Hydraulic device with a status display

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydraulic device (20) comprising a hydraulic unit (1-9), an electronic unit (10) and an interface (12, 13, 14, 14'), wherein the electronic unit (10) is designed to acquire, during operation of the hydraulic unit (1-9), measured values, to derive at least one individual indicator from the measured values and to determine an overall indicator from the at least one individual indicator and to output said overall indicator at the interface (12, 13, 14, 14').

Description

[0001] Robert Bosch GmbH

[0002] Hydraulic device with status display

[0003] Description

[0004] The present invention relates to a hydraulic device having a hydraulic unit, an electronic unit and an interface, a method for outputting an overall indicator for such a hydraulic device, as well as an electronic unit and a computer program for carrying out the method.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Hydraulic devices such as valves or hydraulic machines (pumps, motors) are becoming increasingly electronic or digitalized. In addition to control, digitalization can also offer advantages for monitoring, especially for data acquisition.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] According to the invention, a hydraulic device comprising a hydraulic unit, an electronic unit, and an interface, a method for outputting an overall indicator for such a hydraulic device, as well as an electronic unit and a computer program for implementing the method are proposed, with the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0009] The invention enables the autonomous determination and output of a device status within the device, independent of external systems. In particular, the device status ("device health") can be provided and visualized as an overall indicator and / or as individual indicators. The output can be wired or wireless, as well as connection-oriented or connectionless. The invention extends the diagnostic function for detecting and displaying the device status with the goal of detecting and displaying impending failures or operation outside of specifications.

[0010] For this purpose, the invention uses a local or device-side acquisition of device-internal data to determine the device status, wherein at least one, in particular several individual indicators are formed from the acquired data, wherein in turn the overall indicator is determined or derived from the at least one individual indicator.

[0011] In one embodiment, the overall indicator can be output on a display unit of the hydraulic device, e.g., a display, light source, LED indicator, etc. This is a particularly simple yet particularly easily recognizable output format. In one embodiment, the overall indicator can classify the device's condition and, for example, comprise three classes, e.g., "good," "medium," "moderate," "poor," or "critical." These can be particularly well visualized using traffic light colors, with the colors green ("good"), yellow ("moderate"), and red ("critical").

[0012] In one embodiment, the overall indicator can be output via a wired or wireless interface of the hydraulic device, e.g., an IO-Link interface or Bluetooth interface. The overall indicator can be provided via connectionless communication (e.g., BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) Advertisement). Alternatively or additionally, the overall indicator can be provided via connection-oriented communication (e.g., BLE point-to-point).

[0013] In one embodiment, the at least one individual indicator can be provided via a connection-oriented communication (e.g., BLE point-to-point).

[0014] All hydraulic devices with an electronic unit (processing unit) are suitable as hydraulic devices, in particular valves, hydraulic machines (pumps or motors) and hydraulic cylinders, which can be equipped with easily understandable condition monitoring and visualization through the invention.

[0015] An electronic unit according to the invention of a hydraulic device is designed, in particular in terms of programming, to carry out a method according to the invention. The implementation of a method according to the invention in the form of a computer program or computer program product with program code for carrying out all method steps, in particular in the form of so-called firmware of the hydraulic device, is also advantageous because this entails particularly low costs, since the executing electronic unit is also used for other tasks and is therefore already present. Suitable data carriers for providing the computer program are, in particular, magnetic, optical and electrical memories, such as hard disks, flash memories, EEPROMs, DVDs, etc. Downloading a program via computer networks (Internet, intranet, etc.) is also possible.

[0016] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0017] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0018] The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawing using exemplary embodiments and is described in detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0019] Character description

[0020] Figure 1 shows an exemplary hydraulic device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Figure 2 schematically shows the generation of an overall indicator from a number of individual indicators according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Figure 3 schematically shows the generation of a single indicator based on a supply voltage according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Figure 4 schematically shows an example of the formation of an individual indicator according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 schematically shows the interaction of different units for outputting individual indicators and / or the overall indicator according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Detailed description of the drawing

[0025] Figure 1 shows a partially sectioned side view of a hydraulic device designed as a valve, designated overall by 20. This is, for example, an electrically pilot-operated 3-way pressure reducing valve with pressure protection for the consumer. Such valves can be used, in particular, to reduce system pressure.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, the valve comprises a pilot valve 1, a proportional solenoid 2, and a main valve 3 with a main control spool 4. The main valve is equipped, as usual, with connections for P, A, B, and T. In the rest position, i.e., without pressure in channel P, a spring 9 holds the main control spool 4 in its initial position (far right in the figure). This opens the connection from A to T and closes the connection from P to A.

[0027] Through a pressure connection from port P, hydraulic fluid such as control oil flows via a flow regulator 5, a nozzle and a throttle gap to the pilot valve 1 and then flows out to channel T. The proportional solenoid 2 is used to set the pressure to be reduced in channel A as a function of the setpoint. The pilot pressure builds up in a control chamber 6. This causes the main control spool 4 to move to the right, and hydraulic fluid flows from P to A. The consumer pressure in channel A is available via a channel 7 and a nozzle 8 in the spring chamber 9. If the pressure in port A rises to the set pressure of the pilot valve, this causes the main control spool 4 to move to the left. The pressure in port A is almost the same as the set pressure on the pilot valve.

[0028] However, if the pressure in port A exceeds the set pressure of the pilot control valve, the main control spool 4 is moved further to the left so that the connection from A to T opens. This limits the pressure in port A to the set setpoint. A computing unit or electronics unit 10 is located on the proportional solenoid 2. This can be equipped with different electrical interfaces 12, such as an analog interface (e.g. current or voltage interface for receiving a setpoint) and / or a digital interface, such as IO-Link, for receiving and sending data (setpoint, actual value, etc.). In the present example, a pressure transducer 11 is also attached directly to the pilot control valve, but can also be integrated externally into the system via an interface 12.The pressure in channel P is measured by the pressure transducer 11 and controlled independently of the flow rate by the electronics unit 10. The pressure in channel A can be provided as an analog or digital actual value. At a setpoint of zero, the electronics unit 10 applies only a minimal control current to the proportional solenoid 2, and a minimal set pressure is established.

[0029] In the embodiment shown, the electronics unit 10 also has wireless interfaces, for example, a Bluetooth interface or a Bluetooth dongle 13 (e.g., according to "Bluetooth Low Energy"). This makes it possible, in particular, to provide a digital diagnostic interface, via which the valve status can be externally displayed and valve configurations can be made.

[0030] Furthermore, the electronics unit 10 has a display unit 14, here, for example, in the form of three illuminated displays, e.g., LEDs, with which a status of the valve 20 can be easily displayed, for example, textually, symbolically, in color, through different flashing frequencies, and the like. Alternatively or additionally, the Bluetooth dongle 13 can also have a display unit 14', here, for example, in the form of illuminated displays, e.g., LEDs. Displays or similar devices can also be used.

[0031] Within a hydraulic device, such as valve 20 in Figure 1, signals are collected from which any number of status indicators can be generated as individual indicators 201, 202, 203, etc., either directly or by combining signals and other data. These individual indicators can vary depending on the device configuration and valve family. An example of an individual indicator is shown and explained in Figure 3.

[0032] From the available individual status indicators, an overall indicator 230 is determined using evaluation criteria, as explained below with reference to Figure 2, for example. To form the overall indicator 230, the available individual indicators 201, 202, 203, ... can each be evaluated with a specific weighting factor 211, 212, 213, ..., and the results can be summarized (in particular additively) to obtain an overall indicator raw value 220, which serves as the basis for forming the overall indicator 230. Using configuration data (evaluation criteria) 221, the final status of the overall indicator 230 is formed from this value. For example, the calculated overall indicator raw value is converted into the categories "good," "moderate," or "critical" based on limit values ​​or ranges. Purely by way of example, a value > 1000 can mean "critical," a value < 100 "good," and values ​​in between "moderate."

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the overall indicator can be visualized directly on the device, e.g., using a traffic light function with the colors green ("good"), yellow ("moderate"), and red ("critical") via the display unit 14 or 14'. Alternatively or additionally, the overall indicator can be transmitted to external devices, such as computers or mobile devices. This can be done connectionlessly (broadcasting), e.g., via BLE advertising, or connection-oriented (e.g., via a BLE point-to-point connection), using the interface 12 and / or the Bluetooth dongle 13.

[0034] Individual indicators can also be transmitted. They enable a more detailed display of the composition of the overall indicator and the valve's "health status." The data can be received and visualized by a suitable device, e.g., in the form of a dashboard (graphical user interface; arrangement of various graphic elements used to visualize data or manage systems) in a smartphone app. The display can be enriched and expanded on the device with additional (external and internal) data (e.g., by entering or recording additional environmental conditions or by supplementary data from the cloud). The device can also act as a gateway and, for example, forward the determined "condition monitoring" data to various cloud services for storage or further processing.

[0035] Signals and individual indicators can also be used to generate additional individual indicators using model calculations. The indicators are determined autonomously within the valve, independent of (external) systems (e.g., cloud-based control systems). Forwarding and further processing in external systems is also possible. In particular, highly complex individual indicators and statements on the health of the device can be generated, ranging from compliance with device specifications and service life models to complex models for wear and the service life of the hydraulic and mechanical components of the overall system (e.g., valves, pumps). By increasing the number of individual indicators and their complexity, more meaningful overall indicators can be generated.

[0036] Simple solutions include counters and signal-based or measured-value-based displays, which can be used primarily for monitoring. Typical examples include counting switching operations and measuring temperature gradients, among others. In particular, threshold comparisons can be used to determine an indicator.

[0037] Somewhat more complex solutions include simple lifetime models, such as time-based or usage-based. Typical examples are MTBF (mean time between failures) values, particularly for electronics, and the counting of write operations for flash memory. Here, too, threshold comparisons can be used to determine an indicator.

[0038] Even more complex solutions include more elaborate service life models that, for example, consider multiple variables simultaneously. Typical examples are methods for determining material fatigue or valve dysfunction.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an embodiment for generating an indicator based on the supply voltage. A supply voltage U of the valve is plotted against time t. The underlying signal can, in particular, be a voltage value of the supply voltage measured cyclically via an analog-to-digital converter. The signal can be filtered using a low-pass filter before evaluation.

[0040] For example, four threshold values ​​#1-#4 are defined as evaluation criteria, from which a division of the signal range into five evaluation bands can be derived. The range between #2 and #3 is the signal range, which is evaluated as the normal operating range 301. The range between #1 and #2 or between #3 and #4 is the signal range, which is considered the limit range 302 for operation and can be an initial indication that the device is operating close to the limit of the device specification. Experience has shown that this has an adverse effect on the device's service life and reliability. The range below #1 or above #4 is a critical operating range 303, in which the device should not be operated.

[0041] According to one embodiment, these operating ranges are mapped to an individual indicator such that operating range 301 corresponds to a "good" value, operating range 302 to a "moderate" value, and operating range 303 to a "critical" value. This is included in the formation of the overall indicator, which can then be visualized on a valve display (e.g., 14, 14'), e.g., using a traffic light function with the colors green, yellow, and red. Additionally, the individual indicator can be transmitted digitally and visualized, e.g., on a dashboard or a general display.

[0042] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an example of the formation of a single indicator in a block diagram, which is based on a model calculation.

[0043] Input variables 420 and, if applicable, configuration data 430 are fed to a model 410, from which a model result 440 is calculated. This can be fed—if necessary, filtered and converted (block 440)—to a block 450 to form the individual indicator together with optional additional configuration data 460.

[0044] The input variables 420 include, in particular, counting and / or measured values, for example in the form of signal curves, histograms, counter values, etc. Suitable measured variables are, in particular, temperatures, electrical voltages, electrical currents.

[0045] The configuration data 430 includes, for example, electronics-specific adaptation parameters, which may depend in particular on the components used (temperature strength, dielectric strength, etc., e.g. of capacitors, etc.), as well as conversion factors for measured values, histograms, etc.

[0046] The configuration data 460 can, in particular, contain evaluation criteria for calculating the individual indicator from the model result 440. The individual indicator can then be used to determine an overall indicator, as shown, for example, in Figure 2. Figure 5 schematically illustrates the interaction of individual units for outputting the overall indicator according to one embodiment of the invention in a block diagram.

[0047] In particular, in the electronics unit 10 of a hydraulic valve shown in Figure 1, measurement and counter values ​​500 are recorded and calculated to form individual indicators 501, from which, as shown in particular in Figure 2, an overall indicator 530 is determined.

[0048] Both the individual indicators 501 and the overall indicator 530 can be transmitted via the Bluetooth dongle 13 to an external device 30, for example, a tablet PC, a mobile phone, a remote server or PC, etc., on which suitable software is running. The transmission can be carried out in a so-called connectionless manner 540 or a connection-oriented manner 545. In particular, the upper arrow 540 visualizes the connectionless transmission of the overall indicator, and the two lower arrows 545 show the connection-oriented transmission of the individual and overall indicators.

[0049] On the external device 30, the overall indicator 530 can be visualized, for example, in a device overview. Furthermore, the overall indicator 530 and the individual indicators 501 can be displayed in a settings program.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the overall indicator 530 can be visualized on the display 14, 14', for example, using different colors. This is a particularly simple yet easily recognizable output format that can be used to directly inform a user about the overall status of the device.

Claims

Claims 1. Hydraulic device (20) comprising a hydraulic unit (1-9), an electronic unit (10) and an interface (12, 13, 14, 14'), wherein the electronic unit (10) is configured to acquire measured values ​​during the operation of the hydraulic unit (1-9), to derive at least one individual indicator (201, 202, 203, 501) from the measured values ​​and to determine an overall indicator (230, 530) from the at least one individual indicator (201, 202, 203, 501) and to output it at the interface (12, 13, 14, 14').

2. Hydraulic device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic unit (10) is configured to output the at least one single indicator (201 , 202, 203, 501) at the interface (12, 13, 14, 14').

3. Hydraulic device (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interface (12, 13, 14, 14') comprises a visual display (14, 14') and wherein the output at the interface comprises displaying on the visual display (14, 14').

4. Hydraulic device (20) according to claim 3, wherein the visual display (14, 14') comprises a screen and / or light source.

5. Hydraulic device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface (12, 13, 14, 14') comprises a wired (12) or a wireless interface (13) and wherein the output at the interface comprises a transfer to another device (30).

6. Hydraulic device (20) according to claim 5, wherein the interface (12, 13, 14, 14') comprises a Bluetooth interface (13).

7. Method for outputting an overall indicator (230, 530) for a hydraulic device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein measured values ​​are recorded during the operation of the hydraulic unit (1-9), io wherein at least one individual indicator (201, 202, 203, 501) is derived from the measured values, wherein the overall indicator (230, 530) is determined from the at least one individual indicator (201, 202, 203, 501), and wherein the overall indicator (230, 530) is output at the interface (12, 13, 14, 14'). Method according to claim 7, wherein the overall indicator (230, 530) classifies an overall state of the hydraulic device (20). Method according to claim 8, wherein the overall indicator (230, 530) comprises three different classes. Electronic unit (10) of a hydraulic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising a processor configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 7 to 9. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to claims 7 to 9. A computer-readable data carrier on which the computer program according to claim 11 is stored.

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