Method and system for carrying out a measure on a virtual hydraulic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the guided execution of an action on a hydraulic device (1), in particular a hydraulic valve comprising a hydraulic unit (1a), a control unit (1b), and a data storage unit (1c), by a user, wherein the control unit (1b) of the hydraulic device (1) is connected to a processing unit (3) via a connector (2). In the method, which is carried out by the processing unit (3), a type of hydraulic device (1) is first determined based on identification data stored in the data storage unit (1c) of the hydraulic device (S100). Subsequently, based on the action and the determined type of hydraulic device (1), at least one action (S110) that must be performed to carry out the action is determined. Information on the at least one action is displayed on a display of an input / output device (4) connected to the processing unit (3) (S120).The processing unit (3) determines (S130) whether the at least one action has been performed, and if it is determined that the at least one action has been performed, a result of the action is determined (S140). Subsequently, based on the result of the at least one performed action, it is determined (S150) whether at least one further action must be performed, and if it is determined that no further action is necessary to carry out the measure, the result of the performed actions is stored in the data storage unit (1c) (S150d). The invention further relates to a system for carrying out the method.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a system for performing a measure on a virtual hydraulic device. Background of the invention

[0002] Existing software programs with user interfaces for interacting with hydraulic devices may offer the ability to read and write parameters. However, the user interfaces and operating logic or workflows vary depending on the product or product family.

[0003] Currently, service technicians must directly describe various software parameters and use the operating instructions to determine which parameters they require. While existing software solutions offer some dialogs for the various product families and products, these are not standardized and vary depending on the product. Therefore, users must be familiar not only with the different products and product families, but also with the different user interfaces and operating logic.

[0004] Depending on the function required, the user must navigate to submenus and adjust parameters manually. This complex structure means that users must know in advance what the exact goal is and which steps must be taken to achieve it. This requires manual calculations to determine setpoints, for example. There may not be a user interface for individual parameters or parameter groups. These must be looked up in the function or operating instructions and manually entered using the parameter search. Users must be very familiar with all products in order to provide good service using various software programs. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] According to the invention, a method and a system for performing a measure on a virtual hydraulic device are proposed, having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] The invention is based on a physical or real hydraulic device, in particular a hydraulic valve, which has a hydraulic unit, a control unit that controls the hydraulic unit, and a data storage unit, and on which a user is to perform a task, such as commissioning, maintenance and repair work, troubleshooting, or modification. For this purpose, the control unit of the hydraulic device is connected to a computing unit, such as an external server, via a data-transmitting connector (a so-called connector, e.g., a commercially available industrial connector).

[0007] However, such systems with a data-transmitting connector and guided interaction with a hydraulic device require a physical connection to the real hydraulic device.

[0008] Within the scope of the invention, a virtual hydraulic device, in particular a virtual hydraulic valve, is used instead, which has a virtual hydraulic unit, a virtual control unit that controls the virtual hydraulic unit, and a virtual data storage unit. In the context of this invention, "virtual" is understood to mean a unit modeled or simulated on a computing unit or a computer, which is also referred to as a so-called "digital twin". This makes it possible to carry out the method even with a non-physical structure of the hydraulic device. The real hydraulic device is replaced by a virtual twin. This primarily eliminates the need for physical access to the hydraulic device in the event of problems with the structure. Instead, a virtual hydraulic device can be used that can be used from anywhere.

[0009] Setting up and using the process with a virtual hydraulic device is less error-prone, requires less effort, and is less time-consuming than the physical alternative. This makes it possible, for example, to automatically test additional software components that interact with the virtual hydraulic device as part of the process. For example, the (web) interface that sends read and write requests to the virtual hydraulic device can be tested without the need for a physical setup. Furthermore, the process can be carried out for demonstration purposes, for example, during training sessions, without the need for a physical setup.

[0010] The method according to the invention, which is carried out by the computing unit, enables the user to perform services on different products and product families using workflows with instructions, without having to resort to different systems that require different user interfaces and operating logic. The workflows make it easier for the user to achieve their goals through intuitive use. A workflow is a sequence of steps that must be performed in a specific order. There may be nodes at which, depending on the response or input, a branch to further steps occurs. Thus, there is a workflow logic that allows for context- and product-dependent decisions. It contains several components that combine various backend services with a frontend.

[0011] First, a type of virtual hydraulic device is determined based on identification data stored in the virtual data storage unit of the virtual hydraulic device. It is also possible for additional data, such as specified parameters, which are also stored in the virtual data storage unit, to be saved by the processing unit and / or for the parameters of the virtual hydraulic unit to be reset.

[0012] Based on the measure that can be communicated to the computing unit by the user via the input and output device, and the specific type of virtual hydraulic device, at least one action is determined that must be performed to carry out the measure. The actions can in particular be one or more of a virtual measuring process, a virtual reading process from the virtual data storage unit, a virtual writing process to the virtual data storage unit, a calibration of the virtual hydraulic device and a control of the virtual hydraulic device. Information about the at least one action, i.e. a workflow for carrying out the measure, is then displayed to the user on the display of the input and output device. Depending on the action to be carried out, this is carried out by the computing unit, the user or a combination of both.

[0013] In the next step, it is determined whether at least one action has been performed. This can be determined automatically by the processing unit, for example, or the user can confirm the completion of an action via the input / output device. If it is determined that at least one action has been performed, a result of the at least one action is determined. Based on the result of the at least one performed action, it is then determined whether at least one further action needs to be performed.

[0014] If it is determined that no further action is necessary to perform the action, the result of the performed actions is stored in the virtual data storage unit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the connector and / or the virtual hydraulic device are provided or executed by the computing unit. This further enables the method to be carried out with only one device, namely the computing unit, which connects the virtual hydraulic device to the computing unit via the connector. This allows the aforementioned advantages to be achieved in an optimized manner.

[0016] If, according to one embodiment of the invention, it is determined that at least one further action must be performed, this at least one further action is determined based on the result of the at least one action performed, and information about the at least one further action to be performed is displayed on the display of the input and output device. Subsequently, it is again determined whether the at least one further action has been performed. If it is determined that the at least one further action has been performed, the result of the at least one action is again determined, which may now no longer require any further action or may again require a further action.

[0017] The uniformity and step-by-step interaction with instructions provides the user with a significant time advantage compared to the wide variety of user interfaces and differing operating logics that exist, especially for hydraulic products. Furthermore, steps that previously had to be performed manually are eliminated, thus avoiding errors. For example, no manual calculations are required, and no parameters need to be known to configure the product, as these can be performed by the processing unit or are already available to it. This allows the user to test, demonstrate, and understand the functionality of a wide variety of different virtual hydraulic devices and the associated actions such as commissioning, maintenance, analysis, and repair.

[0018] The invention further relates to a system for performing a measure on a virtual hydraulic device by a user. The system comprises a virtual hydraulic device, which is in particular a hydraulic valve and has a virtual hydraulic unit, a virtual control unit, and a virtual data storage unit; a connector that is or can be connected to the virtual control unit of the virtual hydraulic device; an input and output device; and a computing unit. The computing unit is configured to perform a method according to the invention. The system has the same advantages as the method.

[0019] In one embodiment, the input and output device is a personal computer (PC), laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

[0020] The implementation of a method according to the invention in the form of a computer program or computer program product with program code for carrying out all method steps is also advantageous, since this entails particularly low costs, in particular if an executing control unit is also used for other tasks and is therefore already present. Suitable data carriers for providing the computer program are, in particular, magnetic, optical and electrical memories, such as hard disks, flash memories, EEPROMs, DVDs, and others. Downloading a program via computer networks (Internet, intranet, etc.) is also possible. The computer program can, in particular, be installed as a cloud application in a data center that can be accessed via the Internet.

[0021] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0022] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0023] The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawing using exemplary embodiments and is described in detail below with reference to the drawing. Character description Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of the structure of an embodiment of a system suitable for carrying out an embodiment of the method; Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the method; and Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of the system. Detailed description of the drawing

[0024] Fig. 1 shows the structure of an embodiment of a system suitable for carrying out an embodiment of the method. Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the method. In the following, both figures are described together using an exemplary measure to be performed, namely a maintenance or repair measure, in particular on a virtual hydraulic valve. The actions to be performed are to be understood only as examples. Further and / or different actions may also be necessary to perform the maintenance or repair measure. The same applies to other measures to be performed. Furthermore, the method according to the invention can also be used to perform other measures that require different actions. Furthermore, the method can also be applied to virtual hydraulic devices other than a virtual hydraulic valve.

[0025] The system comprises the virtual hydraulic valve as a virtual hydraulic device 1 with a virtual hydraulic unit 1a, a virtual control unit 1b, a virtual data storage unit 1c, and a virtual interface 1d. The virtual control unit 1b is connected to the virtual hydraulic unit 1a and controls it. The virtual hydraulic valve 1 is implemented on a computing unit 3 as a software module that represents a modeled or simulated hydraulic valve. The virtual components of the system are identified by a dashed border. Identification data and operating parameters of the virtual hydraulic device 1 are stored on the virtual data storage unit 1c, which is connected to the virtual control unit 1b, and can be read by the virtual control unit 1b.The virtual control unit 1b can further be connected via the virtual interface 1d to a connector 2, which itself is also implemented as a software module in the computing unit 3.

[0026] The connector 2 connects the virtual control unit 1b via the virtual interface 1d to the computing unit 3, which executes the method for performing a measure. An input / output device 4 is connected to the computing unit 3. A human-machine interface for controlling the computing unit 3, for example in the form of a website, is executed on the input / output device 4. The human-machine interface can provide a user interface 30.

[0027] Before using the method according to the invention, which is Fig. 2, the virtual hydraulic device 1 must first be connected to the connector 2. To do this, the user 10 identifies himself in the user interface 30, which is displayed on a display of the input and output device 4, and determines the action to be performed. For example, specific order numbers can be used to select a virtual hydraulic device, while the system itself can also be configured to connect to real hydraulic devices.

[0028] The computing unit 3 is configured to display to the user 10 the actions that must be performed to establish the connection between the virtual hydraulic device 1 (or a real hydraulic device) and the connector 2. The actions are displayed to the user 10 step by step on the display of the input and output device 4, with the completion of the action or each step being confirmed by the user 10 via the input and output device 4. One step may include selecting a suitable connector, with the connector 2, which is also implemented as a software module, being selected to connect to the virtual hydraulic device 1.

[0029] For connection to a real hydraulic device (not shown), it may be provided to select a different connector that has at least one physical interface that must be coupled to the real hydraulic device or its real control unit. Connector 2, on the other hand, only has a virtual interface for coupling to the virtual control unit 1d.

[0030] The user is then shown actions that must be performed to establish the connection between the virtual hydraulic device 1 and the connector 2. The actions are displayed to the user 10 step by step on the display of the input and output device 4, with the completion of the action or each step being confirmed by the user 10 via the input and output device 4. After the connection between the virtual hydraulic device 1 and the computing unit 3 has been established via the connector 2, the computing unit 3 first saves all operating parameters stored in the virtual data storage unit 1c, i.e., reads them out and stores them.

[0031] Subsequently, in a first step S100, a type of the virtual hydraulic device 1 is determined based on identification data stored in the virtual data storage unit 1c of the virtual hydraulic device 1. In this step S100, the data of the electronic nameplate can be displayed to the user 10 on the display of the input / output device 4. An electronic nameplate containing the identification data is a data record stored on the virtual hydraulic device 1, which contains information such as the material number, order number, and serial number. This gives the virtual hydraulic device 1 an identity.

[0032] In a next step S110, the computing unit 3 determines at least one action that must be performed to carry out the maintenance or repair measure, based on the measure and the specific type of virtual hydraulic device 1. Here, it is therefore determined which actions must be performed on the virtual hydraulic valve for maintenance or repair. To do this, the computing unit 3 can first determine as an action that the virtual hydraulic valve is or must be depressurized and that the operating parameters must be reset, i.e., two actions must first be carried out. Information on how to carry out these actions, for example instructions and / or a description that show the user 10 their task and the expected result, are displayed to the user 10 simultaneously or sequentially on the display of the input and output device 4 in a further step S120.For example, user 10 is only shown that the hydraulic valve must be depressurized. With a physical hydraulic valve, user 10 would then check whether the hydraulic valve is depressurized and confirm that the hydraulic valve is depressurized via input and output device 4. With a virtual hydraulic valve, this action is still shown for demonstration or testing purposes, but the physical check is omitted and user 10 simply confirms that the virtual hydraulic valve is depressurized. User 10 is then shown that the operating parameters must be reset. User 10 can then reset the operating parameters by entering an input on input and output device 4, whereby the operating parameters of the virtual hydraulic valve are reset by computing unit 3.

[0033] In a next step S130, it is determined whether the actions have been performed, and then in step S140, the result of the actions is determined. Here, the computing unit 3 determines that the actions have been performed based on the user's confirmation that the virtual hydraulic valve is depressurized, the initiation of the resetting of the operating parameters, and the execution of the resetting by the computing unit 3 itself. As a result, it is determined that a depressurized virtual hydraulic valve exists, whose operating parameters correspond to the factory settings.

[0034] Next, in step S150, the result is used to determine whether at least one further action needs to be performed. The type of virtual hydraulic device 1 and the measure to be performed can also be taken into account for this purpose. Here, the next action for servicing or maintaining the hydraulic valve is determined to be a stroke calibration, which involves two actions: connecting the virtual hydraulic valve to a virtual test bench and performing a calibration.

[0035] In step S150a, the user 10 is shown information on the display of the input / output device 4 regarding the steps to be performed to perform the stroke adjustment. To do so, the user 10 can first start the stroke adjustment by confirming via the input / output device 4.

[0036] In the next step S150b, the next steps to be performed—in this case, connecting the test bench channels, hydraulically warming the virtual hydraulic valve, switching on a volume flow sensor in a channel of the hydraulic valve, and setting the system pressure in a test bench channel to a specified pressure—are displayed to the user 10 on the display of the input / output device 4. Although these actions are not physically performed on a virtual hydraulic device 1, they are nevertheless displayed to the user 10, as this can be helpful for demonstration or testing purposes. The user 10 confirms that all steps of the first action have been performed by starting the calibration.To perform the calibration, the user 10 can use the input and output device 4 to adjust the positive and negative opening points of the hydraulic valve pistons, for example, using a slider, so that a specified volume flow flows through the virtual hydraulic valve, and then confirm that the calibration has been performed. The calibration results are then displayed to the user 10, and they can decide whether the calibration is complete or should be performed again. Here, or generally for each of the actions, various scenarios can be stored, for example depending on the order number, which generate error messages or simulate problems. This allows different problem-solving approaches to be demonstrated, for example, in demonstrations for training purposes.

[0037] In a next step S150c, it is determined whether the actions, i.e. the calibration procedure, have been carried out when the user 10 has indicated that the calibration is complete.

[0038] In this case, the method returns to step S140, and the result of the action is determined—in this case, the calibration of the hydraulic valve was successfully performed. Subsequently, based on the result (step S150), it is again determined whether further action needs to be performed. Here, in step S150a, the computing unit 3 again determines that a hydraulic test of the hydraulic device 1 needs to be performed. This test includes a leak test, a recording of the target-actual value characteristic curve, and a leakage measurement. Information on how to perform these actions is displayed to the user 10 on the display of the input / output device 4, so that the user can perform them.

[0039] Subsequently, in step S150c, after the user 10 has performed the actions, it is determined that the leak test has been performed, and in step S140, to which it is returned, it is determined that the hydraulic valve is leak-tight.

[0040] In the next iteration of step S150, it is determined whether further actions need to be performed, and it is determined (S150a) that the next action offers the user 10 the opportunity to upload further documents, such as measurement curves or diagrams, and to save the report, which includes the performed steps with associated notes and attachments as well as the original operating parameters, for example in ZIP format, in the input and output device 4. For this purpose, the steps to be performed are displayed to the user 10 on the input and output unit 4 (S150b). After the user 10 has performed and confirmed the steps, the computing unit 3 saves the results of the actions as well as the parameters determined by the actions in the data storage unit 1c of the hydraulic device 1. The user 10 then confirms that the action has been performed, for example by clicking a "Complete workflow" button.

[0041] The computing unit 3 thereby determines in step S150c that the action has been performed. The result determined in step S140 is that the workflow is complete. Therefore, in step S150, it is determined that no further action needs to be performed. In step S160, the result of the performed at least one action is stored in the virtual data storage unit 1c, and the method is terminated.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of the system with further details on communication between the various units.

[0043] A higher-level component that is responsible for providing the workflows, i.e. the individual actions with and without product interaction, is marked with an area bordered by a dash and dot and can be referred to as a service engine.

[0044] A workflow is a sequence of steps that must be performed in a specific order. There may be nodes where, depending on the response or input, a branch to further steps occurs. Thus, there is a workflow logic that allows context- and product-dependent decisions. It contains several components that combine various backend services with a frontend. This allows the user 10 to perform the workflows and, within them, interact with the virtual hydraulic device 1. The service engine has a user interface 30 for this purpose, which is displayed to the user 10 on the display of the input and output device 4 and via which the user 10 can interact with the computing unit 3, the connector 2, and the virtual hydraulic device 1.

[0045] The user interface 30 is further connected to another software system 50, which provides a self-service portal for managing and tracking support, requests, incidents and problems.

[0046] Through a Service Portal 20, a knowledge management system that provides all necessary information on industrial hydraulics in one central location, users can access articles, training courses, data sheets, operating instructions, and the like. Furthermore, the Service Portal 20 is connected to a cloud-based learning management system and an artificial intelligence-based translation management system, which can be used to improve and translate training courses.

[0047] The user interface 30 is further connected to a workflow service 31, which provides the logic workflows and manages a session of the user 10. The service portal 20 retrieves the workflows from the workflow service 31 and makes them, along with other data for the session, available to the user interface 30. Furthermore, the workflow service stores the information about a session in a database 32.

[0048] The database 32 stores a variety of data related to the service engine, such as information about sessions and which user 10 is authorized to use which port of an application programming interface 40 (API).

[0049] Via the application programming interface 40, data can be read from and sent to a connector 2 connected to the virtual hydraulic device 1. For this purpose, the API 40 uses an Internet of Things (IoT) hub 41, which manages cloud services that serve as a central messaging center for sending data to the virtual hydraulic device 1.

Claims

[1] Method for the guided execution of a measure on a virtual hydraulic device (1), in particular a hydraulic valve, which has a virtual hydraulic unit (1a), a virtual control unit (1b) which controls the virtual hydraulic unit (1a), and a virtual data storage unit (1c), by a user (10), wherein the virtual control unit (1b) of the virtual hydraulic device (1) is connected to a computing unit (3) via a connector (2), which is a computer program which is executed on a computer, and the method comprises the following steps which are carried out by the computing unit (3): - determining (S100) a type of the virtual hydraulic device (1) based on identification data stored in the virtual data storage unit (1c) of the virtual hydraulic device (1), - determining (S110) at least one action that must be performed to carry out the measure, based on the measure and the specific type of virtual hydraulic device (1), - displaying (S120) information about the at least one action on a display of an input and output device (4) connected to the computing unit (3), - Determining (S130) whether the determined at least one action has been performed, - if it is determined that the determined at least one action has been performed, determining (S140) a result of the performed at least one action, - Determining (S150), based on the result of the at least one action carried out, whether at least one further action must be carried out, - if it is determined that no further action needs to be performed, storing (S160) the result of the performed at least one action in the virtual data storage unit (1c). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the connector (2) and / or the virtual hydraulic device (1) are provided by the computing unit (3). [3] A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, if it is determined that at least one further action needs to be performed, the following steps are performed: - determining (S150a) the at least one further action based on the result of the at least one action, - displaying (S150b) information about the at least one further action to be performed on a display of an input and output device (4), - determining (S150c) whether the at least one further action has been performed, and, - if it is determined that the at least one further action has been performed, repeating the step of determining (S140) a result of the performed action. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one action and / or the at least one further action is one or more of a virtual measuring process, a reading process from the virtual data storage unit (1c), a writing process to the virtual data storage unit (1c), a calibration of the virtual hydraulic device (1) and a control of the virtual hydraulic device (1). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one action and / or the at least one further action are carried out at least partially by a user based on the displayed information using the input and output device (4). [6] System for carrying out a measure on a virtual hydraulic device (1), in particular a hydraulic valve, by a user (10), wherein the system comprises the virtual hydraulic device (1), which has a virtual hydraulic unit (1a), a virtual control unit (1b) which controls the virtual hydraulic unit (1a), and a virtual data storage unit (1c), a connector (2), which is a computer program which is executed on a computer and which is connectable or connected to the control unit (1b) of the virtual hydraulic device (1), an input and output device (4) and a computing unit (3), wherein the computing unit (3) is designed to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims. [7] System according to claim 6, wherein the input and output device (4) is a personal computer, PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. [8] A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to claims 1 to 5. [9] A computer-readable data carrier on which the computer program according to claim 8 is stored.

Images