A METHOD FOR COMPUTER-AIDED TESTING AND DOCUMENTATION OF A USER'S INSTALLATION ACTION FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SPATIALLY DECENTRALIZED COMPONENTS OF A MACHINE

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of planning and assembly of machines such as automation systems, and in particular to a computer-aided installation of spatially decentralized electrical components of a machine. background

[0002] The complexity and variety of automation systems that must be developed, planned, installed, maintained, and repaired is becoming increasingly greater. In all phases of such a system's life cycle, such as development / planning, production, commissioning, operation, and maintenance, efficient and effective support for installers and planners through comprehensive and, above all, complete documentation is becoming increasingly important.

[0003] During installation, it may be necessary to meet certain electrical requirements. For example, a connection must be dust-tight or waterproof. To ensure these requirements, a screw connection must be tightened with a specified torque. Checking this screw connection can be very time-consuming, even for just a few connections, or it requires specialized and often hard-to-find expertise.

[0004] The use of test equipment for recording measured values ​​is known in the prior art. For example, DE 198 49 293 A1 discloses a system for recording measured values ​​at a plurality of measuring points on a test object in a test facility. A torque wrench is provided as the measuring device for measuring a measurand, which has a transmitting device for transmitting the measurement result and an identifier assigned to the measuring point to an evaluation device. The evaluation device evaluates the received measurement results with regard to the presence of a predetermined state of the test object.

[0005] WO 2022 / 020787 A1 discloses an iteratively guided disassembly and assembly process for an electrical device (control cabinet). US 2015 / 227943 A1 describes a computer-implemented method for documenting compliance with legal regulations during manufacturing.

[0006] The disadvantage of the known solutions is that such tests are time-consuming and the verification of certain technical requirements during installation can often be incorrect.

[0007] It is therefore an object underlying the invention to provide a computer-aided method and a system to enable a simpler, faster, safer and error-free installation of electrical components and to at least partially overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. Description of the invention

[0008] The above object is achieved by a method, computer program, and device for data processing according to the independent patent claims. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings.

[0009] The subject of the invention is a method for computer-assisted testing and documentation of an installation action by a user for the installation of spatially decentralized electrical components of a machine, wherein a complete production of an electrical and / or mechanical connection of an installation element is tested and documented. The machine can be designed as at least one of the following machines: An automation system, a production system, a logistics system, a production line, a machining center, an industrial robot, a manufacturing system, an aggregate, an electrical device.

[0010] In particular, the machine can be designed as a modular machine or as a mobile or movable machine, in which individual parts of the machine are installed modularly according to an installation specification. This installation is carried out at least partially manually by a user, such as a worker.

[0011] The components can be modules and in particular connection modules which enable a decentralized and modular connection of installation elements. Decentralized can refer to the fact that the modules or connection modules at least partially replace a central control cabinet in that the modules or connection modules only provide some of the connections for the machine, but enable these connections in a decentralized manner in the field. In a central topology, e.g. a centralized control cabinet concept, a point-to-point connection is particularly referred to, i.e. the start point, the connection and the end point are clearly defined. In contrast, in decentralized applications it is possible, and can often even be necessary, to arrange or connect several components between the start point and the end point. In this case one can speak of a module-module or module-hub-point connection, for example.

[0012] In principle, the following components can also be provided in a machine, for example: devices such as actuators and / or sensors, connection modules and installation elements, e.g. for cabling. Preferably, the complete establishment of the electrical and / or mechanical connection of the installation element to the component in the form of a module such as a connection module, but also in the form of another installation element such as a connector, can thus be tested, validated and documented. The connection can, for example, be a connection of the installation element in the form of a connector to the other installation element in the form of a connector or T-piece or the like. The components and / or the installation elements can be designed as electrical, decentralized components, since decentralized interconnection is provided by means of the connection modules.

[0013] The method according to the invention can comprise the following steps, which are preferably carried out successively or in any order, whereby the steps can also be carried out automatically and / or repeatedly: Receiving at least one measured value from a test device, wherein the at least one measured value results from a detection of a measured variable which is specific to the installation action, validating the installation action of the user with regard to the complete establishment of the electrical and / or mechanical connection of the installation element, on the basis of a comparison of the at least one received measured value with at least one measured value specification in order to determine whether conformity of the at least one received measured value with the at least one measured value specification is ensured;and documenting the validated installation action based on the validation by marking the connection in an installation specification, namely in a circuit diagram, wherein when documenting the validated installation action the marking is defined depending on a result of the validation and indicates a presence and / or an extent of the establishment of the electrical and / or mechanical connection and / or an incorrect and / or deviating from a specification implementation of the installation action. ;

[0014] The method thus enables faster and error-free installation and can significantly support the user during machine installation and improve the quality of the process. Furthermore, it enables simpler and more efficient testing of the installation process with regard to the currently valid or required requirements for the materials used or the connection, for example with regard to specifications from standards or norms. Another advantage is that it significantly reduces potential safety risks during the installation process carried out during machine installation. Furthermore, the requirements for the specialist expertise previously required for the inspection are significantly reduced. The specified measured value can be a reference value or limit value, which is compared with the transmitted measured value as the current measured value.For example, the establishment of the connection can be considered correct and / or complete if the transmitted measured value meets a predefined condition such as exceeding the reference value or limit value.

[0015] In addition, this enables the user to be directly informed about the installation process through the stored information of the installation specification, for example an electrical connection plan as installation documentation, that the electrical and / or mechanical connection of the installation element has been fully established.

[0016] Furthermore, documenting the installation process and / or the information of the installation element and / or component advantageously enables the documented and / or stored information to be constantly and permanently available to the user, even after the installation process has been completed. This also has the further advantage that an installation element can be automatically recognized and documented after a successful installation.

[0017] Furthermore, in this way, a system for installation, in particular for cabling the installation element with the component, can be provided for guided, qualitative support of the user, in which a data processing device can execute the method steps automatically. The data processing device, in particular a data processing device according to the invention, can advantageously communicate with individual components and thus enable the output of the installation information. For this purpose, the data processing device can have at least one interface for communication.

[0018] A user can be, for example, an installer and / or plant mechanic and / or electrician and / or worker and / or planner and / or mechanical designer or developer and / or electrical designer or developer and / or PLC programmer and / or commissioning engineer and / or maintenance engineer and / or machine operator. It is possible for the user to use the method according to the invention by providing the method to the user via a computer. For this purpose, a computer program can be executed at least partially by the computer and / or another computer in order to carry out the method steps according to the invention.

[0019] For the purposes of the invention, a hybrid connection is understood to be a connection established using a hybrid cable. The hybrid connection enables electrical current, such as a supply voltage, to be transmitted together with other signals. These cables can be shielded or unshielded.

[0020] It may also be possible that the validation step includes the following steps: Evaluating the comparison of the at least one received measured value with the at least one measured value specification; and defining a result of the validation based on the evaluation of the comparison, wherein the result indicates and / or quantifies the complete establishment or incomplete establishment of the electrical and / or mechanical connection of the installation element and / or an incorrect and / or deviating execution of the installation action, wherein, when documenting the validated installation action, the marking for the connection in the installation specification is made based on the result of the validation.

[0021] This has the advantage of ensuring compliance with the measurement specifications of the installation procedure by evaluating the measured value in relation to the applicable or required requirements. Furthermore, the corresponding marking provides the user with immediate information regarding the quality of the installation procedure for establishing the connection in accordance with the installation specifications.

[0022] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that the documentation of the validated installation action comprises the following steps, which are preferably only carried out if the result of the validation indicates the complete establishment of the electrical and / or mechanical connection of the installation element and / or a proper execution of the installation action: Identifying a connection point through which the electrical and / or mechanical connection was established by the installation action in the installation specification; Storing the marking as a marking of the identified and properly connected connection point in the installation specification, preferably based on an installation parameter recorded by the user, in particular a reason or cause for the marking, preferably including an indication of

[0023] The reason or occasion for the marking is also stored. Validation can advantageously be carried out on the basis of the installation action. The validation thus enables the assessment of whether the user has carried out the installation action correctly. The result of the validation can be used to store the marking in the installation specification. The installation specification can therefore be used at a later point in time to check whether the specified reference or limit values ​​in the installation specification have been followed. The user can be given the option of entering a corresponding installation parameter, in particular a reason or occasion for the marking, for example via the user interface and / or an input device such as voice input and / or a keyboard and / or a mouse and / or a touchscreen.

[0024] According to a further possibility, it can be provided that the documentation of the validated installation action includes the following steps, which are carried out if a result of the validation indicates incomplete production and / or incorrect and / or deviating from a specification implementation of the installation action: Identifying a connection point through which the connection was established by the installation action in the installation specification; storing the marking of the connection point as requiring inspection in the installation specification, preferably based on an installation parameter recorded by the user, in particular a complaint, a reason or a reason for the marking, wherein preferably an indication of the reason or reason for the marking is also stored.

[0025] This has the advantage that the result of the validation as incomplete production and / or incorrect and / or deviating from the specification execution of the installation procedure can be used to store the corresponding marking in the installation specification. This means that the installation specification can be used at a later point in time for control purposes to check whether and / or why the installation procedure deviated from the specification. Should a user deviate from specified reference or limit values ​​during the installation procedure, this often happens for a relevant reason or occasion. The user can therefore be given the opportunity to enter a corresponding installation parameter, e.g. via the user interface and / or an input device such as voice input and / or a keyboard and / or a mouse and / or a touchscreen.

[0026] It is further conceivable that a further comparison between the at least one received measured value and at least two further measured value specifications, preferably a tightening torque and / or pressure, takes place as an additional test condition in order to determine whether conformity of the at least one received measured value with a specification is ensured taking into account the additional test condition, wherein the identification for the connection in the installation specification is preferably carried out based on the further comparison.

[0027] This enables a significantly more flexible and precise evaluation of the installation procedure based on two measurement specifications. This allows for a better assessment of whether the received measurement value lies within or outside the range of the two measurement specifications, which is stored as a flag in the installation specification.

[0028] Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the documentation of the validated installation action comprises at least one deposit of an indication at the time of the proper installation action with regard to the establishment of the connection, in particular plug connection, with a connection point, to an identifier of the installation element, in particular an equipment identification, and / or to an identification of the user.

[0029] This has the advantage of significantly improving the assignment of installation actions during machine installation thanks to the comprehensive documentation in the installation specifications. Furthermore, it enables better and faster analysis and / or evaluation of installation processes based on the documented installation actions.

[0030] Furthermore, it may be advantageous within the scope of the invention that the testing means is a torque wrench, preferably an electronic torque wrench, in order to provide the detection of the measured value, preferably a tightening torque, by the installation action, in particular screwing.

[0031] Furthermore, it can be provided that the test device is a piezoelectric sensor, wherein the piezoelectric sensor is arranged integrated as part of a plug connection in order to provide the detection of the measured value, preferably a pressure, by the installation action, in particular screwing.

[0032] A further advantage within the scope of the invention can be achieved if the validation and / or documentation of the validated installation action is initiated by receiving the at least one measured value and / or by the test device.

[0033] This enables a secure and automatic initialization of the validation of the installation action.

[0034] Furthermore, it is optionally provided that the validation and / or documentation of the validated installation action is initiated by a user action, preferably by an input in a mobile data processing device such as a mobile computer.

[0035] This enables a secure and controlled initialization of the validation of the installation action.

[0036] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the testing device can be a tool with which the installation process is carried out by the user to establish the mechanical and / or electrical connection, or the testing device can be an additional tool that is used in addition to the installation process to test the installation process. Thus, it is conceivable that one tool is used for the installation process, e.g., for assembly, and the additional tool is used not for the installation process but for testing as a testing device. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the same tool is used for the installation process but also as a testing device.

[0037] This ensures that the measuring value can be recorded quickly and easily by the test equipment.

[0038] It may also be possible to repeat the steps for several installation actions in order to successively document the entire installation of the machine.

[0039] This has the advantage that effective and error-free complete documentation for all required installation actions can be provided much more quickly.

[0040] The invention also provides a data processing device comprising means for carrying out the steps of the method according to the invention. Thus, the device according to the invention offers the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention. The device can be part of at least one of, or precisely one of, the at least one machine.

[0041] The invention also relates to a computer program, in particular a computer program product, comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the invention. Thus, the computer program according to the invention provides the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

[0042] A data processing device, for example the device according to the invention, which executes the computer program can be provided as the computer. The computer can have at least one processor for executing the computer program. A non-volatile data memory can also be provided, in which the computer program is stored and from which the computer program can be read by the processor for execution.

[0043] It is also conceivable for the computer to comprise at least one integrated circuit such as a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application-specific standard product (ASSP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. The computer may further comprise at least one interface for data exchange, e.g., an Ethernet interface, an interface for a LAN (local area network), a WLAN (wireless local area network), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), or another wireless interface such as Bluetooth or near-field communication (NFC). Furthermore, the computer may be configured as one or more control units, i.e., as a system of control units. The computer may, for example, also be provided in a cloud and / or as a server in order to provide data processing for a local application via the interface.It is also possible that the computer is designed as a mobile device, such as a smartphone.

[0044] The invention may also provide a computer-readable storage medium comprising the computer program according to the invention. The storage medium is designed, for example, as a data storage device such as a hard disk and / or a non-volatile memory and / or a memory card. The storage medium can, for example, be integrated into the computer.

[0045] Furthermore, the method according to the invention can also be implemented as a computer-implemented method.

[0046] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes exemplary embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Brief description of the drawings

[0047] For a better understanding of the disclosure, reference is made to the following drawings: Fig. 1: A centralized interconnection in a machine using a control cabinet. Fig. 2: A decentralized interconnection according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 3: A schematic representation of parts of a system according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 4: A schematic representation of details of a method according to embodiments of the invention. Fig. 5: A schematic representation of steps of a method according to embodiments of the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0048] Planning, installing, and setting up machines and electronic automation technology is a complex task. This applies to centralized control cabinet systems as well as to decentralized systems in which control modules are attached directly to the equipment. The corresponding processes are carried out by different people, such as system planners, electrical planners, installers, system programmers, etc. A special feature of decentralized systems is the distribution of modules at different locations within a machine compared to centralized control cabinet systems. Especially with larger machines, simultaneous installation—i.e., installation carried out simultaneously by multiple users at the same time—can be advantageous for time and logistical reasons. To ensure a smooth installation process, the work status should be digitally documented automatically, user-specifically, and in real time.Throughout the entire plant life cycle, it is important to have complete documentation of all relevant information for various reasons (such as maintenance planning, system diagnostics).

[0049] In Fig. 1 A central interconnection by means of a control cabinet 9 is shown schematically in order to compare this with a decentralized interconnection by means of spatially decentralized electrical components 4 of a machine 1 in Fig. 2 Instead of connecting all devices 5 such as sensors and actuators directly to the control cabinet 9 as in Fig. 1 shown, the decentralized interconnection in Fig. 2several components 4, in particular connection modules, can be used. These, like the control cabinet 9, enable the devices 5 to be coupled to a control device 8, such as a PLC. However, the connection modules 4 can be provided in a decentralized manner and distributed near the devices 5. The connection modules 4 thus only partially interconnect the devices 5, with the connection modules 4 together or, for example, one and / or more connection modules 4 via one and / or more hubs 6 each carrying out the entire interconnection. In order to enable the configuration and / or control of the connection modules 4 centrally, a master module 3 can be connected upstream of several of the individual connection modules 4. It is also possible for the interconnection to be further subdivided using at least one hub 6.

[0050] In Fig. 3Parts of a system 2 according to embodiments of the invention are shown, which can be provided for computer-assisted installation of spatially decentralized electrical components 4 of a machine 1. The system 2 can comprise a detection device 22, in particular a scanner 22 or a camera 22, for providing an identifier 11 of an installation element 10, preferably a cable 11 or a component 11. Furthermore, the system 2 can have at least one electrical component 4, preferably in the form of a connection module 4 for connection to the installation element 10 and further installation elements 10. A device 30 for data processing can also be part of the system 2, wherein this data processing device 30 can comprise means for carrying out the steps of a method 100 according to embodiments of the invention.The identifier 11 can be encoded in a machine-readable code 12 assigned to the installation element 10, in particular arranged thereon, wherein the machine-readable code 12 is made machine-readable by means of the detection device 22. This allows a user to scan the code 12 using the detection device 22 and thus transmit the identifier 11 to the data processing device 30.

[0051] Furthermore, the components 4 and at least one computer 30, 31 and / or a control device 8 can each be connected to one another via a bus system 21 for bidirectional communication. The bidirectional communication can be provided based on a communication protocol for a fieldbus system, in particular based on a ProfiNet, Ethernet / IP, or 802.3 standard, and / or the bidirectional communication can be provided via a cable via a bus system 21 or wirelessly via Bluetooth or WLAN, based on a standard according to IEEE 802.11, or based on a mobile radio telecommunications standard. To enable operation of the component 4, the component 4 can further be connected to a power supply 13.

[0052] Furthermore, a computer program 20 is shown, which comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer 30, cause the computer 30 to carry out the steps of the method 100 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0053] In Fig. 4 and 5 Process steps of the method 100 are visualized, in which a complete production of an electrical and / or mechanical connection of an installation element, in particular a cable and / or a connector, with one of the electrical components, in particular a module and / or device, is checked and documented. It can be carried out according to a Fig. 5In the first method step 101 shown, receiving at least one measured value from a test device, in particular a torque wrench and / or a piezoelectric sensor, may be provided. The at least one measured value results from the detection of a measured variable that is specific to the installation action, in particular for proper screwing and / or power connection and / or data connection and / or signal connection and / or hybrid connection and / or contacting between the installation element and the electrical component.Subsequently, according to a second method step 102, the user's installation action can be validated with regard to the complete establishment of the electrical and / or mechanical connection of the installation element, in particular a proper screw connection and / or power connection and / or data connection and / or signal connection and / or hybrid connection and / or contacting, based on a comparison of the at least one received measured value with at least one measured value specification. This can preferably be used to determine whether conformity of the at least one received measured value with the at least one measured value specification is ensured.Then, according to a third method step 103, the validated installation action can be documented based on the validation by marking the connection in an installation specification, in particular in a circuit diagram and / or electrical connection plan.

[0054] The installation documentation can, for example, document at least one of the following information: User work steps with additional information on the work steps such as processing time, which machine is being used, which user, for example which installer or fitter, carried out the activities and when, which component has been wired and / or cabled, has the assembly step been completed, which port / connection point was used, are there any open cables and what are the properties of the open cable, e.g. length, environmental parameters, e.g. temperature, humidity, current project status, protection class, e.g. IP67. The user, in particular the worker, can also enter the cause, reason or complaint in the event of deviations from the validated installation actions. The installation documentation can, for example, be stored in a database. A user can, if necessary.The documentation can be triggered with physical actions (keystroke, screen, double-click). Storing the installation documentation allows the user to optionally check already installed installation elements 10 or components 4 using the method 100 according to the invention. It is possible for the installation elements 10 or components 4 to also be checked for suitability and / or changed ambient conditions and / or environmental influences and / or technical requirements and / or the like.

[0055] In Fig. 4 A method 100 according to embodiments of the invention is visualized in further detail. Fig. 3On the computer 31 shown, such as a tablet or laptop, a user can first perform a user login 301. For this purpose, the user can use a graphical user interface 32 provided by the computer 31. A project selection 302 can also be made via the user interface 32, through which, for example, an installation specification 200 for a desired project is loaded. This makes it possible to initiate a start 303 for testing the complete establishment of an electrical and / or mechanical connection of the installation element 10.

[0056] To establish the connection, in particular for screwing, an electronic torque wrench can optionally be used as an external test device. To prepare for the test, a required tightening torque can be set on the torque wrench as a reference value or limit value according to method step 304. This means that the tightening torque necessary to achieve conformity to a standard can be set. A standard can, for example, include requirements regarding compliance with certain protection classes for electrical installations. For example, to establish a complete connection, conformity with or compliance with protection class IP 67 can be specified, which includes, among other things, that a power and / or data transmission and documentation of compliance with or conformity to a previously specified tightening torque is required.

[0057] Optionally, a piezoelectric sensor can be integrated and used in a plug connection between the installation element 10 and a device 5 or a module 4, which enables the detection 305 of a pressure that can be generated by a screw connection.

[0058] During the connection process, the installation element 10, e.g., the cable 10, is connected to a module 4 or device 5 by the user during the installation process. In process step 305, a measured value for a tightening torque or pressure is recorded by the respective test equipment used.

[0059] When recording the measured value, the test equipment can optionally generate a signal in method step 306 that informs the user that the reference value previously set in method step 304 has been reached. However, this does not yet constitute a system-side check to determine whether the received measured value conforms to the specified measured value. When using a torque wrench, such a signal can optionally be generated as an acoustic signal and / or an electronic signal and / or as a mechanical signal such as a vibration when the previously specified tightening torque is reached. When using a piezoelectric sensor, a specific electrical charge can optionally be generated for signaling purposes when the specified pressure is reached.

[0060] Then, also in accordance with method step 306, system 2 receives the measured value sent by the test equipment via an information interface. In method step 307, system 2 compares the received measured value with the measured value specification, optionally stored in a data memory 33, for the relevant measurand, in order to determine whether conformity of the received measured value with the measured value specification is guaranteed. This means that in comparison 307, system 2 analyzes the comparison data for decision-making with regard to a match between the received measured value for the established connection and the specified measured value. If there is a match, system 2 documents the installation action as a complete connection by means of a marking in the circuit diagram, e.g. the circuit diagram and / or electrical connection plan.In the event of a deviation or discrepancy between the received measured value and the specified measured value, which can be determined by System 2 to be different from the signaled result of the test equipment, System 2 also documents, in method step 308, a marking for the corresponding connection indicating that the connection requires inspection. The documentation can additionally include a notification to the user, e.g., as an acoustic signal and / or an electronic signal and / or a mechanical signal, indicating whether the received measured value and the specified measured value match and / or whether the connection requires inspection. Optionally, the user has the option of entering a comment or a complaint.Likewise, if a user manually marks a connection on the user interface, a review by another user, such as a supervisor or plant manager, can be entered and / or requested. This marks the connection as requiring review.

[0061] Although some aspects have been described in connection with a device, it is clear that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, with an element or device corresponding to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in connection with a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block, element, or feature of a corresponding device.

[0062] Embodiments of the invention may be implemented on a computer system. The computer system may be a local computing device (e.g., a personal computer, laptop, tablet computer, or mobile phone) having one or more processors and one or more storage devices, or a distributed computing system (e.g., a cloud computing system having one or more processors and one or more storage devices distributed at different locations, e.g., at a local client and / or one or more remote server farms and / or data centers). The computer system may include any circuitry or combination of circuitry. In one embodiment, the computer system may include one or more processors of any type. As used herein, the term "processor" may refer to any type of computing circuitry, e.g.,A microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLlW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a multi-core processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other type of processor or processing circuit. Other types of circuitry that may be included in the computer system may be a custom circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or similar, such as one or more circuits (e.g., a communications circuit) for use in wireless devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, two-way radios, and similar electronic systems.The computer system may include one or more storage devices, which may include one or more storage elements suitable for the particular application, such as main memory in the form of random access memory (RAM), one or more hard disks, and / or one or more drives that handle removable media such as compact disks (CDs), flash memory cards, digital video disks (DVDs), and the like. The computer system may also include a display device, one or more speakers, and a keyboard and / or a control device, which may include a mouse, trackball, touchscreen, speech recognition device, or other device that enables a system user to input information to and receive information from the computer system.

[0063] Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as a processor, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some or more of the key method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0064] Depending on specific implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware or software. The implementation may be performed using a non-transferable storage medium such as a digital storage medium, for example, a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-ray disc, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or a FLASH memory, on which electronically readable control signals are stored that interact (or can interact) with a programmable computer system to perform the respective method. Therefore, the digital storage medium may be computer-readable.

[0065] Some embodiments of the invention comprise a data carrier with electronically readable control signals capable of cooperating with a programmable computer system so that one of the methods described herein is carried out.

[0066] In general, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product with program code, wherein the program code serves to perform one of the methods when the computer program product is run on a computer. The program code can, for example, be stored on a machine-readable medium.

[0067] Other embodiments include the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein stored on a machine-readable medium.

[0068] In other words, one embodiment of the present invention is therefore a computer program having a program code for carrying out one of the methods described herein when the computer program is running on a computer.

[0069] A further embodiment of the invention comprises a device configured to transmit a computer program for performing one of the methods described herein to a recipient (e.g., electronically or optically). The recipient may be, for example, a computer, a mobile device, a storage device, or the like. The device may, for example, comprise a file server for transmitting the computer program to the recipient.

[0070] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field-programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field-programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor to perform any of the methods described herein. In general, the methods are preferably performed by any hardware device. List of reference symbols

[0071] 1Machine, system 2System 3Master module 4Module, switch, component, connection module 5Device, sensor, actuator 6Hub 8Control device, PLC 9Control cabinet 10Installation element 11Identifier 12Identification means, machine-readable code 13Power supply 20Computer program 21Bus system 22Detection device 30Device 31Computer 32User interface 33Data storage 41Display element 42Connection point, slot 100Procedure 101First process step 102Second process step 103Third process step 200Installation specification 301User registration 302Project selection 303Start 304Setting reference value (tightening torque, pressure) 305Acquisition of measured value 306Receiving measured value 307Comparison of measured value with specification 308Documentation

Claims

1. A method (100) for a computer-aided testing and documentation of an installation action of a user for an installation of spatially decentralized electrical components (4) of a machine (1), wherein a complete establishment of an electrical and / or mechanical connection of an installation element (10) to one of the electrical components (4) is tested and documented, the method (100) comprising the following steps: Receiving (101) at least one measured value from a testing means, wherein the at least one measured value results from a detection of a measured variable which is specific to the installation action, Validating (102) the installation action of the user with regard to the complete establishment of the electrical and / or mechanical connection of the installation element (10), based on a comparison of the at least one received measured value with at least one measured value specification, in order to determine whether a conformity of the at least one received measured value with the at least one measured value specification is ensured; and Documenting (103) the validated installation action based on the validating in that a marking for the connection is provided in an installation specification (200), namely in a circuit diagram, wherein during documenting (103) the validated installation action the marking is defined depending on a result of the validating (102), and indicates a presence and / or an extent of the establishment of the electrical and / or mechanical connection and / or a faulty and / or deviating performance of the installation action from a specification.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the step of validating (102) comprises the following steps: Evaluating the comparison of the at least one received measured value with the at least one measured value specification; and Defining a result of the validation (102) based on the evaluation of the comparison, wherein the result indicates and / or quantifies the complete establishment or an incomplete establishment of the electrical and / or mechanical connection of the installation element (10) and / or a faulty and / or deviating performance of the installation action; wherein during documenting (103) the validated installation action, the marking for the connection in the installation specification (200) is provided based on the result of the validation (102).

3. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the documenting (103) of the validated installation action comprises the following steps, which are only performed if the result of the validating (102) indicates the complete establishment of the electrical and / or mechanical connection of the installation element (10) and / or a proper performance of the installation action: Identifying a connection point (42), through which the electrical and / or mechanical connection was established by the installation action, in the installation specification (200); Storing the marking as a marking of the identified and properly connected connection point (42) in the installation specification (200), based on an installation parameter recorded by the user, in particular an occasion or reason for the marking, wherein an indication of the occasion or reason for the marking is also stored.

4. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the documenting (103) of the validated installation action comprises the following steps, which are performed when a result of the validating indicates an incomplete manufacturing and / or faulty and / or deviating from a specification performance of the installation action: Identifying a connection point (42) through which the connection was established by the installation action in the installation specification (200); Storing the marking of the connection point (42) as requiring inspection in the installation specification (200), based on an installation parameter recorded by the user, in particular an objection, an occasion or reason for the marking, whereby an indication of the occasion or reason for the marking is also stored.

5. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a further comparison between the at least one received measured value and at least two further measured value specifications takes place as an additional test condition to determine whether a conformity of the at least one received measured value with a specification is ensured taking into account the additional test condition, wherein the marking for the connection in the installation specification (200) is provided based on the further comparison.

6. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the documenting (103) of the validated installation action comprises at least depositing an indication at the time of the proper installation action with respect to the establishment of the connection to a connection point (42), to an identifier (11) of the installation element (10) and / or to an identifier of the user.

7. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the testing means is a torque wrench to provide the acquisition of the measured value by the installation action.

8. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the testing means is a piezoelectric sensor, wherein the piezoelectric sensor is arranged integrated as part of a plug connection to provide the detection of the measured value by means of the installation action.

9. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the validating (102) and / or the documenting (103) of the validated installation action is initiated by receiving (101) the at least one measured value and / or by the testing means.

10. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the validating (102) and / or the documenting (103) of the validated installation action is initiated by a user action.

11. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the testing means is a tool with which the installation action is performed by the user to establish the mechanical and / or electrical connection, or wherein the testing means is an additional tool used in addition to the installation action to test the installation action.

12. The method (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the steps for several installation actions are performed repeatedly in order to successively document the entire installation of the machine (1).

13. A computer program (20), comprising instructions which, when the computer program (20) is executed by a computer (31), cause the computer (31) to execute the method (100) according to any of the preceding claims.

14. A data processing device (30), which is adapted to perform the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.