessed by a machine or system that is fully functional. If each machine or system is in its respective normal operating state, then the machine or system is ready, operates as set for it, and is free from interference or problems. In the normal operating state B1 of the drive system, the inverter can access all sensor elements, actuator elements, and / or data storage elements of the drive unit, establish digital data communication with these sensor elements, actuator elements, and / or data storage elements, and request parameter values ​​or measurement data characterizing temperature, the presence of vibration, installation position, the relative or absolute actual angular position or actual distance position of the drive unit, and / or information containing the electronic nameplate information of the drive unit. These parameter values ​​or measurement data are transmitted from these sensor elements, actuator elements, and / or data storage elements to the inverter as a response and are used by the inverter itself to control or regulate the drive unit and / or from the inverter. The data is transmitted to a downstream safety device, which monitors parameter values ​​using safety functions such as SAR (Safe Acceleration Range), SBC (Safe Braking Control), SBT (Safe Braking Test), SCA (Safety Camera), SDI (Safety Limit for Direction of Motion), SLA (Safety Limit for Acceleration), SLI (Safety Limit for Step), SLP (Safety Limit for Position), SLS (Safety Limit for Speed), SLT (Safety Limit for Torque), SMT (Safety Limit for Motor Temperature), SOS (Safety Stop), SP (Safety Position), SS1 (Safety Stop 1), SS2 (Safety Stop 2), SSM (Safety Speed ​​Monitor), SSR (Safety Speed ​​Range), STO (Safety Torque Off), STR (Safety Torque Range), or any combination of these safety functions. If the limits of the applied safety function are exceeded, the safety device immediately notifies the frequency converter.

[0023] "Operating state with reduced power consumption of the drive unit" B2 is understood as a system state in which the inverter can only actively access a reduced and limited number of sensor elements, actuator elements, and / or data storage elements of other components. However, the inverter can at least electronically read second information about the power demand of the drive unit, which is, for example, part of an electronic nameplate in the drive unit. In this state, additional sensor elements, actuator elements, and / or data storage elements of other components additionally present in the drive unit are deactivated, in particular to minimize current consumption during the electronic reading of the second information about the power demand of the drive unit.

[0024] In this operating state B2, the inverter can only operate the motor with a reduced and limited number of parameter values, which come from a reduced and limited number of sensor elements, actuator elements, and / or data storage elements of other components. The functional range is limited here due to the reduced set of parameter values ​​used by the inverter itself to control or regulate the drive unit and / or these parameter values ​​are transmitted from the inverter to downstream safety devices for monitoring the parameter values.

[0025] Advantageously, this design enables reliable / fail-safe operation of the drive system because the compatibility of system components, particularly their configuration, is autonomously checked by the frequency converter. This reduces commissioning time and helps improve system availability.

[0026] In another advantageous design, the frequency converter obtains first and / or second information during the parameterized state P of the drive system.

[0027] Advantageously, in this design, the compatibility of system components, particularly their configurations, is checked well before transitioning to normal operating state B1. This allows for early identification of configuration errors during driver unit commissioning, leading to improved support during the commissioning process.

[0028] In another advantageous design, the first and / or second information is communicated to the inverter by the user via devices, particularly configuration software and / or DIP switches. DIP switches are understood here as an arrangement of multiple small switches, particularly slide switches, housed in a common housing, which typically has a structure with two parallel connecting arrangements mounted directly on a circuit board, their switch positions being electronically readable. Advantageously, in this design, conventional system components—particularly in the absence of electronic nameplates—can be seamlessly integrated into the drive system according to the invention.

[0029] In another advantageous design, the inverter electronically reads first information from the power supply unit and / or second information from the drive unit. Here, electronically reading the first or second information is understood as storing the parameter value as a date on an electronically readable data storage element, which is a separate device or component, in this case, a fixed part of another component of the drive unit or power supply unit. Therefore, the data storage element must be connected to the device or component so that it is automatically replaced when replaced. Advantageously, this design enables user-friendly commissioning of the drive system because the inverter autonomously reads the necessary information for reliability checks from other components and / or the power supply unit.

[0030] In another advantageous design, the inverter acquires first and / or second information through testing. If the first and / or second information is not accessible electronically, the inverter has the capability to perform tests to evaluate the information or the reliability check results themselves. This checks ensures that the power supply is always sufficient to provide the maximum energy required by other components of the drive unit. This test can be performed, for example, after a system restart, during parameterized state P, or at regular time intervals. Advantageously, this design enables user-friendly commissioning of the drive system because the inverter autonomously acquires the information needed for the reliability check or its results through testing, thus allowing the use of legacy system components that have not yet stored this information electronically in a data storage element.

[0031] In another advantageous design, the frequency converter includes a power supply unit, wherein initial information is stored in the frequency converter at the factory during manufacturing. Here, the initial information of the integrated power supply unit is stored, for example, during assembly or directly at the frequency converter manufacturer in an electronically readable data storage element after completion.

[0032] Advantageously, in designs where the power supply components are already integrated into the frequency converter, space-saving variants can be achieved. These variants also simplify operation for users and reduce additional storage costs caused by additional power supply components.

[0033] In another advantageous design, the drive unit has an operating mode with reduced power demand, wherein this operating mode enables at least electronic reading of the second information, and the reduced power demand is determined not to exceed a maximum value. Advantageously, in this design, a standard size of the power supply component can be defined, ensuring that the second information can always be read electronically even if the maximum possible power demand of other components of the drive unit exceeds the maximum available energy of the power supply component.

[0034] In another advantageous design, the drive unit always starts in a mode with reduced power demand after a restart. A restart, or power-up, is understood here as the first and / or re-start of the drive system, especially after a configuration change and / or replacement of system components. During a restart, the drive system typically transitions from a static, energy-free / unpowered system state to an energy-consuming system state, and / or the computing units contained within the drive system are loaded with the currently valid configuration (current program flow, current data items). Advantageously, in this design, it is also ensured that secondary information can always be read electronically after a configuration change and / or after a system component replacement.

[0035] In another advantageous design, the power supply unit provides at least the maximum electrical energy required by the drive unit in operating modes where power demand is reduced. Advantageously, in this design, the power supply unit is able to provide sufficient energy to the drive unit so that—especially during restart—the inverter can always read the second information.

[0036] In another advantageous design, the drive system switches to normal operating state B1 when the first information is greater than or equal to the second information. This ensures that the drive system operates at its full functional range only if sufficient electrical energy is reliably supplied for the operation of other components of the drive unit.

[0037] In another advantageous design, when the first piece of information is less than the second piece of information, the drive system transitions to fault state F. This allows for earlier fault reporting to the user, particularly through a description of the cause of the fault, such as the use of an unsuitable power supply, in which case the drive system transitions to a safe system state. This prevents dangerous behavior of the drive unit, such as the potential for sudden communication interruptions of critical sensor and / or actuator data during operation.

[0038] In another advantageous design, when the first information is less than the second information, the drive system switches to operating state B2, where the drive unit operates only in an operating mode with reduced power demand. This allows for a reduction in the number of system component variations by always using a drive unit with a full range of functions, where the inverter and power supply can be adapted to the required functional range. Advantageously, in this design, the drive system can operate by always executing the query for the second information. This reliably informs the user of possible causes of failure, particularly failures due to insufficient power supply in the drive system. This significantly reduces the time required for commissioning or maintenance.

[0039] In another advantageous design, the frequency converter monitors the actual power demand of the drive unit, wherein the actual power demand is measured and / or data exchange with the drive unit is checked, wherein when the actual power demand is greater than the second information and / or data exchange with the drive unit is not possible, the drive system switches to fault state F.

[0040] Here, monitoring can be understood as targeted observation and information collection regarding the characteristic parameters of electrical energy, provided by the power supply unit to other components of the drive unit and implemented by the frequency converter. This monitoring is achieved by measuring the actual electrical energy demand, particularly the actual current and / or voltage flowing in the connecting wires between the power supply unit and other components of the drive unit, mostly within the frequency converter housing. If excessive current flows and / or if voltage fluctuations are detected below the voltage threshold required for the safe operation of the other components of the drive unit, the drive system is placed in fault state F. Alternatively, or as a supplement to current or voltage measurements, it is also possible to additionally monitor data exchange between the frequency converter and other components of the drive unit for communication failures. Here, data exchange, particularly electronic data exchange, is understood as data exchange using electronic transmission methods. If failures frequently occur during this data exchange at specific time intervals—compared to time intervals with a normal data error rate—the drive system is also switched to fault state F due to its use in harsh industrial environments. Advantageously, this design allows for early identification of aging, short circuits, and / or excessively long connecting wires between the inverter and other components of the drive unit, thereby enabling the drive system to switch to a safe system state in the event of a fault.

[0041] In another advantageous design, the inverter monitors the electrical energy supplied by the power supply unit, wherein when the actual supplied electrical energy is less than a first indication, the drive system transitions to fault state F. This monitoring is achieved either by measuring the electrical energy supplied by the power supply unit, particularly the current and / or voltage supplied in the connecting wires between the power supply unit and other components of the drive unit, typically within the inverter housing. If a voltage fluctuation is detected below the voltage threshold required for the safe operation of the other components of the drive unit, the drive system is placed in fault state F. Advantageously, this design allows for early identification of non-compliant power supply units and / or the use of inappropriate component combinations in the drive system construction.

[0042] In another advantageous design, the inverter tests the functionality of the drive system by operating the drive unit in the mode of maximum power demand. This test is understood here as a methodological experiment to determine whether the electrical energy available from the power supply is sufficient to ensure the drive system functions fully and without failure. For this purpose, it can be considered to activate all other components of the drive unit as energy consumers. Advantageously, in this design, a test can be performed to verify that the drive system functions fully even under worst-case conditions with the current configuration of the system components.

[0043] In another advantageous design, the accessible load in the drive unit can be activated only during the testing of the drive system's functionality. Here, the additional load refers to another consumable, such as a resistor, which is used either as an additional consumable along with all other activatable components of the drive unit for testing, or as a substitute for the other activatable components of the drive unit for testing. Advantageously, in this design, the worst-case scenario for testing becomes further stringent, thereby further improving the availability of the drive system in actual operating conditions, as failures due to insufficient power supply become less likely.

[0044] In another advantageous design, during fault state F, supplementary ordering of power supply components and / or drive units is provided via configuration software, wherein the electrical characteristics of these power supply components and / or drive units are adapted to the first and / or second information. Here, the adapted electrical characteristics are understood to mean, in particular, that the configuration software receives the first and / or second information and / or notification of the cause of the fault from the frequency converter and thereby derives recommendations for troubleshooting. Through a device, particularly through the drive system manufacturer's database system, the configuration software can also recommend specific power supply components or specific drive units to thereby eliminate the cause of the fault. Advantageously, in this design, solutions to the user's problems can therefore be provided quickly, especially during the initial commissioning of the drive system.

[0045] In another advantageous design, the first and / or second information may be restricted in relation to a license. Here, restriction in relation to a license means that the user can expand the functionality of the power supply and / or drive unit after obtaining authorization or permission, typically in the form of a license key. Advantageously, in this design, device variations can be further reduced, thereby further reducing device storage costs.

[0046] In another advantageous design, the license is activated (Lizenz-Freischaltung) via configuration software in fault state F, wherein the characteristics of the license are adapted to the first and / or second information. Advantageously, in this design, a solution to the user's problem can be quickly provided. Ideally, this allows for the purchase of additional functionality as needed without having to replace devices or components in the system.

[0047] In another advantageous design, not only the power supply to other components but also the data exchange with them is achieved through a common two-wire conductor, particularly a coaxial cable. Here, a two-wire assembly consisting of single-wire conductors insulated with insulating material is called a two-wire conductor, used for transmitting power and / or data between the inverter and the drive unit. A coaxial cable should be understood as a bipolar cable with a concentric structure. These bipolar cables typically consist of an inner conductor arranged at constant spacing and surrounded by a hollow cylindrical outer conductor. The outer conductor shields the inner conductor from electromagnetic interference. Ideally, the coaxial cable is designed to be integrated into a hybrid cable that includes additional connecting conductors, particularly for operating the motor. Advantageously, sources of failure can be eliminated in this design because both the conductors for power supply and those for data communication are implemented through the same connecting conductor.

[0048] An important feature of the method for operating the drive system is that the drive system is in a parameterized state, wherein, in a first step, the inverter can obtain first information about the maximum available electrical energy of the power supply unit and / or second information about the electrical energy requirements of other components of the drive unit from the user via configuration software notification, and / or wherein the inverter can read the first information and / or the second information from at least one electronic nameplate, wherein, in a second step, the inverter checks the integrity of the first and second information, wherein missing first information and / or missing second information is determined by measurement methods, wherein, in a third step, the inverter checks the reliability of the first and second information, wherein first information being greater than or equal to second information results in a transition to a normal operating state, and wherein first information being less than second information results in a transition to a fault state or a transition to an operating state in which electrical energy consumption in the drive unit is reduced.

[0049] In another advantageous design, during normal operation, the actual energy requirements of other components of the monitoring drive unit and / or the actual available electrical energy of the power supply are monitored, wherein excessive deviations from the first and / or second information in terms of tolerances lead to a transition to a fault state.

[0050] Further advantages are provided by the dependent claims. The invention is not limited to the combination of features of the claims. For those skilled in the art, particularly for purposes proposed and / or by comparison with the prior art, other reasonable combinations of features of the claims and / or individual claims and / or description features and / or drawings are possible. Attached Figure Description

[0051] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0052] exist Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a drive system (1) according to the present invention. The drive system includes a frequency converter (2), at least one drive unit (3), and at least one power supply unit (4). The drive unit (3) includes a motor (M) and at least one additional component (36), which includes at least one sensor element, actuator element, and / or data storage element. The additional component (36) includes elements such as a rotary encoder, distance detector, temperature detector, vibration detector, mounting position sensor, gyroscope sensor, GPS receiver, gravity sensor, Hall sensor, electronically readable nameplate, and / or one or more electronic brakes.

[0053] The drive unit (3) is directly electrically connected to the frequency converter (2) via a cable, which includes a connecting wire (6) for running the motor (M) and additional connecting wires (7) for running sensor elements, actuator elements, and / or data storage elements of other components (36). Here, the additional connecting wires (7) not only supply energy to the other components (36) but also communicate data with the other components (36).

[0054] Ideally, the additional connecting wire (7) is constructed as a coaxial wire. Therefore, the risk of interference radiation to the additional connecting wire (7) caused by crosstalk to the connecting wire (6) from the PWM signal, which is typically hard-switched for operating the motor (M), is minimized. Ideally, this data communication or exchange also takes place within a frequency range outside the typical interference spectrum for operating the motor (M), namely, above 500 kHz, 1 MHz, 10 MHz, and 50 MHz.

[0055] The power supply unit (4) is also directly electrically connected to the inverter (2) via connecting wires (8). Here, the power supply unit (4) is either designed as an external power supply unit, which can be directly connected to the inverter (2) through a separate interface, or the power supply unit (4) is already integrated into the inverter (2). A variant including an external power supply unit is also considered, for example, to support the internal power supply unit through a separate interface with the inverter (2) and is collectively regarded as the power supply unit (4) in the drive system (1). The function of the power supply unit (4) is generally to reliably supply electrical energy to the other components (36) of the drive unit (3) through the inverter (2) and additional connecting wires (7).

[0056] For this purpose, the inverter (2) obtains first information (41) about the maximum available electrical energy of the power supply unit (4) through a first device. Furthermore, the inverter (2) obtains second information (31) about the power requirements of additional sensor elements, actuator elements, and / or data storage elements of other components (36) through another device. The inverter (2) here has a special function of performing a reliability check on the first information (41) against the second information (31). This reliability check includes, for example, a logical comparison of the two information values ​​(41) or (31) with each other. The result of this reliability check (21) is ultimately used to autonomously place the entire drive system (1) into one of the following system states: normal operation (B1), operation with reduced power consumption of the drive unit (B2), or fault state (F).

[0057] exist Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an exemplary implementation of the drive system (1), specifically how the inverter (2) acquires first information (41) and / or second information (31) for reliability checks. Ideally, the inverter (2) of the drive system (1) is first placed in a parameterized state (P). During this parameterized state (P), a user who knows the corresponding required information about the drive unit (3) and / or power supply unit (4) can inform the inverter (2) of the first information (41) and / or the second information (31). This can be done, for example, through configuration software (5), preferably through SEW-EURODRIVE engineering software. To achieve this, one or more DIP switches located in the drive system (1) and readable by the inverter (2) may be used, which are configured by the user accordingly. Here, specific information values ​​are assigned to specific configurations of the DIP switches, and the inverter (2) interprets these information values ​​accordingly as first information (41) and / or second information (31).

[0058] exist Figure 3 Another possibility is shown, namely, how the inverter (2) acquires the first information (41) and / or the second information (31) for the reliability check. Here, the inverter (2) is first placed in a parameterized state (P). During this parameterized state (P), the inverter (2) is able to operate the drive unit (3) at least in the energy-consumption-reduced operating state (B2) via the power supply (4). It is also conceivable that the drive unit (3) is started in the energy-consumption-reduced operating state (B2) of the drive unit (3) first when it is restarted (POWER-ON) or when the entire drive system (1) is reset (RESET), and the inverter (2) is therefore able to supply power to the drive unit (3) via the power supply (4).

[0059] Crucially, the power supply unit (4) must also be designed to provide the energy required by the drive unit (4) in the operating state (B2) where energy consumption is reduced.

[0060] In this state, the inverter (2) can query at least the second information (31) via the additional connecting wire (7). This second information (31) can, for example, be part of the electronic nameplate of the drive unit (3), which can be queried by the inverter (2) and resides in a data storage element. This electronic nameplate can correspond one-to-one with the drive unit (3), so that when a new drive unit (3) is replaced, the data storage element with the second information (31) is also replaced. Therefore, it can be ensured that the value of the second information (31) always corresponds to the energy demand of the drive unit (3) currently connected to the inverter (2). Advantageously, the inverter (2) can also directly query the first information (41) electronically from the power supply unit (4). The first information (41) can, for example, be part of the electronic nameplate of the power supply unit (4), which can be electronically queried by the inverter (2) and ideally is located on a data storage element. This electronic nameplate can correspond one-to-one with the power supply unit (4), so that when a new power supply unit (4) is replaced, the data storage element with the first information (41) is also replaced. Therefore, it can be ensured that the value of the first information (41) is always equivalent to the maximum available energy of the power supply unit (4) currently connected to the inverter 2.

[0061] exist Figure 4 The following possibility is shown: how the frequency converter (2) obtains the credibility check results of the first information (41) and the second information (31) through testing.

[0062] Therefore, the drive unit (3) is initially operated in the mode of maximum energy demand (33). This can be achieved, for example, by activating all available additional sensor elements, actuator elements, and / or data storage elements as consumers. It is also possible that, only during testing, an accessible load (35) can be activated as part of another component (36), which either represents the maximum load of the drive unit (3) or is additionally connected in addition to the already activated consumers—all available additional sensor elements, actuator elements, and / or data storage elements. Thus, the test can reliably conclude even in the worst-case scenario, such as when additional connecting wires are significantly longer than the specified and maximum allowed in the manual, or when the drive unit (3) experiences high energy consumption due to heat loss from additional sensor elements, actuator elements, and / or data storage elements under extreme operating conditions in industrial environments. Alternatively, the inverter (2) may have first information (41) regarding the maximum available energy of the power supply unit (4), for example, because this first information has been communicated to the inverter (2) during the production process, or the inverter (2) may be able to determine, by measuring the energy consumption in the additional connecting wires, whether the power supply unit (4) is reliably sufficient to operate the drive unit (3), the electrical signals of which are typically also physically present on the inverter (2)'s circuit board via connectors and are therefore always available for measurement within the inverter (2). If neither the first information (41) regarding the maximum available energy of the power supply unit (4) nor the second information (31) regarding the energy requirements of the drive unit (3) is available to the inverter (2), it may also be considered that the inverter (2) checks, under conditions where the energy requirements (33) of the drive unit (3) are at their maximum, whether data communication between the drive unit (3) and the inverter (2) can be achieved without failure, i.e. without data loss. If no data communication failure occurs within the specified test period, the inverter (2) considers that the power supply (4) is sufficient to operate the drive unit (4) without failure.

[0063] exist Figure 5 Another embodiment of the drive system (1) according to the present invention is shown. Here, the inverter (2) obtains second information (31) for reliability checking by testing, while the first information (41) has been stored on the data storage element of the inverter (2).

[0064] This is particularly relevant when the power supply unit (4) is already integrated into the inverter (2). Here, first information (41) regarding the maximum available energy is stored in the data storage element of the inverter (2) during the production process, i.e., directly at the time of manufacturing. Therefore, the inverter (2) has access to the first information (41) directly used for reliability checks. Second information (31) is obtained through... Figure 4 The test described in the document is used to obtain the results.

[0065] exist Figure 6 The diagram illustrates one possible implementation of the drive system (1) according to the present invention.

[0066] In this embodiment, the inverter (2) includes an internal power supply unit (4A) and the possibility of connecting to an external power supply unit (4B) via a connector. The signal electronics (12) of the inverter (2) has the possibility of obtaining first information about the maximum available energy (41A) or (41B) for each of the power supply units (4A) or (4B). Additionally, the signal electronics (12) can query second information about the power requirements (31) of another component (36) of the drive unit (3) via the communication module (10). For this purpose, the data signal of the communication module (10) is modulated onto the power supply line via a capacitor.

[0067] Depending on which power supply unit (4A) or (4B) is used to operate the other component (36) of the drive unit, the supply voltage of the power supply unit (4A) or (4B) is applied to an additional connecting wire for operating the other component (7) via one of the switches (S1) or (S2). Here, the signal electronics also have the possibility of measuring the voltage upstream and downstream of the switch (S1) or (S2) in order to identify faults in the supply voltage in a timely manner.

[0068] exist Figure 7 The behavior of the drive system (1) according to the present invention is schematically shown in the figure.

[0069] First, the drive system (1) is placed in a parameterized state (P). This is achieved, for example, by configuration software (5), which exchanges data with the inverter (2) via a fieldbus system. The configuration software (5) can here request the inverter (2) to switch to the parameterized state (P). Alternatively, it is also possible for the user to place the drive system (1) in the parameterized state (P) by means of devices on the inverter (2) itself, such as by switching elements or by means of sensors for receiving RFID signals.

[0070] In this state (P), the inverter (2) checks whether the current values ​​of the first information (41) and the second information (31) are available. At this moment, the user also has the possibility of notifying the inverter (2) of the values ​​of the first information (41) and / or the second information (31) through the configuration software (5).

[0071] The inverter (2) can also search for values ​​autonomously, that is, as long as the nameplates of the drive unit (3) and the power supply unit (4) are available, the inverter will start searching for the nameplate.

[0072] If the first information (41) and the second information (31) ultimately exist, the inverter (2) begins to check whether these two parameters are reliable. If the first information (41) is greater than or equal to the second information (31), the drive system 1 switches to normal operation (B1). If the reliability check finds that the first information (41) is less than the second information (31), the drive system (1) either switches to a fault state (F) or switches to an operation state (B2) where the drive unit (3) operates only in an operation mode with reduced energy demand (32). At least in the fault state (F), the inverter (2) can provide supplementary orders for the power supply unit (4) and / or the drive unit (3) via devices, preferably via configuration software (5), wherein the characteristics of the power supply unit and / or the drive unit are adapted to the first information (41) and / or the second information (31). If, for example, a reliability check of the inverter (2) concludes that the power supply (4) of the drive unit (1) is designed to be too weak and cannot provide the energy required to operate the drive unit (3), then an alternative power supply and / or a power supply with adequate energy is provided to the user. It is also possible that during normal operation (B1) of the drive system (1), the inverter (2) checks the actual energy consumption or energy demand (34) at regular intervals, such as periodically every 10ms, every 100ms, every 1s, every 10s, for example, through data exchange and / or measurement with the drive unit (3), wherein the drive system (1) is placed in a fault state (F) not only when the actual determined energy demand is greater than the second information (31) and / or when the data exchange fails, but also when the actual available energy (42) is less than the first information (41).

[0073] As another possible behavior of the drive system (1) according to the invention, the first information (41) and / or the second information (31) may be restricted in relation to the license. For example, the power supply unit 4 may be integrated into the inverter 3, which is compliant with standards and is capable of providing more energy in principle. Thus, inverters (2) of different forms can be produced in terms of the energy available for the additional sensor elements, actuator elements, and / or data storage elements for operating the drive unit (3). This restriction can be adjusted according to the user's needs after obtaining the license key by means of configuration software (5).

[0074] If the drive system is in a fault state (F) and the inverter (2) and / or configuration software (5) identify that a power supply unit (4) that cannot provide sufficient energy is being used, the user is given the possibility of purchasing the required license key.

[0075] The following list of reference numerals is included in the specification and illustrates other features of the invention.

[0076] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0077] 1. Drive System

[0078] 10. Communication Module

[0079] 12. Signal electronic devices

[0080] 2. Frequency converter

[0081] 21. Credibility Check

[0082] 3 drive units

[0083] 31. Second information regarding electricity demand

[0084] 32 Operating modes with reduced electricity demand

[0085] 321 Maximum value of electrical energy

[0086] 33 Operating modes with the highest electricity demand

[0087] 34 Actual Electricity Demand

[0088] 35 Connectable loads

[0089] 36 Other components of the drive unit

[0090] 4. Power supply components, 4A and 4B

[0091] 41, 41A, 41B First information regarding maximum available electrical energy

[0092] 42. Actual available electrical energy

[0093] 5. Software Configuration

[0094] 6 Connecting wires for running the motor

[0095] 7. Additional connecting wires for operating other components.

[0096] 8 Connecting wires for connecting power supply components

[0097] P parameterized state

[0098] B1 Normal operating status

[0099] Operating state with reduced power consumption of the B2 drive unit

[0100] F Fault Status

[0101] I interface

[0102] M motor

[0103] C capacitor

[0104] L Inductance

[0105] S switch

Claims

1. A drive system (1), comprising: Inverter (2) At least one drive unit (3), and At least one power supply component (4). The drive unit (3) includes a motor (M) and at least one additional component (36), said at least one additional component including at least one sensor element, actuator element and / or data storage element. The frequency converter (2) supplies energy to the other components (36) of the drive unit (3) through the power supply unit (4). Its features are, The frequency converter (2) is designed to obtain first information (41) about the maximum available electrical energy of the power supply unit (4). The inverter (2) is designed to obtain second information (31) about the power requirements of other components of the drive unit (3). The inverter (2) is designed to obtain first information (41) and / or second information (31) during parameterized state (P). The inverter (2) is designed to check the integrity of the first information (41) and the second information (31), wherein the missing first information (41) and / or the missing second information (31) are obtained by measurement methods. The frequency converter (2) is designed to perform a reliability check on the first information (41) with reference to the second information (31). A judgment criterion for credibility checking is formed by logically comparing the first piece of information (41) with the second piece of information (31). The inverter (2) is designed to adjust the system state of the drive system (1) according to the result of the reliability check, wherein when the first information (41) is greater than or equal to the second information (31), the drive system (1) is switched to normal operation state (B1); when the first information (41) is less than the second information (31), the drive system (1) is switched to fault state (F) or switched to another operating state (B2), in which the drive unit (3) operates only in the operating mode (32) where the power demand is reduced.

2. The drive system (1) according to claim 1, Its features are, The frequency converter (2) is designed to obtain first information (41) and / or second information (31) from the user via configuration software (5) and / or DIP switches.

3. The drive system (1) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The inverter (2) is designed to read first information (41) electronically from the power supply unit (4) and / or second information (31) electronically from the drive unit (3).

4. The drive system (1) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The frequency converter (2) is designed to determine first information (41) and / or second information (31) by testing. And / or, The frequency converter (2) includes a power supply component (4). The inverter (2) is designed such that the first information (41) is stored in the inverter (2) during factory manufacturing. And / or, The drive unit (3) has an operating mode (32) with reduced power demand. This operating mode (32) can at least enable the electronic reading of the second information (31). The reduced electricity demand (32) is determined not to exceed the maximum value (321). The drive unit (3) is designed to start in a reduced power demand operating mode (32) after a restart.

5. The drive system (1) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The frequency converter (2) is designed to monitor the actual power demand (34) of the drive unit (3). Measure the actual power demand (34) and / or check the data exchange with the drive unit (3). The drive system (1) is designed to switch to a fault state (F) when the actual energy demand is greater than the second information (31) and / or when data exchange with the drive unit (3) cannot be realized.

6. The drive system (1) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The frequency converter (2) is designed to monitor the electrical energy supplied by the power supply unit (4). The drive system (1) is designed to switch to a fault state (F) when the actual available electrical energy (42) is less than the first information (41).

7. The drive system (1) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The inverter (2) is designed to test the functionality of the drive system (1) by operating the drive unit (3) in the operating mode (33) with the highest power demand. The drive unit (3) is designed to activate the accessible load (35) only during the testing of the functionality of the drive system (1).

8. The drive system (1) according to claim 2. Its features are, The configuration software (5) is designed to replenish the order of power supply components (4) and / or drive units (3) in fault conditions (F). The electrical characteristics of the supplementary power supply components and / or drive units are adapted to the first information (41) and / or the second information (31).

9. The drive system (1) according to claim 2. Its features are, The drive system (1) is designed to restrict first information (41) and / or second information (31) by means of a license.

10. The drive system (1) according to claim 9. Its features are, The configuration software (5) is designed to enable the license in a fault state (F). The electrical characteristics of the license are compatible with the first information (41) and / or the second information (31).

11. The drive system (1) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, Not only is the power supply to the other components (36) and the data exchange with the other components (36) achieved through a common two-wire conductor.

12. The drive system (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, A two-wire conductor is a coaxial cable.

13. A method for operating the drive system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, Its features are, The drive system (1) is in a parameterized state (P). In the first step, The inverter (2) can obtain first information (41) about the maximum available electrical energy of the power supply unit (4) and / or second information (31) about the electrical energy requirements of other components (36) of the drive unit from the user through configuration software. And / or, the frequency converter (2) can read first information (41) and / or second information (31) from at least one electronic nameplate. In the second step, The inverter (2) checks the integrity of the first information (41) and the second information (31). Among them, the missing first information (41) and / or missing second information (31) are obtained by measurement methods. In the third step, The inverter (2) checks the reliability of the first information (41) and the second information (31). If the first information (41) is greater than or equal to the second information (31), the system will switch to normal operating state (B1). If the first information (41) is less than the second information (31), it will cause a transition to a fault state (F) or a transition to another operating state (B2) in which the power consumption in the drive unit (3) is reduced.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The second step follows the first step in chronological order, and / or the third step follows the first step in chronological order.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, Its features are, In normal operation (B1), monitor the actual energy requirements (34) of other components (36) of the drive unit and / or the actual available electrical energy (42) of the power supply unit (4). Excessive deviation from the first information (41) and / or the second information (31) in terms of tolerance leads to a transition to a fault state (F).

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