Apparatus and method for communication with a vacuum device

Abstract

Device for communication with a vacuum device, comprising a first interface element configured to communicate with a communication device configured separately from the device, a second interface element configured to communicate with the vacuum device, a storage element and a processor element configured to provide data from the communication device to the storage element via the first interface element and to provide data from the storage element to the vacuum device via the second interface element, and / or to provide data from the vacuum device to the storage element via the second interface element and to provide data from the storage element to the communication device via the first interface element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for communicating with a vacuum device.

[0002] Devices for communication with industrial components, such as vacuum devices, are generally known.

[0003] For example, a connection device for a vacuum device is known from EP 3 620 661 A1. EP 1 903 529 A1 discloses an arrangement with a vacuum device. Instructions for IP configuration are described in COVAL Vacuum Managers, "Quick Start Guide Lemcom Module". US 2020 / 0 221 912 A1 discloses a configuration device for a system with a vacuum cleaner. EP 1 903 530 A2 describes an arrangement with a vacuum device and a method for its operation.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved device and an improved method for communicating with a vacuum device.

[0005] This problem is solved by the items according to the independent claims.

[0006] A vacuum device is a device or apparatus used in connection with a vacuum application, in particular a vacuum generating device, which can also be called a vacuum pump. For example, a vacuum device is a component of a vacuum pump, in particular a rotary vane pump, a diaphragm pump, a scroll pump, a screw pump, a rotary lobe pump, or a turbomolecular pump.

[0007] The device according to the invention comprises a first interface element. The first interface element serves for communication with a communication device, in particular via a first communication protocol. A communication device is a device or apparatus that is separate from the device according to the invention. The communication device can, for example, be a commercially available PC or laptop, a smartphone, or a tablet that has a communication interface.

[0008] The device according to the invention further comprises a second interface element. The second interface element serves for communication with the vacuum device, in particular via a second communication protocol. The second communication protocol under which the device according to the invention communicates via the second interface element can be the same communication protocol as the first communication protocol. In particular, however, the second communication protocol is different from the first communication protocol.

[0009] The device according to the invention further comprises a storage element. The storage element comprises a memory, in particular a non-volatile memory, which can also be called persistent memory or permanent memory, such as flash memory, in particular NAND memory, EEPROM memory and / or SSD memory. Alternatively or additionally, the storage element can also comprise volatile memory, such as RAM memory, in particular DRAM memory or SRAM memory.

[0010] The device according to the invention also includes a processor element. The processor element is configured to provide data from the communication device to the storage element via the first interface element and to provide data from the storage element to the vacuum device via the second interface element. This type of provision can be referred to in particular as a transmit channel, forward channel, or upload channel.

[0011] The processor element can alternatively or additionally be configured to provide data from the vacuum device to the storage element via the second interface element and to provide data from the storage element to the communication device via the first interface element. This type of provision can be referred to in particular as a receive channel, return channel, or download channel.

[0012] In this context, "data" refers specifically to a data stream, for example, one or more files or pieces of information. In its simplest form, "data" in the generic plural denotes a logical one or a logical zero.

[0013] In this context, "providing" refers in particular to copying, cutting, and / or pasting data, especially files. This provisioning can be initiated by the communication device, the vacuum device, and / or the device according to the invention itself.

[0014] Provisioning includes, for example, reading data from the communication device and writing data to the storage element. Similarly, provisioning includes reading data from the storage element and writing data to the vacuum device.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, provisioning includes reading data from the vacuum device and writing data to the storage element. Likewise, provisioning includes reading data from the storage element and writing data to the communication device.

[0016] For example, the provision of data from the communication device to the storage element of the device according to the invention and the provision of data from the storage element of the device according to the invention to the vacuum device can be initiated by the communication device, the device according to the invention itself or the vacuum device.

[0017] For example, the provision of data from the vacuum device to the storage element of the device according to the invention and the provision of data from the storage element of the device according to the invention to the communication device can again be initiated by the communication device, the device according to the invention itself or the vacuum device.

[0018] Provisioning can also be referred to as the provisioning process.

[0019] The storage element serves primarily as a buffer to temporarily store data from the communication device and / or the vacuum device for later transmission to the other device. The storage element can also be used to store the code that the processor executes to perform its functions.

[0020] Files that are provided to the vacuum device, in particular by the communication device via the device according to the invention, are, for example, updates, in particular software or firmware updates, function activations or parameter information to be used for the vacuum device.

[0021] Files that are provided to the communication device, in particular by the vacuum device via the device according to the invention, are, for example, information about the vacuum device, such as a software, hardware and / or firmware version, a device type installed in the vacuum device, an accessory used, or parameter information currently set in the vacuum device.

[0022] The device according to the invention enables particularly simple communication between a communication device and a vacuum device. In particular, information can be transferred to and / or retrieved from the vacuum device using the device according to the invention. Specifically, the device according to the invention eliminates the need for a special configuration device, the installation of special drivers, and / or the provision of special interfaces on a standard laptop or smartphone. The device according to the invention thus makes it possible to communicate with vacuum devices using standard components.

[0023] According to the invention, the device is designed to be separate from the vacuum device.

[0024] In this embodiment, the device according to the invention is a self-contained device that is designed to be separate from both the communication device and the vacuum device. "Separate" in this context means that the device does not share any components with the communication device or the vacuum device and / or is not spatially connected to the communication device or the vacuum device.

[0025] This enables a mobile device that is easy to handle and, in particular, can be carried by one person.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first interface element comprises a wired interface.

[0027] Wired in this context means wired. The first interface element has a wired interface compatible with the communication device.

[0028] Because the first interface element is wired, particularly interference-free and fast communication with the communication device is enabled.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first interface element is designed to communicate with the communication device using the USB standard.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the first interface element is designed to communicate with the communication device using the Ethernet standard.

[0031] In this context, "standard" refers to the connector type and / or the transmission protocol. For example, the first interface element might be a USB-A, USB Bund, or USB-C connector. Alternatively, the first interface element might be an RJ-45 connector. For example, the first interface element might support a USB 1.1, USB 2.0, and / or USB 3.2 protocol. Alternatively, the first interface element might support 10 Mbit Ethernet, 100 Mbit Ethernet, and / or Gigabit Ethernet.

[0032] The first interface element can also have or support two or more identical or different connector types and / or protocols. For example, the first interface element can have both a USB-C connector and an RJ-45 connector and / or be subject to their respective transmission protocols.

[0033] Because the first interface element conforms to a USB and / or Ethernet standard, particularly high connectivity with widely used standards, protocols, and / or connector types of communication devices is enabled. The device according to the invention can thus easily communicate via wired connection with a particularly large number of different communication devices.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first interface element comprises a wireless interface.

[0035] In this context, "wireless" means without cables and not wired. The first interface element has a wireless interface compatible with the communication device.

[0036] The first interface element can have a wireless, a wired, or a wireless and a wired interface.

[0037] The fact that the first interface element is wireless enables particularly flexible communication with the communication device.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first interface element is designed to communicate with the communication device using the Bluetooth standard.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the first interface element is designed to communicate with the communication device using the WiFi standard.

[0040] For example, the first interface element supports a Bluetooth 3.0, Bluetooth 4.0 and / or Bluetooth 5.0 protocol. Again, for example, the first interface element supports 10 Mbit Ethernet, 100 Mbit Ethernet and / or Gigabit Ethernet.

[0041] Because the first interface element is subject to a Bluetooth and / or WiFi standard, particularly high connectivity with widely used standards or protocols of communication devices is enabled. The device according to the invention can thus easily communicate wirelessly with a particularly large number of different communication devices.

[0042] In one embodiment, the second interface element comprises a wired interface. Wired, in this context, means connected by a cable. The second interface element has a wired interface compatible with the vacuum device.

[0043] The fact that the second interface element is wired enables particularly interference-free and fast communication with the vacuum device.

[0044] In one embodiment, the second interface element comprises a screw thread.

[0045] The screw thread can be either internal or external. In particular, the second interface element can be an M5, M8, or M12 connector with a screw thread.

[0046] The fact that the second interface element includes a screw thread enables particularly tensile-resistant and secure communication with the vacuum device.

[0047] In one embodiment, the second interface element is configured to communicate with the vacuum device using the CAN bus standard. In this case, the CAN bus standard includes, in particular, standards under ISO 11898 and / or SAE J2284.

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the second interface element is designed to communicate with the vacuum device according to the EIA-485 standard.

[0049] Because the second interface element conforms to a CAN bus and / or EIA-485 standard, particularly high connectivity with widely used standards, protocols, and / or connector types of vacuum devices is enabled. The device according to the invention can thus easily communicate with a particularly large number of different vacuum devices.

[0050] In one embodiment, the second interface element is designed to communicate with the vacuum device using the Ethernet standard.

[0051] In this context, "standard" refers to the connector type and / or the transmission protocol. For example, the second interface element is designed as an RJ-45 connector.

[0052] For example, the second interface element supports 10 Mbit Ethernet, 100 Mbit Ethernet and / or Gigabit Ethernet.

[0053] Because the second interface element conforms to an Ethernet standard, particularly high connectivity with widely used standards, protocols, and / or connector types with vacuum devices is enabled. The device according to the invention can thus communicate easily via wired connection with a particularly large number of different vacuum devices.

[0054] In one embodiment, the second interface element comprises a wireless interface.

[0055] In this context, "wireless" means without cables and not connected by a cable. The first interface element has a wireless interface compatible with the vacuum device.

[0056] The second interface element can have a wireless, a wired, or a wireless and a wired interface.

[0057] The fact that the second interface element is wireless enables particularly flexible communication with the vacuum device.

[0058] In one embodiment, the second interface element is designed to communicate with the vacuum device using the Bluetooth standard.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the second interface element is designed to communicate with the vacuum device using the WiFi standard.

[0060] For example, the second interface element supports a Bluetooth 3.0, Bluetooth 4.0 and / or Bluetooth 5.0 protocol. Again, for example, the first interface element supports 10 Mbit Ethernet, 100 Mbit Ethernet and / or Gigabit Ethernet.

[0061] Because the second interface element is subject to a Bluetooth and / or WiFi standard, particularly high connectivity with widely used standards or protocols for vacuum devices is enabled. The device according to the invention can thus easily communicate wirelessly with a particularly large number of different vacuum devices.

[0062] In one embodiment, the processor element is further designed to provide the data from the communication device to the storage element via the first interface element after the first interface element has been connected to the communication device, and to provide the data from the storage element to the vacuum device via the second interface element after the first interface element has been disconnected from the communication device.

[0063] In this context, "connected" means that a communication link, wireless and / or wired, exists. Conversely, "disconnected" means that a communication link, wireless and / or wired, does not exist.

[0064] For example, the device according to the invention is first connected to the communication device, for example by inserting a plug into the device according to the invention and into the communication device or by wireless connection, and, after the wired or wireless connection has been established, data is then provided from the communication device to the storage element of the device according to the invention via the first interface element. This can take place, for example, in a room in which the vacuum device is not located, such as an office or a server room.

[0065] In a next step, particularly once the data transfer from the communication device to the storage element is complete, the device according to the invention can be disconnected from the communication device, for example by unplugging it or by moving it out of range of the wireless connection, and brought to the vacuum device. There, the device according to the invention can then be connected to the vacuum device via the second interface element, and data can be transferred from the storage element to the vacuum device via this connection.

[0066] The processor element can also be further configured to provide data from the vacuum device to the storage element via the second interface element after the second interface element has been connected to the vacuum device, and to provide data from the storage element to the communication device via the first interface element after the second interface element has been disconnected from the vacuum device.

[0067] Thus, it is possible for the device according to the invention to first be connected to the vacuum device by inserting a plug into both the device and the vacuum device, and after establishing the wired connection, data from the vacuum device is then provided to the storage element of the device according to the invention via the second interface element. This can be done, for example, in a room where the communication device is not located, such as a workroom or machine room in which a vacuum application involving the vacuum device is being carried out.

[0068] In In a subsequent step, particularly once the data transfer from the vacuum device to the storage element is complete, the device according to the invention can be disconnected from the vacuum device, for example by unplugging the connector, and moved to the communication device. There, the device according to the invention can then be connected to the communication device via the first interface element, and data can be transferred from the storage element to the communication device via this connection.

[0069] This makes it possible to transfer data from the communication device to the vacuum device and / or from the vacuum device to the communication device without the communication device and the vacuum device needing to be directly connected or in close proximity. This results in a particularly flexible device.

[0070] According to the invention, the processor element is further developed to create a file based on the data stored on the storage element and to provide data based on the created file or the file itself to the communication device via the first interface element.

[0071] Furthermore, the processor element is further designed according to the invention to provide data based on the created file or the file itself to the vacuum device via the second interface element.

[0072] The processor element is designed to create a file based on both data previously provided to the storage element by the communication device and data previously provided to the storage element by the communication device.

[0073] For example, the processor element is configured to create a parameter set for the vacuum device based on data provided by the vacuum device and supplemented by data provided by the communication device. For instance, the processor element can first retrieve the current parameter values ​​from the vacuum device and adjust them based on new parameter information retrieved from the communication device. This new parameter set can then be provided to the vacuum device to replace the parameter set stored there. Conversely, the processor element can report the successfully adjusted parameter set back to the communication device.

[0074] This enables a particularly self-sufficient device according to the invention. In particular, it makes it possible to dispense with manual file creation and backup on the communication device.

[0075] In one embodiment, the processor element is further configured to create a file on the storage element, to modify the file based on data stored on the storage element, and to provide data based on the modified file or the modified file itself to the communication device via the first interface element.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, the processor element is further developed to provide data based on the modified file or the modified file itself to the vacuum device via the second interface element.

[0077] For example, the processor element is configured to create a raw file, for instance in the correct or readable format for the vacuum device, and then populate it with data previously provided to the storage element by the communication device and / or the vacuum device. This populated file can then be provided to the vacuum device and optionally also to the communication device, for example for backup and / or verification purposes.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, the processor element is further developed to provide the modified file to the vacuum device via the second interface element.

[0079] For example, the processor element is configured to create a raw file, for instance in the correct or readable format for the communication device, and then populate it with data previously provided to the storage element by the communication device and / or the vacuum device. This populated file can then be provided to the communication device.

[0080] This enables a particularly self-sufficient device according to the invention. In particular, it makes it possible to have files for the vacuum device and / or the communication device created and adapted directly by the processor element.

[0081] In one embodiment, the processor element is further developed to create an evaluation based on the data stored on the memory element and to provide data based on the evaluation or the evaluation itself to the communication device via the first interface element.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, the processor element is further developed to provide data based on the evaluation or the evaluation itself to the vacuum device via the second interface element.

[0083] For example, the processor element is designed to retrieve raw data such as operating parameters from the vacuum device and to statistically evaluate this data in order to provide this evaluation to the communication device.

[0084] This enables a particularly self-sufficient device according to the invention. In particular, it makes it possible to have evaluations of the vacuum device generated directly by the processor element.

[0085] In one embodiment, the processor element is further designed to detect a number of provisioning operations from the storage element to the vacuum device and to prevent further provisioning operations when a predetermined number is exceeded.

[0086] Alternatively or additionally, the processor element is further developed to detect a number of provisioning operations from the communication device to the storage element and to prevent further provisioning operations when a predetermined number is exceeded.

[0087] For example, the storage element may be configured to allow certain data, such as updates, to be copied only a limited number of times, for example, five times, from a communication device and / or to a vacuum device. This might be the case, for instance, if the user or operator of multiple vacuum devices has purchased only a limited number of updates, again for example, five. The predetermined number can be stored on the storage element in encrypted form, preventing the user or operator from accessing it. Furthermore, the predetermined number can be stored on the storage element in a read-only and / or persistent manner, preventing the user or operator from modifying it.

[0088] This provides a particularly robust device. In particular, it prevents the user or operator from installing more updates on vacuum pumps than the paid number.

[0089] In one embodiment, the processor element is further designed to compare a key of the device with a key present in one of the data and to prevent a provisioning operation from the storage element to the vacuum device if the key of the device does not match the key present in one of the data.

[0090] In this context, a key refers specifically to a combination of numbers and / or letters. The key for the device and the key for the vacuum device must match in order for a provisioning process to be initiated or executed.

[0091] The device's key can be provided by the communication device to the device's storage element or stored in the device, particularly persistently. The vacuum device's key can be provided by the vacuum device to the device's storage element and thus compared with the device's key.

[0092] This enables a particularly secure device. In particular, it ensures that data is only provided to the vacuum device when it has been authorized for this purpose.

[0093] In one embodiment, the processor element is further designed to detect a property of the vacuum device and to perform a provisioning operation from the storage element to the vacuum device only if the property deviates from a predetermined property.

[0094] A property of the vacuum device is, for example, a software, hardware, and / or firmware version, a device type installed in the vacuum device, an accessory used, or parameter information currently set in the vacuum device. This can then be compared with a predetermined property. The predetermined property can be provided by the communication device to the device's storage element or stored in the device, particularly persistently.

[0095] This enables a particularly robust device. Specifically, it ensures that an update is only installed if an installed version, a built-in device type, or a parameter information currently set in the vacuum device is compatible with or suitable for this update.

[0096] In one embodiment, the processor element is further developed to provide data from the storage element to an evaluation device located remote from the communication device via a third interface element of the communication device.

[0097] The communication device also has a further interface element configured to communicate with an evaluation device. The evaluation device is located away from the communication device and, in particular, also from the device according to the invention and / or the vacuum device.

[0098] In this context, "remote" means spatially distant, in particular at least several meters, and further, in particular kilometers. The evaluation device is, for example, a remote server located in a data center.

[0099] The processor element is designed to gain access to the third interface element of the communication device, in particular via the first interface element, and further in particular after the first interface element has been connected to the communication device, and to use this third interface element for communication with the remote evaluation device.

[0100] For this purpose, the processor element is configured to provide data stored on the storage element of the device according to the invention to the remote evaluation device. The data can be data provided to the storage element by the vacuum device and / or data provided to the storage element by the communication device. The data can also be a file and / or evaluation created by the processor element on the storage element and / or a file modified by the processor element on the storage element. The communication element functions in particular as a proxy.

[0101] This enables a particularly communicative device. In particular, it makes it possible to remotely maintain the vacuum device and provide evaluations to the vacuum device manufacturer, especially without the vacuum device operator being able to intervene.

[0102] In one embodiment, the processor element is further developed to provide data from the evaluation device to the storage element via the third interface element.

[0103] For example, the data may be data that was created at the remote location on the evaluation device, in particular taking into account data previously provided to the evaluation device by the processor element, such as a property of the vacuum device, and thus configured for the vacuum device.

[0104] This enables a particularly communicative device. In particular, it makes it possible to remotely maintain the vacuum device and, for example, to provide parameter sets from the vacuum device manufacturer to the vacuum device, especially without the vacuum device operator being able to intervene.

[0105] In particular, the processor element is configured to perform or control the functions described above automatically, without user input. For example, the processor element can be configured to perform the functions without input at the communication device, without input at the device according to the invention, and / or without input at the vacuum device.

[0106] The functions that the processor element can perform without further user input can include, in particular, all properties or functions previously described within the context of the processor element, both individually and collectively.

[0107] For example, the processor element can be configured to provide data from the communication device to the storage element via the first interface element, to provide data from the storage element to the vacuum device via the second interface element, to provide data from the vacuum device to the storage element via the second interface element, and / or to provide data from the storage element to the communication device via the first interface element without receiving any user input.

[0108] For example, the processor element can be configured to create a file based on the data stored on the memory element and / or to provide the file to the communication device via the first interface element and / or to the vacuum device via the second interface element, without receiving any user input.

[0109] For example, the processor element can be designed to modify the created file beforehand based on the data stored on the memory element, without receiving any user input.

[0110] For example, the processor element can be configured to create an evaluation based on the data stored on the memory element and / or to provide the evaluation to the communication device via the first interface element and / or to the vacuum device via the second interface element, without receiving user input.

[0111] For example, the processor element can be configured to detect a number of provisioning operations from the storage element to the vacuum device and / or from the communication device to the storage element and / or to prevent further provisioning operations when a predetermined number is exceeded without receiving user input.

[0112] For example, the processor element can be configured to compare a key of the device with a key present in one of the data and / or to prevent a provisioning operation from the storage element to the vacuum device if the key of the device does not match the key present in one of the data, without receiving user input.

[0113] For example, the processor element can be configured to detect a property of the vacuum device and / or to prevent a provisioning operation from the storage element to the vacuum device if the property deviates from a predetermined property, without receiving user input.

[0114] For example, the processor element can be configured to provide data from the storage element to an evaluation device located remote from the communication device via a third interface element of the communication device, and / or to provide data from the evaluation device to the storage element via the third interface element without receiving user input.

[0115] This enables a particularly self-sufficient device. Specifically, it allows a person unfamiliar with the device's technology, the communication device, and especially the vacuum device itself, to use the device. In particular, a non-expert can successfully install updates on the vacuum device and / or retrieve and update parameter information without needing to understand the vacuum device or the underlying technology.

[0116] The processor element can also be configured to detect when the device or the first and / or second interface element is connected to the communication device and / or the vacuum device, or when a connection has been successfully established.

[0117] In particular, the processor element can be configured to create a diagnostic file and store it in the memory element in response to the successful establishment of a connection with the communication device and / or the vacuum device.

[0118] Alternatively or additionally, the processor element can be designed to detect when the device or the first and / or second interface element is disconnected from the communication device and / or the vacuum device, or when a connection has been terminated.

[0119] In particular, the processor element can be configured to create an error file and store it in the memory element in response to a disconnection of the communication device and / or the vacuum device.

[0120] Thus, particularly in connection with the previously described automatic control of one or more functions of the processor element, a particularly autonomous device is enabled. In particular, functions that would otherwise have required user input can be executed because the device itself can recognize a communication status.

[0121] In one embodiment, the device according to the invention has a status indicator element.

[0122] The status indicator element can, for example, comprise one or more LEDs. The status indicator element is designed to display the status of the device. For example, the status indicator element can be a single multi-colored LED or comprise several LEDs of different colors.

[0123] A device status here includes, in particular, a state such as performing a function described above and / or completing a function described above. For example, the status indicator element can be configured to indicate the performance of a provisioning process, for example, by repeatedly flashing an LED, and to indicate the completion of a provisioning process, for example, by continuously switching an LED on or off.

[0124] In particular, the status indicator element can also be configured to indicate a successful connection of the device or the first and / or second interface element with the communication device and / or the vacuum device and / or a separation, in particular a safe separation of the device or the first and / or second interface element from the communication device and / or the vacuum device.

[0125] This further training also supports the device's autonomy. This makes it possible for a person unfamiliar with the device's technology and / or communication device, and especially with the vacuum device's technology, to use the device correctly and safely, and in particular to only manually disconnect the device from the vacuum device once a specific function has finished, for example, an update process.

[0126] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a control element configured to control one of the functions of the processor element.

[0127] An operating element is, for example, an input element such as one or more pushbuttons or buttons that can be actuated by a user and thus receive user input. Furthermore, for example, the operating element can be designed as a touchscreen or include one on which a user can input touch data. In this case, the device according to the invention can also simultaneously display information to the user about the data present on the storage element, the vacuum device, and / or the communication device. In this case, the touchscreen can also be configured to display a status of the device and thus also include a previously described status indicator element.

[0128] By operating one or more of the device's controls, a user can initiate or terminate individual or all functions of the processor element.

[0129] This provides a particularly interactive device according to the invention. In particular, a user can actively control and influence the provisioning process from the communication device to the vacuum device and / or from the vacuum device to the communication device.

[0130] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a method for communicating with a vacuum device having the features of claim 13.

[0131] In one embodiment, the method comprises connecting the first interface element to the communication device before providing data from the communication device to the storage element via the first interface element, and disconnecting the first interface element from the communication device before providing data from the storage element to the vacuum device via the second interface element.

[0132] With regard to the embodiments of the method according to the invention and the advantages thereof, reference is also made to the aforementioned embodiments and their advantages of the device.

[0133] Embodiments of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of an embodiment of a device for communication with a vacuum device; Fig. 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of a device for communication with a vacuum device according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for communicating with a vacuum device; and Fig. 4 a flowchart of another embodiment of a method for communicating with a vacuum device.

[0134] In this context, identical reference symbols denote identical or similar characteristics.

[0135] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a device 100 for communication with a vacuum device 200. The vacuum device can be, for example, a vacuum pump.

[0136] The device 100 initially comprises a first interface element 110, which is configured to communicate with a communication device 300 that is separate from the device 100. For this purpose, the communication device 300 comprises an interface element 310 corresponding to the first interface element 110. The communication device 300 can be, for example, a commercially available laptop or smartphone.

[0137] The device 100 further comprises a second interface element 120, which is configured to communicate with the vacuum device 200. For this purpose, the vacuum device comprises an interface element 220 corresponding to the second interface element 120.

[0138] The device 100 also includes a storage element 130 and a processor element 140. The processor element 140 is configured to provide data from the communication device 300 to the storage element 130 via the first interface element 110, to provide data from the storage element 130 to the vacuum device 200 via the second interface element 120, to provide data from the vacuum device 200 to the storage element 130 via the second interface element 120, and to provide data from the storage element 130 to the communication device 300 via the first interface element 110.

[0139] The processor element 140 is further trained to create a file based on the data stored on the memory element 130 and to provide the data based on the file via the first interface element 11 0 to the communication device 300 and / or via the second interface element 120 to the vacuum device 200.

[0140] Processor element 140 is also further trained to modify the previously created file based on the data stored on memory element 130.

[0141] The processor element 140 is further equipped to create an evaluation based on the data stored on the memory element 130 and to provide data based on this evaluation via the first interface element 110 to the communication device 300 and / or via the second interface element 120 to the vacuum device 200.

[0142] The processor element 140 is also further configured to detect a number of provisioning operations from the storage element 130 to the vacuum device 200 and / or from the communication device 300 to the storage element 130 and to prevent further provisioning operations when a predetermined number is exceeded.

[0143] The processor element 140 is further configured to compare a key of the device 100 with a key present in one of the data and to prevent a provisioning operation from the storage element 130 to the vacuum device 200 if the key of the device 100 does not match the key present in one of the data.

[0144] The processor element 140 is further designed to detect a property of the vacuum device 200 and to prevent a provisioning operation from the storage element 130 to the vacuum device 200 if the property deviates from a predetermined property.

[0145] This is in the Fig. 1 In the embodiment shown, the device 100 is designed separately from the vacuum device 200.

[0146] The first interface element 110 and the second interface element 120 are in Fig. 1 The first interface element 110 and / or the second interface element 120 are shown as examples of wired interfaces. In an embodiment not shown, the first interface element 110 and / or the second interface element 120 are wireless.

[0147] The first interface element 110 is in Fig. 1 The interface is shown as a USB 2.0 connector and can communicate with the communication device 300 using the USB standard. Specifically, the first interface element 110 is designed as a male USB connector, and the corresponding interface element 310 of the communication device 300 is designed as a female USB connector receptacle.

[0148] The second interface element 120 is in Fig. 1 This is exemplified by an external screw thread and can communicate with the vacuum unit 200 using the CAN bus standard. For this purpose, the corresponding interface element 220 of the vacuum unit 200 has an internal screw thread corresponding to the external screw thread, which is also present on a [unclear - possibly a component]. Fig. 1 The cable may be formed if it is not shown.

[0149] The device 100 further comprises a power element 150, which supplies current or voltage to the processor element 140, the memory element 130, and other components of the device 100. The power element 150 can comprise a voltage source, such as a battery or accumulator. Alternatively or additionally, the power element 150 can also be supplied from a wired power supply connected to the vacuum device 200 and / or the communication device 300.

[0150] The device 100 also has a status indicator element 160, which is configured to indicate a status of the device 100.

[0151] The device 100 further comprises a control element 170 which is configured to control one of the functions of the processor element.

[0152] The device 100 can also perform other functions, in Fig. 1 Elements not shown include, for example, one or more interface controls and / or additional storage elements.

[0153] The processor element 140 is further configured to provide data from the storage element 130 via a third interface element 320 of the communication device 300 to an evaluation device 400 located remotely from the communication device 300. For this purpose, the remote evaluation device has an interface element 420 corresponding to the third interface element 320.

[0154] The processor element 140 is also further developed to provide data from the evaluation device 400 to the storage element 130 via the third interface element 320.

[0155] Fig. 2 shows a perspective exterior view of an embodiment of a device 100 for communication with a vacuum device, as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0156] The device 100 exhibits, as shown in this Fig. 2 to be seen, a housing element 180, into which the first interface element 110 and the second interface element 120 are integrated.

[0157] The housing element 180 also integrates the status indicator element 160 and the control element 170.

[0158] The others, in Fig. 1 The elements shown, in particular the processor element, the memory element and the power element, are arranged inside the housing element 180.

[0159] As in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the device 100 has particularly compact dimensions; for example, the device 100 is less than 10 cm long, less than 5 cm high, and less than 5 cm wide. In particular, the device 100 is less than 5 cm long, less than 2 cm high, and less than 2 cm wide. This results in particularly good mobility for the device 100.

[0160] Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1000 for communication with a vacuum device.

[0161] Method 1000 begins with step 1100, in which a device for communication with a vacuum device is provided. This is, in particular, a device such as that described in the Fig. 1 and / or 2 shown. The device comprises a first interface element, a second interface element, a memory element and a processor element.

[0162] In a further step 1200, the device is connected to a communication device, either wirelessly or wired.

[0163] In a further step 1300, data from the communication device is provided to the storage element via the first interface element.

[0164] In a further step, 1400, the device is disconnected from the communication device.

[0165] In a further step 1500, the device is connected to the vacuum device, either wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0166] In a further step 1600, data from the storage element is provided to the vacuum device via the second interface element.

[0167] After step 1600, the process ends and can begin again at step 1100.

[0168] Method 2000 begins with step 2100, in which a device for communication with a vacuum device is provided. This is, in particular, a device such as that described in the Fig. 1 and / or 2 shown. The device comprises a first interface element, a second interface element, a memory element and a processor element.

[0169] In a further step 2200, the device is connected to the vacuum device, either wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0170] In a further step 2300, data from the vacuum device is provided to the storage element via the second interface element.

[0171] In a further step, 2400, the device is separated from the vacuum device.

[0172] In a further step 2500, the device is connected to a communication device, either wirelessly or wired.

[0173] In a further step 2600, data is provided from the storage element to the communication device via the first interface element.

[0174] After step 2600, the process ends and can begin again at step 2100.

[0175] It goes without saying that the procedure is as described in Fig. 3 also shown using the method as in Fig. 4 The combinations shown can be shown. In particular, step 2600 can be executed before, after, or simultaneously with step 1300. Likewise, step 2300 can be executed before, after, or simultaneously with step 1600. Bezugszeichenliste

[0176] 100 Device 110 First interface element of the device 120 Second interface element of the device 130 Storage element 140 Processor element 150 Power element 160 Status indicator element 170 Operating element 180 Housing element 200 Vacuum device 220 Corresponding interface element of the vacuum device 300 Communication device 310 Corresponding interface element of the communication device 320 Third interface element 400 Remote evaluation device 420 Corresponding interface element of the remote evaluation device 1000 Procedure 1100 Procedure step 1200 Procedure step 1300 Procedure step 1400 Procedure step 1500 Procedure step 1600 Procedure step 2000 Procedure 2100 Procedure step 2200 Procedure step 2300 Procedure step 2400 Procedure step 2500Process step 2600Process step

Claims

1. A mobile apparatus (100) for communication with a vacuum device (200), comprising: a first interface element (110) which is configured to communicate with a communication device (300) formed separately from the apparatus; a second interface element (120) which is configured to communicate with the vacuum device (200); a memory element (130); and a processor element (140) which is configured to perform the following functions: - providing data from the communication device (300) to the memory element (130) via the first interface element (110); and - providing data from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120); and / or - providing data from the vacuum device (200) to the memory element (130) via the second interface element (120); and - providing data from the memory element (130) to the communication device (300) via the first interface element (110), characterized in that the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions: - creating a file based on the data stored on the memory element (130); and - providing data based on the file or the file itself to the communication device (300) via the first interface element (110) and / or providing data based on the file or the file itself to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120), wherein the apparatus (100) is formed separately from the vacuum device (200), wherein the processor element (140) is configured to provide the data from the communication device (300) to the memory element (130) via the first interface element (110) after the first interface element (110) has been connected to the communication device (300), and to provide the data from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120) after the first interface element (110) has been disconnected from the communication device (300).

2. An apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first interface element (110) is configured to communicate with the communication device (300) under the USB standard and / or the Ethernet standard and / or the Bluetooth standard and / or the WiFi standard.

3. An apparatus (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second interface element (120) is configured to communicate with the vacuum device (200) under the CAN bus standard and / or the EIA-485 standard and / or the Bluetooth standard and / or the WiFi standard and / or the Ethernet standard.

4. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions: - creating a file on the memory element (130); - modifying the file based on the data stored on the memory element (130); and - providing data based on the file to the communication device (300) via the first interface element (110) and / or providing data based on the file to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120).

5. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions: - generating an evaluation based on the data stored on the memory element (130); and - providing data based on the evaluation to the communication device (300) via the first interface element (110) and / or providing data based on the evaluation to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120).

6. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions: - detecting the number of provision processes from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) and / or from the communication device (300) to the memory element (130); and - preventing further provision processes when a predetermined number is exceeded.

7. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions: - comparing a key of the apparatus (100) with a key present in one part of the data; and - preventing a provision process from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) if the key of the apparatus (100) does not match the key present in one part of the data.

8. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions: - detecting a property of the vacuum device (200); and - preventing a provision process from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) when the property deviates from a predetermined property.

9. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions: - providing data from the memory element (130) via a third interface element (320) of the communication device (300) to an evaluation device (400) remote from the communication device (300), wherein the processor element (140) is in particular further configured to perform the following functions: - providing data from the evaluation device (400) to the memory element (130) via the third interface element (320).

10. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control element (170) which is configured to control one of the functions of the processor element (140).

11. A method of communicating with a vacuum device (200), comprising the steps: - providing a mobile apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, - providing data from the communication device (300) to the memory element (130) via the first interface element (110); and - providing data from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120), wherein a file is created based on the data stored on the memory element (130), and wherein the provision of the data from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120) comprises providing data based on the file or the file itself; and / or - providing data from the vacuum device (200) to the memory element (130) via the second interface element (120); and - providing data from the memory element (130) to the communication device (300) via the first interface element (110), wherein a file is created based on the data stored on the memory element (130), and wherein the provision of the data from the memory element (130) to the communication device (300) via the first interface element (110) comprises providing data based on the file or the file itself; and - connecting the first interface element (110) to the communication device (300) prior to providing data from the communication device (300) to the memory element (130) via the first interface element (110); and - disconnecting the first interface element (110) from the communication device (300) prior to providing data from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120).

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