Control device for a fluid flow generator, in particular a fan

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device (13) for a fluid flow generator (10), in particular a fan (11). The control device (13) has an operating control circuit (18) configured to control the fluid flow generator (10), and in particular an electric motor (12) of the fluid flow generator (10), when the operating control circuit (18) is in an operational state (OP). In addition to the operating control circuit (18), a processor (24) and a non-volatile data memory (25) are provided. The processor (24) is supplied with electrical energy via a power generation device (26) of the control device (13) and can receive a vibration sensor signal (SV) when the operating control circuit (18) is not in its operational state (OP).The processor (24) can process and / or evaluate the vibration sensor signal (SV) and, if necessary, generate a memory entry (MD) and store it in the data memory (25) if the vibration sensor signal (SV) indicates a shock or vibration that is or could be critical and potentially cause damage to the fluid flow generator (10). This can be done, for example, by checking at least one test condition (PB), such as a threshold and / or pattern comparison. This makes vibration monitoring possible even when the operating control circuit (18) present for standard operation is not supplied with electrical energy and is therefore not in its operational state (OP).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control device for a fluid flow generator. The fluid flow generator is configured to generate a fluid flow, which may be a gas flow and / or a liquid flow. For example, the fluid flow generator may be a pump or a fan. The invention also relates to a fluid flow generator, in particular a fan, comprising a control device.

[0002] The control device is configured to control the fluid flow generator after its installation and commissioning, for example, to obtain a fluid flow with predetermined properties. The fluid flow generator can, for example, be controlled such that the generated fluid flow meets a predetermined condition, for example, a predetermined flow velocity and / or a predetermined volume flow and / or a predetermined pressure. For this purpose, the fluid flow generator can, in particular, comprise a controllable electric motor that drives a rotor of the fluid flow generator, for example, a fan rotor.

[0003] Controllable fluid flow generators are known. It is also known that fluid flow generators detect vibrations or oscillations occurring during operation and take them into account when controlling the operating state of the fluid flow generator. For example, DE 10 2021 203 932 B3 discloses a fan with an electric motor, a vibration sensor, and a control device. To avoid excessive loads caused by resonances, vibrations occurring during operation are detected by the vibration sensor and monitored by the control device. The detected vibration values ​​can be evaluated, and the fan can be controlled in such a way that excessive loads, particularly those caused by resonances, are avoided.

[0004] CA 2954620 C discloses a method for determining the properties of a fluid flow in a region of interest. For this purpose, a fiber optic cable arranged in this region is used. A light signal transmitted through the fiber optic cable changes depending on the oscillations or vibrations to which the fiber optic cable is exposed in the fluid flow. The light transmitted along the fiber optic cable can be received and evaluated to determine and record the properties of the fluid flow.

[0005] US 2015 / 0168268 A1 concerns a monitoring system for a group of motors designed to monitor compliance with a specified threshold value for vibration and temperature. A temperature and vibration sensor are installed on the motors for this purpose.

[0006] DE 20 2017 100 915 U1 describes a condition monitoring device for monitoring an electrical machine. The condition monitoring device has a magnetic field measuring unit, a vibration sensor, a temperature sensor, and a processor for determining the condition of the electrical machine based on the sensor measurements.

[0007] DE 10 2018 211 838 A1 discloses an electric motor having a stator (2) which is rotatable relative to the stator and has a built-in vibration sensor for measuring an acceleration and / or a speed of vibrations of the electric motor in at least one direction in order to be able to evaluate the vibration state.

[0008] Based on the prior art, it can be considered the object of the present invention to improve a control device for a fluid flow generator and in particular to expand its field of application.

[0009] This object is achieved by a control device having the features of patent claim 1.

[0010] The control device according to the invention serves to control a fluid flow generator and can be a component of the fluid flow generator. The fluid flow generator is configured to generate a fluid flow, i.e., a liquid flow and / or a gas flow, in particular an air flow. For example, the fluid flow generator can be a fan. The fluid flow generator can have an electric motor to drive a rotor or impeller of the fluid flow generator in rotation.

[0011] The control device has an operating control circuit. The operating control circuit is configured to control the fluid flow generator, and in particular the electric motor of the fluid flow generator, after the control device or fluid flow generator has been installed and commissioned. For this purpose, the operating control circuit can be connected to an external electrical energy source, for example, the power grid or a current or voltage source connected to the power grid, in order to supply the operating control circuit with electrical energy and put it into an operational state. The operational state here means that the operating control circuit is supplied with electrical energy via the external electrical energy source and can therefore perform its control task of controlling the fluid flow generator and, for example, an electric motor of the fluid flow generator.In the operational state of the operating control circuit, the fluid flow generator can supply a fluid flow or can be stationary.

[0012] As long as the control device or fluid flow generator is not installed and connected to the external electrical power source, the operation control circuit is not in the operational state and cannot perform its control function.

[0013] The control device has a vibration sensor. In the operational state, a communication link can be established between the vibration sensor and the operation control circuit. This enables the operation control circuit to avoid unfavorable operating conditions with strong vibrations or oscillations of the controlled fluid flow generator, in order to prevent excessive stress or damage, in particular damage to a rotor of the fluid flow generator, for example, a fan rotor.

[0014] Any type of sensor capable of detecting shock or vibration movements or accelerations to which the fluid flow generator and / or the control device is subjected can be used as a vibration sensor. Such shock can be any regular or irregular movement, for example, an oscillation, a vibration, or at least a single shock or shock movement. Any type of shock can be caused by the operation of the fluid flow generator and / or by external influences.

[0015] As long as the operating control circuit is not in an operational state, the operating control circuit cannot receive or evaluate sensor signals from the vibration sensor. This is the case, for example, when the control device or the fluid flow generator containing the control device is being transported to an installation site, or during installation, during repairs, or during other situations in which the electrical power supply from the external electrical power source is interrupted.

[0016] In addition to the operating control circuit, the control device has a processor, a non-volatile data memory and a power generation device.

[0017] The energy generation device is a device capable of converting kinetic energy and / or thermal energy and / or light into electrical energy and making it available to the processor. Designs of such energy generation devices are also known as "energy harvesting." The generated electrical energy can be buffered in an energy storage device, for example, a capacitor, particularly a double-layer capacitor or supercapacitor.

[0018] The energy generation device is particularly designed to utilize movements (e.g., vibrations, oscillations, impacts, or the like) to at least partially convert the kinetic energy contained therein into electrical energy. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical energy can also be generated from light and / or heat.

[0019] The conversion of kinetic energy into electrical energy can be achieved, for example, by means of electromagnetic induction. For example, a core can be arranged in a magnetic field and in a coil in such a way that the relative movement causes a flux change, thereby inducing an electrical voltage in the coil. Another possibility is to use the piezoelectric effect to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. For example, a moving mass can exert a force on a piezo element, thereby generating an electrical voltage.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to kinetic energy, light from the environment can be captured, for example, using a solar module to generate electrical energy. Another additional or alternative way to generate electrical energy is to utilize ambient heat, for example, using a Peltier element or a thermogenerator.

[0021] In addition to the processor, the vibration sensor can optionally also be supplied with electrical energy provided by the energy generation device.

[0022] When the operating control circuit is not in an operational state, the processor can receive and process, for example, evaluate, a vibration signal from the vibration sensor. Depending on the processing of the vibration signal, a memory entry can be created and stored in the data memory.

[0023] This makes it possible to record shocks, vibrations, or oscillations and, if necessary, store them in the data memory, even when the operating control circuit is not yet operational. For this purpose, the vibration signals from the existing vibration sensor are used, received, and processed by the additional processor. This makes it possible to detect, for example, if the control device of the fluid flow generator was already exposed to strong vibrations prior to installation and may be damaged, or if it was already subjected to increased wear due to the vibrations prior to installation. This makes it possible to detect transport damage.

[0024] The energy required to capture and process the vibration sensor signals is low. It is advantageous if the energy generation device utilizes the resulting shocks, impacts, vibrations, oscillations, or similar movements to generate electrical energy, which is then used in the processor to capture and process the vibration signal provided by the vibration sensor.

[0025] Preferably, the control device is designed such that the processor - present in addition to the operation control circuit - only receives the vibration signal of the vibration sensor when the operation control circuit is not in the operational state.

[0026] A semiconductor memory can preferably be used as non-volatile data storage, for example one or more of the following memory types: SSD, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc. Non-volatile access or random access memory (RAM) can also be used, for example FeRAM, MRAM or PCRAM.

[0027] Regardless of the memory type used, the data memory is preferably designed as a ring buffer and has a limited number of memory locations for each memory entry that the processor can generate depending on the processing of the vibration signal.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the control device is not configured to supply electrical power to the processor—present in addition to the operating control circuit—via the operating control circuit or directly from the external electrical power source when the operating control circuit is in the ready state. In the ready state of the operating control circuit, the processor is in particular inactive and does not evaluate any vibration signal from the vibration sensor.

[0029] If the vibration sensor requires electrical power, it may be advantageous for the vibration sensor to receive electrical power indirectly from the power generation device via the processor. Alternatively, the power generation device can also be connected directly to the vibration sensor to provide electrical power for the vibration sensor.

[0030] The processor is, or preferably operates, more energy-efficiently than the operating control circuit. Therefore, using this additional processor is advantageous for energy efficiency reasons compared to enabling or commissioning the operating control circuit.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the control device can further comprise an electrically controllable switching device. The switching device can have a control input for control purposes. The switching device can comprise, for example, one or more semiconductor switches, such as transistors. The switching device can be switched between a first switching state and a second switching state. Preferably, in the first switching state, a communication connection is established between the vibration sensor and the processor. In the second switching state, a communication connection can be established between the vibration sensor and the operating control circuit.

[0032] In particular, the switching device alternatively assumes either the first switching state or the second switching state, so that a simultaneous communication connection of the vibration sensor with the processor and the operation control circuit is not possible.

[0033] In one embodiment, the switching device can have exactly two switching states, namely the first switching state and the second switching state. Alternatively, it is also possible for the switching device to assume at least one further switching state in addition to the first and second switching states, for example, a third switching state in which both the communication connection to the processor and the communication connection to the operating control circuit are interrupted.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the switching device always assumes the first switching state in an initial state and thus establishes the communication connection between the vibration sensor and the processor.

[0035] It is advantageous if the switching device is always in the first switching state when the operating control circuit is not in an operational state. Thus, a communication connection is established between the vibration sensor and the processor when the operating control circuit is not supplied with the electrical power required for its function via an external voltage source.

[0036] In one embodiment, the switching device is in the first switching state when no control voltage and / or no control current is present at the control input of the switching device. This means that the magnitude of a control voltage and / or control current is substantially equal to zero and at least less than a threshold value that would be necessary to control the switching device in order to effect a switch from the first switching state to another switching state.

[0037] It is also preferred if the operating control circuit is configured to switch the switching device to the second switching state after the operating control circuit is ready for operation, i.e., has entered the ready-to-operate state. In this case, the operating control circuit can initiate the establishment of the communication connection with the vibration sensor and thus monitor vibrations or oscillations occurring during operation of the fluid flow generator after commissioning.

[0038] The data memory can additionally be communicatively connected to the operating control circuit, at least when the operating control circuit is in the ready state. In this optional embodiment, the operating control circuit can be configured to read the contents of the data memory when it is in the ready state. The operating control circuit can optionally also be configured to evaluate the contents of the data memory and / or transmit them to an external evaluation device. For this purpose, the operating control circuit can, for example, have a corresponding gateway or a corresponding communication interface. Communication with the external evaluation device can be wireless and / or wired, for example via a LAN and / or a bus interface and / or WLAN.The external evaluation device can be a server or other computing device that provides, for example, an internet service (cloud service). The evaluation device can, in particular, be an internet service provided by the manufacturer of the fluid flow generator.

[0039] In this optional embodiment, the operating control circuit can be configured to read and / or evaluate the contents of the data memory and, based thereon, to initiate one or more of the following measures: Signaling an existing entry in the data memory and / or an evaluation result of the contents of the data memory by means of an error flag or warning flag on a bus system connected to the communication interface; Signaling an existing entry in the data memory and / or an evaluation result of the contents of the data memory by means of an error signaling relay; Signaling an existing entry in the data memory and / or an evaluation result of the content of the data memory by means of a signal generator, in particular an optical signal generator (e.g. LED), wherein the signal of the signal generator can optionally be transmitted or provided by means of an existing output channel.

[0040] The control unit's configuration parameters can optionally be used to specify which of the signaling paths should be used.

[0041] Additionally, and regardless of the specific design of the operating control circuit, the control device may comprise a communication module for establishing a wireless communication connection with an external communication device. The external communication device may be, for example, a mobile radio device, a navigation satellite, a radio device (e.g., router, gateway, etc.) of a wireless network, or the like. The communication connection may be based on a standardized protocol, for example, a mobile radio standard such as LTE, 5G, etc. The communication may also be based on a network protocol, for example, LPWAN, in particular "mioty," "LoRaWAN," "LTE-M," "Wi-Fi HaLow," etc.

[0042] The wireless communication connection established by the communication module can be used, in particular, to receive a signal from the external communication device that enables the determination of current time information (in particular, the current time and / or current date). The processor can be configured to generate a timestamp with the current time information (current time and / or current date) and to use it as part of the memory entry when the memory entry is generated and stored in the data memory.

[0043] The processor can optionally have an internal time module that provides the current time and / or the current date or other time information. This time module can optionally be continuously supplied with electrical energy from the energy generation device in order to generate and provide the current time information. The timestamp can be generated based on the time information from the time module. In this case, the determination of the time information from the signal from the external communication device can be omitted or only carried out when calibration of the internal time module is necessary, e.g. when the time module is put into operation for the first time and / or each time it is put into operation after a power failure. Alternatively, the time information in the time module can also be entered manually when the time module is put into operation for the first time and / or each time it is put into operation after a power failure.The time module can, for example, be put into operation for the first time during production.

[0044] The time module may preferably have a further energy storage device (buffer capacitor) for buffering energy fluctuations that may occur when the energy is provided by the energy generation device.

[0045] In particular, the processor is configured to check, when processing the vibration signal, whether a shock described by the vibration signal (e.g. vibration, oscillation, impact) fulfills a predefined test condition. In particular, the processor is configured to only generate a memory entry if the test condition has been fulfilled. For example, a vibration value can be determined based on the received vibration sensor signal, and as a test condition, it can be checked whether the vibration value exceeds a threshold value. In this case, the test condition would be fulfilled. As part of the test condition, the received vibration sensor signal can additionally or alternatively be checked for the presence of vibration components at at least one predefined frequency or in at least one predefined frequency range. This can be used, for example, to detect whether there is a risk of resonant vibration occurring.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, the processor can also be configured to execute a pattern recognition algorithm and to compare a received current vibration signal, in particular a temporal profile of a vibration signal during a predetermined observation period, with a plurality of vibration signal patterns. The vibration signal patterns can be stored in the data memory. In this case, the processor can use devices and / or methods of artificial intelligence, in particular supervised and / or unsupervised machine learning. Based on the pattern recognition algorithm or by pattern comparison between the current vibration signal and one or more provided vibration patterns, it can then be checked whether there is a match (identity or similarity). If identity or sufficient similarity (e.g.If a similarity value exceeds a specified similarity threshold between the current vibration sensor signal and a vibration pattern is detected, the test condition is met.

[0047] The vibration pattern in question can be associated with information describing the effects of the vibration that occurred. This information can be stored in the data memory linked to the respective vibration pattern. If the test condition is met, the resulting memory entry can contain a reference to the vibration pattern that has been identified as sufficiently similar or identical.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment, the processor can be configured to generate a checksum or other code when the generation of the memory entry has been completed. In particular, the checksum or other code is part of the memory entry. The checksum or other code can indicate that sufficient electrical energy was available to completely generate the memory entry.

[0049] The checksum can be generated, for example, based on the received vibration signal and / or the timestamp and / or another parameter or component of the memory entry, for example using any known checksum rule (e.g., CRC). Alternatively or in addition to generating a checksum, any other predefined code or code generated according to a known rule can also be part of the memory entry, indicating the complete completion of the generation of the memory entry.

[0050] Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a fluid flow generator in the form of a fan comprising a control device, Fig. 2 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a control device for the fluid flow generator of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of a memory entry that a processor of the control device can generate and store in a non-volatile data memory of the control device, Fig. 4 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method that can be carried out by means of the control device, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 each shows a schematic representation of an exemplary temporal course of a vibration sensor signal or a vibration value determined therefrom, which is tested for the fulfillment of an exemplary test condition and Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of pattern recognition or pattern analysis that the processor of the controller may perform in one embodiment to check for the fulfillment of another example of a test condition.

[0051] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a fluid flow generator 10. The fluid flow generator 10 is configured to generate a fluid flow F, which may be a liquid flow and / or a gas flow. In the embodiment illustrated here, the fluid flow generator 10 is a fan 11, which, when driven in rotation, generates a gas flow and, in particular, an air flow L. To generate a liquid flow, a pump, for example, can be used as the fluid flow generator 10.

[0052] The fluid flow generator 10 and, for example, the fan 11 has an electric motor 12, the operation of which is controlled by a control device 13. The electric motor 12 and the control device 13 are components of the fluid flow generator 10 and, for example, the fan 11. By operating the electric motor 12, a rotor of the fluid flow generator 10 and, for example, a fan rotor 14 can be driven in rotation, wherein at least one parameter to be controlled can be controlled or regulated by the control device 13, such as a flow velocity and / or a volume flow and / or a pressure of the fluid flow F or the air flow L. The parameter to be controlled can be adjusted via at least one mechanical and / or electrical parameter of the electric motor 12, such as a motor current and / or a motor voltage.

[0053] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the control device 13. The control device 13 has an operating control circuit 18 configured to be connected to an external electrical energy source 19. When the electrical connection is established, the operating control circuit 18 is supplied with electrical energy by the external electrical energy source 19 and is then in an operational state or is thereby placed in an operational state. If the operating control circuit 18 is disconnected from the external electrical energy source 19, the operating control circuit 18 is not operational and therefore not in its operational state.

[0054] The operating control circuit 18 is configured to control the electric motor 12 when it is in its operational state. In the non-operational state, the operating control circuit 18 cannot perform its control task of controlling the electric motor 12.

[0055] As it is in Fig. 2, the operating control circuit 18 is preferably configured exclusively to control the electric motor 12 and thus to control the operation of the fluid flow generator 10 or the fan 11. Other components or circuit parts of the control device 13 are, in particular, not configured to control the electric motor 12.

[0056] The operating control circuit 18 is communicatively connected to a vibration sensor 20, or the communication connection can be established, at least when the operating control circuit 18 is in an operational state. The vibration sensor 20 is a component of the fluid flow generator 10 and, for example, of the fan 11, and detects vibrational movements. Such vibrational movements can, in particular, be regular and / or irregular oscillations or vibrations and / or individual vibration pulses, such as shocks. Such vibrational movements can be caused by the operation of the fluid flow generator 10, for example, by an imbalance in the rotation of the fan rotor 14. Alternatively or additionally, such vibrational movements can also be caused or initiated by an external influence, e.g.by an effect of the generated fluid flow F on the fluid flow generator 10, by transmission of vibration movements to the fluid flow generator 10 via a holding or fastening device or other environmental influences.

[0057] Based on the detected shock movements or vibrations, the vibration sensor 20 generates a vibration sensor signal SV, which can be provided to the operation control circuit 18 when it is in an operational state. When controlling the electric motor 12, the operation control circuit 18 can take the vibration sensor signal SV into account to avoid undesirably high shock movements or vibrations of the fluid flow generator 10 and the associated stresses. In particular, resonant vibrations of the fluid flow generator 10 can be avoided.

[0058] The vibration sensor 20 can be any type of sensor by means of which shaking movements can be detected, i.e. any type of vibration sensor, oscillation sensor, acceleration sensor, etc.

[0059] The processor 24, the power supply device 26 and preferably all other optionally present circuit components (for example the communication module 36) that are not absolutely necessary for the operation of the operating control circuit 18 can be designed as an additional module in a structural unit. The additional module can be arranged on a carrier or holder of the control device 13 in an electrically and mechanically detachable manner, for example in a plug-in manner. In this embodiment, it can be plugged in during transport or during other phases in which the operating control circuit 18 is not operational and then removed again when it is no longer required (for example when the operating control circuit 18 is operational). In this case, the switching device 31 can be omitted or switching can be effected by plugging in and removing the additional module.This allows the additional module to be used with various fluid flow generators 10 as required.

[0060] The external electrical energy source 19 can be, for example, the power supply network or a voltage source and / or current source connected to the power supply network. Before installation and commissioning, the operating control circuit 18 is disconnected from the energy source 19 and is therefore not in an operational state. The non-operational state of the operating control circuit 18 always occurs when it is necessary to disconnect the operating control circuit 18 from the external electrical energy source 19, i.e., possibly also during maintenance work, repair work, installation work, etc.

[0061] During transport of the fluid flow generator 10 to an installation site, during installation, or even during repair work, vibrations may occur that could potentially cause excessive wear or damage to the fluid flow generator 10. To also detect such vibrations or vibrations, the control device 13 according to the present invention has additional circuit components that can be activated even when the operating control circuit 18 is not operational. This makes it possible to monitor the proper handling and / or transport of a fluid flow generator 10 using the control device 13, even when the operating control circuit 18 is not operational.

[0062] As in Fig. 2, the control device 13 comprises, in addition to the operating control circuit 18, a processor 24, a non-volatile data memory 25 communicatively connected to the processor 24, and a power generation device 26.

[0063] The processor 24 is preferably a standard microcontroller or alternatively an application-specific processor (e.g. ASIC, FPGA).

[0064] The data memory 25 may be any suitable non-volatile memory device, for example SSD, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, etc. The data memory 25 may also be a non-volatile access memory (NV RAM), such as a FeRAM, MRAM or PCRAM.

[0065] Regardless of the specific memory type used, the data memory 25 can be designed as a ring memory with a limited number of memory locations for one memory entry MD ( Fig. 3) be.

[0066] The power generation device 26 is configured to supply the processor 24 and optionally the vibration sensor 20 with electrical energy when the operation control circuit 18 is not in an operational state. In the exemplary embodiment, the power generation device 26 is the sole source of electrical energy that supplies the processor 24. In particular, the processor 24 cannot receive electrical energy from the operation control circuit 18 or the external electrical energy source 19, regardless of whether the operation control circuit 18 is in an operational state or not.

[0067] The energy generation device 26 can have an energy generation module 27 (can also be referred to as an energy harvesting module) and optionally an energy storage device 28 connected thereto for temporarily storing or buffering electrical energy.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiment, the energy generation module 27 is configured to convert kinetic energy acting on the control device 13 due to shock movements or vibrations into electrical energy and to provide it at least to the processor 24. The electrical energy provided by the energy generation device 26 is insufficient to operate the operation control circuit 18.

[0069] The energy storage device 28 can be any rechargeable storage device for electrical energy and preferably consists of at least one capacitor, in particular at least one double-layer capacitor and / or supercapacitor. If multiple capacitors are present, they can be connected in series and / or parallel to one another in order to provide a desired voltage and / or current and / or storage capacity for supplying the processor 24.

[0070] For example, the energy generation device 26 can provide electrical energy based on electromagnetic induction and / or a piezoelectric effect. Additionally or alternatively, the energy generation device 26 can also convert light into electrical energy (e.g., using a photovoltaic module) and / or thermal energy into electrical energy, for example, using a Peltier element. All known technologies that are also described under the keyword "energy harvesting" can be used.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment, the operating control circuit 18 is communicatively connected to the data memory 25. When the operating control circuit 18 is in the ready state, it can read the contents of the data memory 25. The communication connection with the data memory can be established directly or, alternatively, indirectly via the processor 24.

[0072] The processor 24 can be communicatively connected to the vibration sensor 20 in order to receive the vibration sensor signal SV. In the embodiment illustrated here, the vibration sensor 20 is communicatively connected either to the operating control circuit 18 or to the processor 24. For this purpose, the control device 13 has a switching device 31. The switching device 31 has a control input 32 to which a control signal SW can be applied. By means of the control signal SW, the switching device 31 can be switched between a first switching state A and a second switching state B. Optionally, the control signal SW can also be used to maintain the first switching state A and / or the second switching state B of the switching device 31.

[0073] The switching device 31 can comprise one or more semiconductor switches, in particular transistors. Depending on the transistor type, the control input 32 can be connected to a base or a gate of one or more transistors. Preferably, the at least one transistor of the switching device 31 is formed by a field-effect transistor.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the switching device 31 is in its first switching state A when the control input 32 is essentially voltage-free and / or current-free, and thus the control signal SW has a magnitude of approximately zero. The control signal SW can be a control voltage and / or a control current.

[0075] The first switching state A is thus an initial state of the switching device 31. In the first switching state A, a communication connection is established between the vibration sensor 20 and the processor 24.

[0076] In the exemplary embodiment, the control signal SW is generated by the operating control circuit 18 and serves to switch the switching device 31 from the first switching state A to the second switching state B and, for example, also to hold the switching device 31 in the second switching state B. For this purpose, a control voltage and / or a control current with an amount that is greater than zero by a minimum amount is provided as the control signal SW.

[0077] The switching of the switching device 31 to the second switching state B can only be performed by the operating control circuit 18 when the operating control circuit 18 is in the operational state and is therefore supplied with electrical energy via the external electrical energy source 19. When the operating control circuit 18 is not in the operational state, the switching device 31 is therefore always in the first switching state A.

[0078] In the first switching state A of the switching device 31, the processor 24 can receive and process the vibration sensor signal SV - provided it is supplied with electrical energy. When processing the vibration sensor signal SV, this can, for example, be checked for the fulfillment of a test condition PB ( Fig. 4 to 7) should be checked.

[0079] The test condition PB can be fulfilled, for example, if the vibration sensor signal SV or a vibration value VV described thereby exceeds a threshold value, which is referred to here as the first threshold value VL1 for differentiation ( Fig. 5). The test condition can additionally or alternatively also be fulfilled if the vibration sensor signal SV or a vibration value VV described thereby continuously exceeds a threshold value during a predetermined time interval TI, which is referred to here as the second threshold value VL2 ( Fig. 6). The second threshold value VL2 may have a smaller value than the first threshold value VL1.

[0080] Additionally or alternatively, the processor 24 can also be configured to compare the vibration sensor signal SV or the vibration value VV described thereby with at least one vibration pattern VP, wherein the at least one vibration pattern VP can be stored, for example, in the data memory 25. The test condition is met if at least one sufficiently similar or identical vibration pattern VP has been identified for the current vibration sensor signal SV or vibration value VV.

[0081] For this purpose, the processor 24 can execute a pattern recognition or pattern matching algorithm and can be configured for supervised or unsupervised machine learning. For this purpose, the processor 24 can have any known AI configuration, such as an artificial neural network and / or a support vector machine (SVM) and / or another known machine learning configuration.

[0082] Based on the processing of the vibration sensor signal SV and in particular upon fulfillment of the test condition or at least one of the test conditions PB to be tested, the processor 24 generates a memory entry MD ( Fig. 3) and stores this memory entry MD in the data memory 25.

[0083] The memory entry MD can have several components. One component is a vibration data part VX, which characterizes the detected vibration described by the vibration sensor signal SV. The vibration data part VX can therefore, for example, be a vibration value VV that corresponds to the vibration sensor signal SV or was derived from it. The vibration value VV describes, in particular, an amplitude of the vibration or shock movement at the respective detection time.

[0084] Additionally or alternatively, the vibration data part VX may also contain a reference or link to a vibration pattern VP recognized as similar or identical.

[0085] As shown schematically in Fig. 3, the memory entry MD can have at least one further component in addition to the vibration data part VX, e.g. a time stamp TS and / or a check value or a checksum CS. The check value and, for example, the checksum CS is formed by the processor 24 when the generation of the memory entry MD could be completely completed. The presence of the check value or checksum CS therefore identifies a memory entry MD in the data memory 25 whose generation and storage has been completely completed. This ensures that incomplete memory entries MD can be identified. An incomplete memory entry can arise, for example, if sufficient electrical energy can no longer be provided for the processor 24 by the energy generation device 26 during the generation or storage of the memory entry MD in the data memory 25.

[0086] The memory entry MD can be generated in two separate phases. In a first phase, the vibration sensor 20 is supplied with electrical energy and delivers the vibration sensor signal SV, based on which the processor 24 determines the vibration data portion VX. Subsequently, the power supply to the vibration sensor 20 can be interrupted, and the communication module 36 or any other optionally provided device for determining time information can be supplied with electrical energy. From this, the processor 24 can generate the time stamp TS. After the second phase, the power supply can be switched back from the communication module 36 (or the other optionally provided device for determining the time information) to the vibration sensor 20. Preferably, the checksum CS can be formed and stored at the end of the first phase.This ensures that at least the vibration data part VX is stored regardless of whether the electrical energy is sufficient to determine the time stamp TS or not.

[0087] The check value can be any predefined code that describes the correct completion of the generation and storage of a memory entry MD. In the exemplary embodiment presented here, a checksum CS is formed, for example, taking into account one or more other components of the memory entry MD, such as the vibration data portion VX and / or the timestamp TS.

[0088] In order to generate a timestamp TS, the control device 13 can be configured to receive a signal from an external communication device 35. For this purpose, the control device 13 can have a communication module 36 configured to establish a preferably wireless communication connection with the external communication device 35. The wireless communication connection can be based on any communication standard, for example a mobile radio standard (e.g., LTE, 5G). Additionally or alternatively, other signals, such as a position signal from a satellite navigation system (GPS, Galileo), can be used. The wireless communication connection can also be based on a wireless network communication signal, such as any known LPWAN protocol (e.g., "mioty" or "WiFi-HaLow"). Other wireless communication protocols, such as "Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)" or "ZigBee," can also be used.

[0089] The communication module 36 is configured to receive the signal from the external communication device 35 and provide it to the processor 24. For this purpose, a communication connection exists between the communication module 36 and the processor 24. The communication module 36 can be supplied with electrical energy by the energy generation device 26 directly and / or indirectly via the processor 24. The processor 24 can be configured to derive or read a current time and / or date from the received signal and use it as a time stamp TS.

[0090] Another optional configuration is also shown in the block diagram Fig. 2. The operating control circuit 18 can be communicatively connected to an external evaluation device 37. The external evaluation device 37 can be, for example, an internet service (cloud service). By means of the external evaluation device 37, data or information, and in particular one or more memory entries MD, can be analyzed and / or evaluated, for example based on an algorithm for pattern recognition and / or pattern analysis. For this purpose, the external evaluation device 37 can have any embodiment or instance of artificial intelligence (AI) and can be designed, in particular, for supervised and / or unsupervised machine learning. For example, artificial neural networks and / or support vector machines and / or any other known methods and devices for machine learning can be used.

[0091] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a method R, which can be carried out, for example, with any embodiment of the control device 13.

[0092] In a first method step R1, it is first checked whether electrical energy is being provided by the external electrical energy source 19 and whether the operating control circuit 18 is therefore in the ready state OP. If this is not the case (branch NOK from the first method step R1), the method continues in a second method step R2.

[0093] The energy generation device 26 is—as explained above—configured to provide electrical energy for the processor 24. As long as there is insufficient electrical energy available to activate and operate the processor 24, the method remains in the second method step R2, and it must wait until the electrical energy is sufficient to operate the processor 24. As soon as sufficient electrical energy is available for the processor 24 (branch OK from the second method step R2), the method continues in a third method step R3.

[0094] In the exemplary embodiment described here, an optional check is performed to determine whether the processor 24 can receive the vibration sensor signal SV (this optional query is illustrated by dashed lines in the third method step R3). If the vibration sensor signal SV cannot be received by the processor 24—for example, because the switching device 31 is in the second switching state B—the method continues in the first method step R1. This ensures that control, and in particular the use of the vibration sensor signal SV, is assumed by the operating control circuit 18 after it is ready for operation and the switching device 31 has switched to the second switching state.

[0095] If the processor 24 receives the vibration sensor signal SV in the third method step R3, it can process it, for example, to determine a vibration value VV or to check the fulfillment of at least one predetermined test condition PB in a subsequent optional fourth method step R4. Fig. 5-7 schematically illustrates the testing of exemplary test conditions PB, which can be used individually or in any combination.

[0096] By means of the vibration sensor 20 and the processor 24, values ​​of the vibration sensor signal SV or a vibration value VV derived therefrom (e.g. the amplitude of the vibration) can be determined continuously or discretely, as shown schematically in the Fig. 5-7. The time-discrete or time-continuous values ​​can be compared, for example, with a threshold value, in particular the first threshold value VL1. As shown schematically in Fig. 5, the vibration sensor signal SV or the vibration value VV can exceed the first threshold value VL1 at least at one point in time, for example at a first point in time t1 and a second point in time t2. This is the case with the Fig. This is the case for the exemplary curve shown in Figure 5 at a first time t1 and at a second time t2. Thus, a test condition PB can be met at the first time t1 and the second time t2.

[0097] Additionally or alternatively, it can be checked whether the vibration sensor signal SV or a vibration value VV described thereby continuously exceeds the second threshold value VL2 during a specified time interval TI. If this is the case, a test condition PB can be fulfilled. Fig. In the example shown in Figure 6, the vibration sensor signal SV or a vibration value VV described thereby exceeds the second threshold value VL2 at a third time t3, thereby defining the beginning of the time interval TI. At a fourth time t4, the time interval TI has expired, thus fulfilling the test condition PB.

[0098] Another exemplary test condition PB is shown schematically in Fig. 7. The temporal progression of the vibration sensor signal SV or of a vibration value VV described thereby can represent a current pattern, which is compared with stored vibration patterns VP (e.g., VP1, VP2, ... VPn) provided to the processor 24 and stored, for example, in the data memory 25. In this case, the processor 24 can execute a pattern recognition and / or pattern analysis algorithm and check whether sufficient similarity or identity can be established between the current pattern and a stored vibration pattern VP. The test condition PB can be met if this sufficient similarity or identity with a vibration pattern VP has been established.For example, a threshold value can be defined that must at least be reached to determine sufficient similarity, for example 70% or 80% or 90% similarity between the current pattern and the vibration pattern VP serving as a comparison pattern.

[0099] As it is in Fig. As also schematically shown in Figure 7, each stored vibration pattern VP can be assigned an INF information item (INF1, INF2, ..., INFn). This information can be used to automatically trigger at least one further measure and / or to transmit the relevant INF information to an operator, an operator, or another monitoring entity.

[0100] If the test condition PB is not met in the fourth process step R4 (branch NOK from the fourth process step R4), the process continues in the third process step R3.

[0101] However, if the test condition PB is met (branch OK from the fourth method step R4), the processor 24 generates a memory entry MD in a fifth method step R5 and stores this memory entry MD in the data memory 25. A memory entry MD can be regarded as an error status indicator. In addition, a characteristic parameter or status flag Q can be set, which indicates that at least one memory entry MD was initiated in the data memory 25 by the processor 24. Setting such a status flag Q is optional. The status flag Q can be set at any suitable device, for example, in a communication connection to the operation control circuit 18.

[0102] After the fifth process step R5, the process is continued with the first process step R1.

[0103] In a modification of the embodiment illustrated here, the branches NOK from the second method step R2 and / or from the fourth method step R4 could also each cause the method to be continued in the first method step R1.

[0104] If it is determined in the first method step R1 that the operating control circuit 18 is in the ready-to-operate state OP (branch OK from the first method step R1), the method continues in a sixth method step R6, wherein the switching device 31 switches the switching device 31 to the second switching state B by means of the control signal SW. The vibration sensor 20 is thus communicatively connected to the operating control circuit 18 and disconnected from the processor 24.

[0105] The method then continues in a seventh method step R7. In this seventh method step, it can first be checked whether a memory entry MD or a current memory entry MD is present in the data memory 25 that has not yet been read in by the operating control circuit 18. This can be determined, for example, using the time stamp TS and / or an optionally set status flag Q. If this is not the case (branch NOK from the seventh method step R7), the method continues in the first method step R1. Otherwise (branch OK from the seventh method step R7), the memory entry MD that has not yet been read can be read in and / or transmitted to the external evaluation device 37 or made available for retrieval.For example, a set status flag Q, which identifies a new memory entry MD, can indicate a status which the external evaluation device 37 recognizes and then retrieves the at least one memory entry MD.

[0106] After reading and / or transmitting the at least one memory entry MD, an optional eighth method step R8 can be used to check whether the at least one memory entry MD has been retrieved or received by the external evaluation device 37. If this is the case (branch OK from the eighth method step R8), this retrieval is acknowledged (ninth method step R9), for example, by resetting the set status flag Q and / or by deleting the read memory entry MD from the data memory 25. After the ninth method step R9, the method continues in the first method step R1.

[0107] In addition to or as an alternative to setting the status flag Q, an operator, a user, or a suitable monitoring entity can also be notified in any other way that a memory entry MD that has not yet been retrieved or acknowledged by the processor 24 exists. This can be done, for example, by an optical signal, the transmission of a message to a terminal device, or the like.

[0108] The invention relates to a control device 13 for a fluid flow generator 10, in particular a fan 11. The control device 13 has an operating control circuit 18 configured to control the fluid flow generator 10 and in particular an electric motor 12 of the fluid flow generator 10 when the operating control circuit 18 is in an operational state OP. In addition to the operating control circuit 18, a processor 24 and a non-volatile data memory 25 are present. The processor 24 is supplied with electrical energy via a power generation device 26 of the control device 13 and can receive a vibration sensor signal SV when the operating control circuit 18 is not in its operational state OP.The processor 24 can process and / or evaluate the vibration sensor signal SV and, based thereon, generate a memory entry MD and store it in the data memory 25 if the vibration sensor signal SV indicates a shock movement or a vibration that is or could be critical and could potentially cause damage to the fluid flow generator 10. This can be performed, for example, by testing at least one test condition PB, for example, by a threshold value and / or pattern comparison. This makes vibration monitoring possible even when the operating control circuit 18 provided for standard operation is not supplied with electrical energy and is therefore not in its operational state OP. List of reference symbols: 10 fluid flow generators 11 Fan 12 electric motor 13 Control device 14 Fan rotor 18 Operating control circuit 19 external electrical energy source 20 Vibration sensor 24 processor 25 data storage 26 Energy generation facility 27 Energy generation module 28 energy storage units 31 Switching device 32 Control input 35 external communication device 36 Communication module 37 external evaluation device A first switching state B second switching state CS checksum F Fluid flow INF Information L Air flow MD memory entry OP operational state PB test condition Q status flag R procedure R1 Process step R2 second process step R3 third process step R4 fourth procedural step R5 fifth procedural step R6 sixth process step R7 seventh process step R8 eighth process step SV vibration sensor signal SW control signal t time t1 first time point t2 second time point t3 third time point t4 fourth time point TI time interval TS timestamp VP vibration pattern VL1 first threshold VL2 second threshold VV vibration value VX vibration data part

Claims

[1] Control device (13) for a fluid flow generator (10), in particular a fan (11), comprising: - an operating control circuit (18) which is designed to be connected to an external electrical energy source (19) to establish an operational state (OP) and which is designed to control the fluid flow generator (10) in the operational state (OP), - a processor (24), - a non-volatile data memory (25) communicatively connected to the processor (24), - a vibration sensor (20) which can be connected to the processor (24) or the operation control circuit (18) to establish a communication connection, - an energy generation device (26) which is designed to convert kinetic energy and / or thermal energy and / or light into electrical energy and to provide it to the processor (24), wherein the processor (24) is designed to receive a vibration sensor signal (SV) of the vibration sensor (20), to process it and, depending on the processing, to generate at least one memory entry (MD) and to store it in the data memory (25) when the operation control circuit (18) is not in the operational state (OP). [2] Control device according to claim 1, wherein the processor (24) does not receive electrical energy from the external electrical energy source (19). [3] Control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vibration sensor (20) receives electrical energy indirectly via the processor (24) or directly from the energy generating device (26). [4] Control device according to claim 3, wherein the vibration sensor (20) receives electrical energy indirectly via the processor (24) or directly from the energy generating device (26) only when the operation control circuit (18) is not in the operational state (OP). [5] Control device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an electrically controllable switching device (31) which can be switched between a first switching state (A) and a second switching state (B), wherein the switching device (31) in the first switching state (A) establishes a communication connection between the vibration sensor (20) and the processor (24) and in the second switching state (B) establishes a communication connection between the vibration sensor (20) and the operation control circuit (18). [6] Control device according to claim 5, wherein the switching device (31) is in the first switching state (A) when the operation control circuit (18) is not in the ready state (OP). [7] Control device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the switching device (31) is in the first switching state (A) when no control voltage and / or no control current is applied to a control input (32) of the switching device (31). [8] Control device according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the operation control circuit (18) is arranged to switch the switching device (31) into the second switching state (B) when the operation control circuit (18) is in the ready-to-operate state (OP). [9] Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data memory (25) and the operation control circuit (18) are communicatively connected. [10] Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operation control circuit (18) is arranged to read out the contents of the data memory (25) when the operation control circuit (18) is in the ready-to-operate state (OP). [11] Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating control circuit (18) is designed to evaluate the content of the data memory (25) and / or to transmit it to an external evaluation device (37). [12] Control device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a communication module (36) for establishing a wireless communication connection with an external communication device (35). [13] Control device according to claim 12, wherein the processor (24) is configured to determine a current time and / or a current date from the external communication device (35) via the wireless communication connection and to use it as a component of the memory entry (MD) when the memory entry (MD) is generated. [14] Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (24) is configured to check, when processing the vibration sensor signal (SV), whether a vibration described by the vibration sensor signal (SV) satisfies a test condition (PB) and to generate the memory entry (MD) only if the test condition (PB) has been satisfied. [15] Control device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor (24) is arranged to form a checksum (CS) based on the vibration sensor signal (SV) and to use it as a component of the memory entry (MD) when the memory entry (MD) is generated.

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