METHOD FOR COMMISSIONING AN ACTUATOR

Description

[0001] With actuators, it is common practice to set the valve's end positions in the actual installation situation during initial commissioning. The drive motor can then be switched off when the respective end position is reached. This can prevent the actuator's drive motor from moving to the end position at full torque and damaging, for example, a controlled valve or gear.

[0002] Commissioning is currently performed using an operating manual, which allows the relevant operating parameters for the end positions to be entered into the actuator control system. However, this is time-consuming and error-prone.

[0003] The invention therefore aims to improve the commissioning of an actuator.

[0004] The object of the invention is achieved according to the method in claim 1.

[0005] Accordingly, the actuator's operating parameters are queried and entered sequentially in an interactive menu structure. At least one path is defined in the menu structure that determines the operating parameters to be queried sequentially, and acknowledging a parameter entry causes a jump along the defined path to the next parameter entry.

[0006] The interactive menu structure prompts you for the operating parameters to be entered. This eliminates the need for complex programming or entering the end position using a user manual. This eliminates the otherwise necessary manual navigation from one parameter entry to the next. This process is now automatic, enabling menu-guided commissioning.

[0007] The menu structure can have multiple branches that query various operating parameters. In an advantageous embodiment, the path can connect several of these branches of the menu structure, allowing a jump between the branches. Accordingly, the menu structure is not linear, but always defined by the path. The path can therefore directly connect two menu items that are more than one step apart, or in other words, the path can connect two menu items that could only be reached by ascending and then descending in the menu structure.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, a jump within the path depends on the input of the parameter or a previous parameter. This allows, for example, as described above, a jump from a first branch to a second or third branch of the menu structure depending on the input, without having to query the entire second branch. This allows, for example, alternative input options for an operating parameter to be defined.

[0009] In an example, a parameter specification could first be requested, for example, whether both end positions, a lower end position and a stroke, or an upper end position and a stroke should be entered. Depending on the selection of the three input options, a path is generated that connects the appropriate menu entries for the required operating parameter inputs. In this case, these can also be located in different branches of the menu structure.

[0010] In one embodiment, an operating parameter is an end position or a stroke, which can be entered directly. Alternatively, an end position can be calculated from an entered operating parameter. For example, after entering the lower or upper end position and after entering the stroke in number of revolutions, the other end position can be calculated from this. This allows for a more flexible configuration of the actuator. For example, there may be applications in which the distance between two end positions is defined by a fixed stroke. Until today, the conversion for this had to be done manually before the end positions were set. The invention enables simpler, faster, and more reliable input. This is because the conversion can automatically take a gearbox and other influencing factors into account, reliably preventing incorrect entries.

[0011] The operating parameters can be entered as numerical values, for example via buttons or switches.

[0012] A parameter is entered by moving the actuator to an end position. The actuator's drive motor is actually moved to the set end position, and this position is set as the operating parameter input. The actuator can be moved manually via a handwheel, for example, or electrically, with the drive motor controlled by a button or switch. Automated movement to an end position is also possible, with the end position being detected, for example, via a predefined cut-off moment.

[0013] Within a path, at least one change of operating mode is forced. This can be used to force a specific type of parameter input, such as the previously described manual movement of the actuator.

[0014] For example, the operating mode can be changed from a mode in which parameterization is possible to a mode in which movement of the actuator is possible.

[0015] The intention is that a jump within the specified path is only executed if the specified change in operating state is actually executed. An operating mode selector switch is provided for this purpose.

[0016] The operating mode is changed manually by the user.

[0017] The actuator has at least two operating modes, with a first operating mode allowing manual movement of the actuator and a second operating mode allowing parameter input. This prevents the actuator from being moved during parameter input. On the other hand, parameter input by moving the actuator is also possible, as described above.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the difference between two end positions is calculated as the number of revolutions, or the corresponding second end position is calculated for one end position and one stroke. This facilitates verification of the plausibility of the respective data and also makes it easier to approach, for example, distant end positions.

[0019] The number of revolutions can refer to the output shaft of the actuator.

[0020] For this purpose, it can be advantageous if the number of increments of an incremental encoder of the drive motor and / or the gear ratio of the gearbox are known. These values ​​can be stored as predefined values ​​or previously queried within the menu structure. The latter has the advantage that the menu-driven parameter input can be used on any actuator without any adjustments.

[0021] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a plausibility check of the entered operating parameters is performed. This allows incorrect operation and incorrect commissioning to be ruled out.

[0022] During the plausibility check, for example, it can be checked whether the end positions are unequal and whether a difference between the end positions does not exceed a maximum number of increments or revolutions. In particular, this can prevent the actuator from being loaded beyond its physical limits.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, a test run is performed with the entered operating parameters, particularly after the parameter entry has been completed. This allows it to be determined whether the actuator is functioning as desired.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous design, torques occurring during the test run are recorded and saved as reference values. These reference values ​​can be used at a later date, for example, to detect aging of a valve connected to the actuator.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below using an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] It shows: Fig. 1: a block diagram of an actuator, Fig. 2a: an operating unit of the actuator of the Fig. 1 , Fig. 2b: the operating mode selector switch of the Fig. 2a in the "Off" position, Fig. 3 - 5: an exemplary interactive menu structure for commissioning an actuator with several branched or alternative paths.

[0027] The Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an actuator 1. The actuator has an electric drive motor 2 and a control unit 3 for controlling the drive motor 2. The control unit 3 is connected to an operating unit 4, via which the control unit can be operated by a user.

[0028] The drive motor 2 is connected to a gear 5. An actuator 6, namely a fitting or valve, is connected to the gear 5. Such actuators are well known in the art, so further details will not be discussed here.

[0029] The Fig. 2a shows an example of an operating unit 4 of the actuator. The operating unit 4 has a screen 7 for graphically displaying information and for interactive commissioning according to a method according to the invention. Below the screen, four buttons 8 are arranged, for example, whose functions are variable. Instead of the four buttons 8, other input devices can also be provided, such as rotary or rocker switches or buttons. For example, a rotary control with two coaxial, connected rotary switches can be used, whose rotation is magnetically detected.

[0030] In addition, the control unit 4 has an operating mode selector switch 9, which in the example supports three different operating modes.

[0031] The "Local" operating mode shown allows operation of drive motor 2 via control unit 4, for example, using buttons 8 or automatically. This allows drive motor 2 to be opened or closed at the touch of a button. Parameterization is not possible at this time.

[0032] In "Off" mode ( Fig. 2b ) Drive motor 2 is deactivated. Movement of the drive motor is not possible in this operating mode. Parameter inputs, for example, are possible in this operating mode.

[0033] The "Remote" operating mode represents normal operation, in which the drive motor can be remotely controlled, for example, via a control room. Parameterization is not possible at this time.

[0034] These three operating modes may also be called something else. There may also be fewer or more operating modes.

[0035] The Figuren 3 - 5 show an example interactive menu structure for commissioning an actuator.

[0036] The interactive menu structure for commissioning is started, for example, upon initial power-up or by selecting a commissioning wizard (S1). In this example, the interactive menu structure contains at least one path that defines the operating parameters to be queried one after the other. Jumping along the defined path to the next parameter entry only occurs after acknowledging a parameter entry.

[0037] The interactive menu structure shown in the example uses a screen 7 of the control unit 4 to graphically display the requested and entered operating parameters. Only one operating parameter is requested at a time on each displayed screen page. This allows for clear display and input even on small screens. The user is guided interactively through the commissioning process, and after confirmation, the next required operating parameter is always displayed for input.

[0038] The interactive menu structure is organized into screen pages. Each of these screen pages corresponds to a parameter input. There may also be information pages that do not contain any parameter input but display only text. However, all screen pages must be acknowledged to proceed to the next screen page.

[0039] The path connects specific screen pages and thus defines the order of the consecutively displayed screen pages. The path can also connect screen pages that are located in different branches, for example. This can establish a non-linear sequence of screen pages, or a sequence that is not predetermined by the menu structure.

[0040] The path can also contain branches, whereby the further course of the path is changed depending on a parameter input.

[0041] In the example, a message S2 appears first, indicating the subsequent selection of the shutdown type. After acknowledging this screen, the shutdown type for the CLOSED end position is selected, S3. In this example, the options are Position and Torque. Other actuators may have additional or different shutdown types.

[0042] The switch-off type for the OPEN end position, S4, is then selected.

[0043] The parameters for the switch-off torque CLOSE, S5, and the switch-off torque OPEN, S6, are then entered.

[0044] Next, select S7 how the two end positions should be entered. Both end positions can be entered. The CLOSED end position and a stroke of the drive motor, or the OPEN end position and the stroke, can be entered. Depending on the selection, the path leads to a different branch of the menu structure.

[0045] The Fig. 2 shows these alternative branches and the associated paths. The first path 10, on the left in the figure, queries both end positions. In the following step S8, a change of the operating mode is first forced. For this purpose, an operating mode selector switch 9 is set according to the Fig. 2a It must first be set to "Local" operating mode, as in Fig. 2b In the "Local" operating mode, as shown in Fig. 2a As described above, manual control of the drive motor is possible via the control unit 4. Switching the operating mode selector switch 9 acknowledges this screen.

[0046] This is followed by a message (S9) indicating that the drive motor should be closed using button 8. The actuator is then closed using button 8, S10. The reached end position is set as an operating parameter.

[0047] This is followed by a message (S11) indicating that the drive motor should be opened using button 8. The actuator is then opened using button 8, S12. The reached end position is set as an operating parameter.

[0048] The second path 11, in the center of the image, includes entering the CLOSED end position and a fixed stroke of the drive motor. Steps S8 to S10 correspond to the first path 10. The corresponding screens can actually only exist once in the menu structure. The path then connects the corresponding screens across the branches so that only the required screens are displayed and queried. Such identical screens are each provided with the same reference numbers below.

[0049] After entering the position, the operating mode must first be changed to "Off" by moving the operating mode selector switch 9 to the corresponding position ( Fig. 2b ), S13. This is followed by a note S14 on entering the stroke and the entry of the stroke value itself, S15, using keys 8.

[0050] The third path 12, shown on the right, involves entering the OPEN end position and a fixed stroke of the drive motor. After the operating mode has been changed to "Local" in S8, the actuator is now indicated to open (S11), and then the actuator is opened using buttons 8 (S12). Steps S13 to S15 of the second path follow.

[0051] In the second and third paths, the missing end position is calculated from the entered end position and the stroke. The stroke can first be converted into revolutions or increments of a rotary encoder.

[0052] In principle, a plausibility check can be performed after each input, making it impossible to enter an incorrect value. If an invalid value is detected, confirmation can be denied, preventing the user from proceeding to the next parameter entry. The incorrect value can be highlighted on the screen or another error message can be displayed.

[0053] For example, the two end positions must not be the same and must not be further apart than the maximum number of increments that can be achieved by a complete movement of the actuator.

[0054] In this example, when setting the first position value, the respective value of the incremental encoder is recorded. The number of increments is then counted until the second position value is reached. If the maximum number of increments is exceeded, which can be a value above 65,000 (e.g., 2 16< ), the counting starts from zero. The difference between the position values ​​must therefore not be greater than this value.

[0055] This completes the parameter entry. Fig. 5 shows the further progression of the interactive menu structure. In step S16, you can select whether a test drive should be performed with the entered operating parameters.

[0056] If so, the operating mode is first switched to "Local" in step S8, followed by a test run (step S17). Positions and / or torques can be saved as reference values ​​so that they are available for later comparison purposes. After the test run, the operating mode is switched back to "Off" (step S13).

[0057] Subsequently, and if no test drive was requested, a message (S18) appears indicating that commissioning is complete. The set operating parameters are then displayed again in an overview (S19).

[0058] The menu structure shown here is only an example. Depending on the application, other or additional operating parameters may be queried and entered.

[0059] Deviating from Fig. 1 The control unit 4 does not necessarily have to be located in or on the actuator 1 or connected to it. The control unit 4 can also be implemented as an app, for example, on a smartphone, tablet, or notebook.

[0060] In this way, it is possible, for example, to design the actuator 1 without an operating unit 4, but in particular without a screen 7, thereby saving costs. The operating mode selector switch 9 can still be physically located on the actuator 1, thus preventing incorrect operation via an app. Bezugszeichenliste

[0061] 1 Actuator 2 Drive motor 3 Control unit 4 Operating unit 5 Gearbox 6 Actuator / valve / valve 7 Screen 8 Button 9 Operating mode selector 10 First path 11 Second path 12 Third path S1 Note "Assistant starts" S2 Note "Select shutdown type" S3 Input shutdown type end position CLOSED S4 Input shutdown type end position OPEN S5 Input shutdown torque CLOSED S6 Input shutdown torque OPEN S7 Input "End position type" S8 Operating mode selection "Local" S9 Note "Close valve" S10 Input by approach position end position CLOSED S11 Note "Open valve" S12 Input by approach position end position OPEN S13 Operating mode selection "Off" S14 Note "Enter stroke" S15 Input stroke S16 Input "Perform test run" S17 Perform test run S18 Note "Input completed" S19 Note "Overview"

Claims

1. Method for commissioning an actuator (1) for a valve or a fitting, wherein the actuator (1) has an operating unit (4), wherein the operating unit (4) has at least one operating mode selector switch (9) and a screen (7), wherein operating parameters of the actuator (1) are queried and entered one after the other in an interactive menu structure, wherein the interactive menu structure is organized in screen pages, wherein at least one path is defined in the menu structure, which determines the operating parameters to be queried one after the other, wherein an acknowledgment of a parameter entry causes a jump along the defined path to the next parameter entry, wherein the actuator (1) has at least two operating modes, wherein a change of the operating mode is effected by a user by means of the operating mode selector switch, wherein in a first operating mode a manual movement of the actuator is possible and in a second operating mode a parameter input is possible, wherein within a path at least one manual change to the first operating mode (S8, S13) is enforced, wherein a jump within the predetermined path is only executed if the predetermined change of the operating mode (S8, S13) is actually executed, wherein switching the operating mode selector switch acknowledges a screen page that forces the change to the first operating mode, and wherein in the first operating mode the actuator is moved to an end position and this position is set as the parameter input.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a jump within the path depends on the or a previous parameter input.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an operating parameter is a torque and / or in that an end position is calculated from an input operating parameter.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an associated number of revolutions is calculated for a difference of two end positions, or the associated second end position is calculated for an end position and a number of revolutions.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plausibility check of the input operating parameters is carried out, in particular wherein it is checked whether the end positions are unequal and whether the or a difference of the end positions does not exceed a maximum number of increments.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a test run (S17) is carried out with the input operating parameters, in particular wherein occurring torques are recorded and stored as reference values.

7. Actuator (1) having a drive motor (2) and an operating unit (4), characterized in that the operating unit (4) has at least one operating mode selector switch (9), a screen (7) and keys (8) for parameter input, wherein the actuator (1), in particular a control unit (3), is set up to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims.