Setting tool for controlling and / or configuring a pump, system comprising a pump and a setting tool, use of a pump with a setting tool, method for operating and / or controlling and / or configuring a pump using a setting tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a a setting tool for controlling and / or configuring a pump, especially for setting a control mode of the pump, wherein the setting tool comprises a tool communication interface for establishing a connection to a pump communication interface of the pump, wherein the setting tool comprises a further tool communication interface, wherein the setting tool is configured as a standalone tool that is configured to be both connected to the pump and separated from the pump, wherein the tool communication interface is or corresponds to a local interconnect network bus, LIN bus, connection or interface and / or to a controller area network bus, CAN bus, connection or interface and / or a MOD bus connection or interface.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a setting tool for controlling and / or configuring a pump, especially for setting a control mode of the pump. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system comprising a pump, especially a circulation pump, and such a setting tool. Moreover, the invention relates to a use of a pump with such a setting tool. The present invention further relates to a method for operating and / or controlling and / or configuring a pump using such a setting tool.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Circulation pumps are well known and are used, for instance, in heating systems of industrial applications as well as private households. It can be necessary to operate such circulation pumps in a variety of different control modes, configurations, settings and the like in order to meet different operational requirements. Such requirements can change over the course of the pumps' service life. For that reason, such pumps are often provided with an interface - integrated with the respective pump -, particularly for changing a control mode of the respective pump. Some applications might temporarily necessitate a constant differential pressure generated by the pump over the entire possible spectrum of pumped medium flow rates while it can also be needed in a future point in time to ensure the very same pump operates in another control mode, for instance one in which a dynamic differential pressure is needed. However, the necessity for carrying out changes of the control mode, configuration, setting etc. occurs seldom. Such (integrated) interface - for changing the control mode in particular but also for selecting a different pump setting in general - can comprise a button for pushing on it or a knob for adjusting, e.g. by turning. The interface can also comprise a display means, for instance a touch screen, for entering prompts which can result in different changes regarding the pump operation. Furthermore, shining, blinking and / or a specific color of an LED on a pump surface can be indicative of a malfunction or an error-free operation and therefore be provided as part of the interface. Such buttons, knobs, display means, LEDs etc. not only increase the technical complexity of pumps but also increase manufacturing efforts and costs.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an optimized, especially a simpler and more cost-effective, solution for carrying out changes in a circulation pump, especially regarding a control mode or configuration of the pump.

[0004] This object is achieved by a setting tool for controlling and / or configuring a pump, especially for setting a control mode of the pump, wherein the setting tool comprises a tool communication interface for establishing a connection to a pump communication interface of the pump, wherein the setting tool comprises a further tool communication interface, wherein the setting tool is configured as a standalone tool that is configured to be both connected to the pump and separated from the pump, wherein the tool communication interface is or corresponds to a local interconnect network bus, LIN bus, connection or interface and / or to a controller area network bus, CAN bus, connection or interface and / or a MOD bus connection or interface.

[0005] By means of the inventive setting tool, a pump, especially a circulation pump, and especially a self-controlled pump, can be configured and / or a pump control mode can be set, for instance while putting the pump into service for the first time after manufacturing, while commissioning the pump. By means of the inventive setting tool, is it also advantageously possible to change a control mode or configuration of the pump in a future point in time, for instance due to operational requirements that have changed over time. For configuring the pump and / or setting a control mode, also for carrying out future changes in the configuration and / or control mode, the further tool communication interface can be used. Inputs can simply be made by means of the setting tool. For this purpose, the setting tool itself can comprise one or multiple buttons, one or multiple knobs, one or multiple displays and one or multiple LEDs or other means. In other words, the pump itself can be simplified and manufacturing efforts as well as costs for manufacturing the pump can be reduced. In other words, functionalities otherwise provided by the pump can be, so to speak, outsourced to the standalone, separately formed, setting tool without minimizing the possibility to set, adjust or configure the pump and, as well, without reducing the functionality of the pump. As a result, it is advantageously possible to use only one setting tool to configure a multitude of pumps. Furthermore, when the pump is set or configured, for instance in the beginning of its life cycle at t=0s or also at a later point in time, said setting or configuration can be saved advantageously as a fall back setting or a default setting - either in the inventive setting tool, or in the respective pump. Such fall back or default setting can ensure simple and fast adjustments / settings / configurations in the future, for instance when deviations, defects, malfunctions occur by simply resetting the pumps' configuration or control mode in accordance with the fall back setting. Moreover, it is conceivable that data are passively received or actively retrieved from the pump by means of the inventive setting tool, for instance data for failure analysis or pump operation optimization purposes. For all aforesaid purposes, data can be exchanged via the tool communication interface of the setting tool and the pump communication interface of the pump, which is or corresponds to, according to the present invention, a local interconnect network bus, LIN bus, connection or interface and / or to a controller area network bus, CAN bus, connection or interface and / or a MOD bus connection or interface. Also, the establishment of a connection between the tool communication interface of the setting tool and the pump communication interface of the pump can be advantageously realized while the pump is in operation. Consequently, setting / configuring / controlling of the pump can be carried out without creating any disruptions or disturbances in the pumps operation. According to the present invention, the setting tool is configured as a standalone tool that is configured to be both connected to the pump and separated from the pump; this is, of course, to be understood that the (standalone) setting tool is configured to be connected (by means of using its tool communication interface and, as well, by means of using the pump communication interface), at a point in time, to the pump (i.e. for setting or configuration purposes and / or for data transmission purposes, especially from the pump towards the setting tool), and that is (able to be), at another point in time, separated from the pump.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the further tool communication interface is a Human Machine Interface, HMI, for controlling and / or configuring the pump, wherein the HMI comprises a display means and an input means and wherein the HMI is especially configured as a Graphical User Interface, especially a dashboard, a Command Line Interface, Touchscreen, or Voice Command Interface. The input means can be, for example, a means that combines a button and a knob for selecting options depicted on the display means. By turning the input means from a first position to a second position, a cursor can be moved from a first option to a second option, for example from a first control mode to a second control mode. By pushing on the input means a current option that is hinted to or highlighted by the cursor can be selected. As a result, a control mode of the pump can be changed. The input means can comprise further means, for instance one or multiple further buttons.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the further tool communication interface is a short-range wireless communication interface or a wireline communication interface for connecting the setting tool to a computer or communication device, especially a smart phone, wherein especially the setting tool is configured as a Gateway between the pump and the computer or the communication device, wherein the further tool communication interface is a Bluetooth interface, or a Near Field Communication interface or a wireline communication interface, especially using a plug connection. It is advantageously possible to set or change a configuration and / or a control mode of the pump from a spectrum of different distances to the pump by using a further tool communication interface that is a short-range wireless communication interface or a wireline communication interface for connecting the setting tool to a computer or communication device. For instance, a multitude of pumps within a private building or within an operation plant - such as a power plant, a chemical plant or any other plant - can be set / controlled / configured with a plurality of setting tools in a centralized manner (or with a single setting tool that has a plurality of tool communication interfaces to be connected to a plurality of pumps) from one specific location within the building or operation plant. In other words, the setting tool can act as a master while the pumps act as slaves. It is also conceivable that the setting tool is arranged at a fixed location in a sufficient proximity of the pumps while an operator communicates with the pumps from a farther location using the setting tool as a gateway to the pumps. It is thereby advantageously possible to carry out changes regarding the setting / configuration of the respective pumps without having to be close to the pumps. It is also conceivable that - prior to setting / controlling / configuring multiple pumps - a setting or control mode or configuration is pre-set, predefined in the setting tool. The pre-set or predefined setting or control mode or configuration can be communicated to the pumps - either sequentially (by means of configuring a plurality of different pumps with the identical setting or control mode or configuration), or synchronously (in case that the setting tool has a plurality of tool communication interfaces to be connected to a plurality of pumps). As a result, time can be saved when setting / controlling / configuring a multitude of pumps.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, - while the setting tool is connected to the pump - a control mode or an operational mode of the pump is selectable or settable or configurable by means of the setting tool, the control mode or the operational mode of the pump especially comprising a constant pump differential pressure, DeltaPc, a variable pump differential pressure, DeltaPv, or a constant pump rotation speed, Nct.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, - while the setting tool is connected to the pump - an absolute or relative magnitude or level of a control mode or operational mode of the pump is selectable or settable or configurable by means of the setting tool, the absolute or relative magnitude or level especially ranging between 0% and 100% or between 0 mCE and 4 mCE and / or the control mode or the operational mode of the pump especially comprising a constant pump differential pressure, DeltaPc, a variable pump differential pressure, DeltaPv, or a constant pump rotation speed, Nct. Additionally, an absolute or relative magnitude or level of a control mode or operational mode of the pump is selectable or settable or configurable by means of a computer or communication device - especially a smart phone, for instance a simple and user-friendly application that is installed on the smart phone - using the setting tool as a gateway.

[0010] Another object of the invention is a system comprising a pump, especially a circulation pump, and a setting tool according to the invention or any one of the aforementioned embodiments of the setting tool, wherein the setting tool is configured as a standalone tool that is configured to be both connected to the pump and separated from the pump (especially at different points in time). All features and technical effects elucidated within the context of the inventive setting tool and its embodiments also apply to the inventive system.

[0011] Another object of the invention is a use of a pump with a setting tool, or a method of using a setting tool with a pump, especially a setting tool according to the invention or any one of the aforementioned embodiments of the setting tool, wherein, in a first step, a connection between the setting tool and the pump is established, especially by means of using the (or one of a plurality of) tool communication interface(s) of the setting tool, as well as the pump communication interface of the pump, wherein, in a second step, data is exchanged between the setting tool and the pump using the pump communication interface of the pump as well as the tool communication interface of the setting tool. The connection between the setting tool and the pump that is established during the first step can be a wireline connection. All features and technical effects elucidated within the context of the inventive setting tool and its embodiments also apply to the use of the pump with a setting tool.

[0012] Another object of the invention is a method for operating and / or controlling and / or configuring a pump using a setting tool, especially a setting tool according to the invention or any one of the aforementioned embodiments of the setting tool, wherein, in a first step, a connection between the setting tool and the pump is established, especially by means of using the (or one of a plurality of) tool communication interface(s) of the setting tool, as well as the pump communication interface of the pump, wherein, in a second step, data is exchanged between the setting tool and the pump using the pump communication interface of the pump as well as the tool communication interface of the setting tool. All features and technical effects elucidated within the context of the inventive setting tool and its embodiments also apply to the method for operating and / or controlling and / or configuring a pump using the setting tool.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, - in an additional step prior to the first step (or, at least, prior to the second step) - the further communication interface of the setting tool is used to preset the setting tool, wherein the first and second steps are performed regarding a plurality of different pumps, wherein - regarding a plurality of pumps - especially identical configuration data are transmitted from the preset setting tool to the respective pumps.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is especially advantageous that, in the second step, data is exchanged between the setting tool and the pump using the pump communication interface of the pump as well as the tool communication interface of the setting tool. This exchange of data might exclusively involve data - especially configuration or setting data - transmitted from the setting tool towards the pump. Alternatively, this exchange of data might exclusively involve data - especially prior operational data for failure analysis or pump operation optimization purposes - transmitted from the pump towards the setting tool. Alternatively or cumulatively, this exchange of data might both involve data transmitted from the setting tool towards the pump as well as data transmitted from the pump towards the setting tool, e.g. for authentication and / or identification purposes of the pump towards the setting tool and / or of the setting tool towards the pump.

[0015] Other embodiments of the present invention also include a set comprising at least a first centrifugal pump unit and an HMI, wherein the centrifugal pump unit is formed from an electric motor, a centrifugal pump which can be driven by the latter and pump electronics for controlling and / or regulating the electric motor in accordance with normal operation, and the HMI has a display and at least one operating element for making an operating setting for normal operation, wherein the pump electronics are arranged in a first housing, have an electrical interface and have no or only a limited ability of their own to change the operating setting.

[0016] Centrifugal pump units have various adjustment options. A simple setting option for a centrifugal pump unit is disclosed, for example, in European patent EP 1 199 530 B1. Modern centrifugal pump units have a large number of different control and regulation processes implemented in the operating software as well as special functions that can be activated in order to optimally adapt the centrifugal pump unit to the intended application in which the centrifugal pump unit is to be operated as intended. It goes without saying that a corresponding operating setting of the centrifugal pump unit, also known as configuration, necessary for this adaptation. In order to make all possible operating settings, for example the selection of a specific control or regulation method, the activation or deactivation of an additional or special function or the specification of values for operating parameters, such as set values for the delivery head, the speed, the volume flow or the temperature or PID values for the PID controller, convenient, user-friendly, clear and safe to use, the centrifugal pump unit can be configured in a user-friendly, clear and user-friendly manner.

[0017] Centrifugal pump units often comprise an HMI (Human Machine Interface) with a display to show the current operating setting and, if necessary, operating or measured values and at least one operating element, for example in the form of a rotatable and / or pressable knob, to select and change a specific operating setting. For this purpose, the various operating settings are visualized menu-based on the display in a graphical user interface (GUI). An example of the corresponding adjustability of a centrifugal pump unit is disclosed in European patent EP 3376315 B1. The software required for this is part of the operating software of the centrifugal pump unit. The HMI is usually an integral part of the pump electronics, i.e. integrated into the housing of the pump electronics in order to be accessible from the outside. It is often part of a cover of the housing that seals the electrical and electronic components of the pump electronics inside the housing.

[0018] An HMI is an operating interface that allows a user to interact with a machine, in this case the centrifugal pump unit, in order to operate it and make appropriate settings on the machine or retrieve operating information from the machine. For this purpose, an HMI comprises at least one display element and at least one operating element. Over the past few decades, both of these components have undergone development in line with the requirements of centrifugal pumps and technological progress. In the simplest case, a display element can a discrete illuminated dot, for example realized by a light-emitting diode (LED), or a 7-segment display, or even a graphic colour display. Furthermore, in the simplest case, the control element can a button, toggle or rotary switch, or alternatively a potentiometer or pulse generator, whereby combinations of several of these individual control elements are also possible to form a larger, function-integrated control element, such as a navigation button. Today, simple and complex HMIs coexist in centrifugal pump units.

[0019] Although the HMI simplifies the operation of the centrifugal pump unit and, at least in part, makes it possible in the first place, the existence of an HMI is not without its disadvantages. This is because the development and production of an HMI increases the cost, complicates and extends the manufacturing process of the centrifugal pump unit. In the case of an HMI with a display in TFT-LCD technology, the centrifugal pump unit is also subject to certain temperature restrictions, which limits its range of use, as the polarizer of the display no longer functional at temperatures above 60°C. Furthermore, openings are required in the housing of the pump electronics for the display and control element, which increase the risk of foreign substances, in particular moisture and dust particles, penetrating into the interior of the pump electronics and causing damage. To this, the openings need to be sealed, which also complicates the manufacture of the centrifugal pump unit. Another disadvantage of the HMI is the existing risk of manipulation, as the operating setting of the centrifugal pump unit be changed at any time by anyone, i.e. even by a person who is not authorized or qualified to do so. Consideration of these disadvantages suggests that it sense to omit rather than provide an HMI for a centrifugal pump unit. The absence of an HMI also enables better EMC shielding of the pump electronics. However, leaving it out is not an option, as the centrifugal pump unit can then no longer be configured directly, i.e. on the pump electronics, or its operating settings can no longer be made.

[0020] One way to circumvent this disadvantage is to use a radio-based remote configuration, for example by means of a software application (app) on a smartphone that is connected to the centrifugal pump unit via radio communication such as Bluetooth or NFC. In this case, when the software application is open, the smartphone is effectively the HMI of the centrifugal pump unit and enables both its operating settings and the readout of operating information, operating and measured values from the centrifugal pump unit. However, radio-based centrifugal pump configuration via smartphone is also disadvantageous because, firstly, it not secure in terms of data, secondly, in some countries a radio approval of the centrifugal pump unit is required for each radio standard used, and thirdly, some countries prohibit radio-based remote configuration.

[0021] It is therefore the task of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to offer an alternative solution for adjusting the operation of a centrifugal pump unit.

[0022] This task is solved by a set comprising at least a first centrifugal pump unit and an HMI, the centrifugal pump unit comprising an electric motor, a centrifugal pump which can be driven by the latter and pump electronics for controlling and / or regulating the electric motor and the pump electronics is formed according to normal operation and the HMI has a display and at least one operating element for making an operating setting for normal operation, the pump electronics arranged in a first housing, having an electrical interface and having no own or only a limited ability to change the operating setting, characterized in that the HMI is a module, which has its own second housing, closed on all sides, and an electrical interface in order to be temporarily placed directly on the first housing for the purpose of the operating setting in such a way that, in the mounted state, the HMI module and the pump electronics are electrically connected to one another, the HMI module being removable from the first housing and the centrifugal pump unit is set up to run in normal operation for an indefinite period without the HMI module. Advantageous further embodiments comprise: -- the set comprising at least one second centrifugal pump unit, which is formed from an electric motor, a centrifugal pump which can be driven by the latter and pump electronics for controlling and / or regulating the electric motor according to normal operation, which is arranged in a first housing, has an electrical interface and has no own or only a limited ability to change the operating setting of the second centrifugal pump unit, wherein the HMI module can alternatively mounted on the first housing of the second centrifugal pump unit for making its operating setting, so that in the mounted HMI module the operating setting of the second centrifugal pump unit can be changed. and / or -- the set such that the HMI module and the pump electronics of the second centrifugal pump unit are electrically connected to one another, wherein the HMI module can be removed again from the first housing of the second centrifugal pump unit and the second centrifugal pump unit set up to run in normal operation for an indefinite period without the HMI module. and / or -- the set such that the first centrifugal pump unit belongs to a first pump series and the second centrifugal pump unit belongs to a second pump series. and / or -- the set such that the first and the second centrifugal pump unit differ in at least one of the following properties: in the design of the first housing, in the structural size of the first housing, in the rated electrical power of the electric motor, in the functional scope of the pump electronics, and / or in the design of the pump electronics. and / or -- the set such that the electrical interface of the pump electronics comprises a socket and the electrical interface of the HMI module is a plug protruding from the second housing, and that the socket and the plug in the connected state of the HMI module and the pump electronics are plugged together. and / or -- the set such that the HMI module is removable and / or attachable from the first housing during operation. and / or -- the set such that the operating setting that can be made on the pump electronics only allows the selection of one of two or three operating modes and / or the setting of the speed or delivery head of the first centrifugal pump unit. and / or -- the set such that the housing of the HMI module has a smaller installation space than the housing of the pump electronics. and / or -- the set such that the housing of the HMI module has dimensions which are less than 8 cm, in particular less than 5 cm. and / or -- the set such that the HMI module has a non-volatile memory for storing a data set defining a complete or partial operating setting of the first centrifugal pump unit, and is set up to make the memory accessible to the pump electronics so that the pump electronics can transfer the data set to this memory or, conversely, read it out of the memory and set it. and / or -- the set such that the HMI module has a non-volatile memory in which at least one release identifier is stored, and an identifier of the first centrifugal pump unit is stored in the pump electronics of the first centrifugal pump unit is stored, and in that the HMI module and the pump electronics are set up, after connecting the HMI module to the pump electronics, to compare the identifier with the at least one enabling identifier and to permit a change to and / or access to the operating setting only if the identifier of the centrifugal pump unit corresponds to the enabling identifier or can at least derived therefrom. and / or -- the set such that the release identifier identifies a group of identifiers of centrifugal pump units. and / or -- the set such that the pump electronics and the HMI module are set up to transmit an identifier of the first centrifugal pump unit from the pump electronics to the HMI module as an enable identifier in the interconnected state. and / or -- the set such that the operating setting is specified by the HMI module changing at least one operating parameter directly in the operating software of the pump electronics. and / or -- the set such that at least the first centrifugal pump unit does not have its own HMI or at most a rudimentary HMI without display.

[0023] According to the invention, it is possible to further develop the generic prior art in such a way that the HMI is a module, i.e. HMI module which has its own second housing, closed on all sides, and an electrical interface in order to be placed temporarily, for the purpose of setting operation, directly on the first housing in such a way that, in the mounted state, the HMI module and the pump electronics are electrically connected to one another, the HMI module being removable from the first housing and the centrifugal pump unit set up to run in normal operation for an indefinite period without the HMI module. Normal operation is the operation of the centrifugal pump unit that is set after the operating settings have been made.

[0024] The core idea of the invention therefore to separate the HMI from the pump electronics in terms of design by giving them independent housings that are only joined together if necessary. As a module, the HMI is an independent component which is closed except for the interface and which functionally supplements the centrifugal pump unit when required, namely with the display and the operating element and the associated possibility of making the operating settings. It is also possible to call up and display operating settings, operating and measured values on the display. This eliminates the need for radio communication with the centrifugal pump unit and the associated disadvantages.

[0025] Thanks to the separate housings of the pump electronics and HMI module, the pump electronics are not opened when the HMI module is removed from the first housing, meaning that no live components that are dangerous to humans are accessible.

[0026] Furthermore, in connection with the use of the HMI module according to the invention, the invention provides a centrifugal pump unit which has no or only a limited ability to change the operating setting. This means that, based on a factory default setting, the centrifugal pump unit has at least one setting parameter in the operating software or at least one activatable function in the operating software that cannot set or activated on the pump electronics itself, i.e. without the HMI module. In other words, the HMI module provides or supplements the missing or limited ability to change the operating setting on the pump electronics. The centrifugal pump unit can therefore be configured via the attachable HMI module with an operating setting that not possible via the setting options on the centrifugal pump unit itself.

[0027] The ability to change the operating settings is lacking at least if the centrifugal pump unit does not its own HMI. Furthermore, the ability to change the operating settings is limited at least if the centrifugal pump unit does have an HMI, but it is technically so simple that only a few settings can be made with it. Such an HMI, referred to below as a "rudimentary" HMI, does not have a display. For example, it may only of one or a few discrete illuminated dots and a rotary knob or push button.

[0028] The invention therefore preferably relates to centrifugal pump units without an HMI or at most to centrifugal pump units with a rudimentary (not fully-fledged) HMI, i.e. without a display. Thus, at least the first centrifugal pump unit, preferably both centrifugal pump units, can have no HMI of its own or at most a rudimentary HMI without a display. In one embodiment, the operating settings that can be made on the pump electronics with a rudimentary HMI may only the selection of one of two or three operating modes and / or the setting of the speed or delivery head of the centrifugal pump unit.

[0029] Thanks to the invention, the centrifugal pump unit does not require its own HMI. This means that the centrifugal pump unit can be operated without the HMI module or can operated in normal operation without the HMI module. This simplifies the design of the pump electronics, reduces its manufacturing costs, increases operational safety by eliminating components and extends the range of use of the centrifugal pump unit to applications in which temperatures of more than 60°C are at the pump electronics.

[0030] From an environmental perspective, the invention to sustainability due to the elimination or at least simplification of the HMI on the part of the centrifugal pump unit, as fewer electronic components need to disposed of. The invention conserves resources and reduces CO2 emissions in the manufacture of the centrifugal pump unit.

[0031] Finally, the centrifugal pump unit is protected against deliberate misadjustment (manipulation) and accidental misadjustment by an inexperienced user, because only the HMI module according to the invention enables access to all possible settings of the centrifugal pump unit. Since the HMI module is not a mandatory component of the centrifugal pump unit, i.e. it also runs without the HMI module, the HMI module can stored separately, in particular by an experienced specialist who is authorized to configure and change the operating settings.

[0032] The particular strength of the invention becomes apparent when one considers that the HMI module according to the invention can be used not only for the operational setting (configuration) of a single centrifugal pump unit, but is preferably intended for any, in particular a large number of centrifugal pump units, and none of these centrifugal pump units requires its own HMI, at least not an HMI with a display. This means that a large number of displays, or at best a large number of HMIs, can dispensed with for the centrifugal pumps, which once again emphasizes the sustainability of the technical solution according to the invention. This is also particularly advantageous because the HMI is often only used during initial commissioning to the centrifugal pump unit to the specific installation situation. After the initial configuration, no further settings are usually required on the centrifugal pump unit, as the demands on the hydraulic system no longer change regularly.

[0033] It is therefore proposed that, in addition to the first centrifugal pump unit, the set comprises at least one second centrifugal pump unit. Like the first centrifugal pump unit, this can formed from an electric motor, a centrifugal pump that can be driven by the latter and pump electronics for controlling and / or regulating the electric motor in accordance with normal operation, which is arranged in a first housing, has an electrical interface and has no or only a limited ability of its own to change the operating setting of the second centrifugal pump unit. Alternatively, the HMI module can also be attached to the first housing of the second centrifugal pump unit in order to adjust its operating settings, so that the HMI module and the pump electronics of the second centrifugal pump unit are electrically connected to each other when attached. The HMI module can also be removed again from the first housing of the second centrifugal pump unit and the second centrifugal pump unit is set up to run in normal operation for an indefinite period without the HMI module. The HMI module can thus be connected either to the first centrifugal pump unit or to the at least one second centrifugal pump unit.

[0034] A further strength of the invention is that the HMI module can be used across pump series, at best even universally on all centrifugal pump units with a corresponding interface. It is therefore neutral in relation to the pump series to which the centrifugal pump unit belongs. For example, the first centrifugal pump unit can belong to a first pump series and the second centrifugal pump unit can belong to a second pump series, whereby the first and second pump series are structurally from one another.

[0035] For example, the first and second centrifugal pump units may differ in at least one of the following characteristics:in the design of the first housing, in the structural size of the first housing, in the rated electrical power of the electric motor, in the functional scope of the pump electronics, and / or in the design of the pump electronics, as the HMI module is independent of these features thanks to the separate housing.

[0036] In one embodiment, the electrical interface of the pump electronics can be a socket and the electrical interface of the HMI module can a plug protruding from the second housing, whereby the socket and the plug are plugged together when the HMI module and the pump electronics are connected. The attachment of the HMI module is therefore also a connection.

[0037] Unless a distinction is made below between the first and second centrifugal pump unit, the first centrifugal pump unit is meant, as the two centrifugal pump units interchangeable.

[0038] Preferably, the electrical interface formed by the plug of the HMI module and the socket of the second centrifugal pump unit is proprietary. It is therefore not a standardized interface that used equally by different manufacturers. This means that the centrifugal pump unit can only be configured using the HMI module or another device specified by the manufacturer of the centrifugal pump unit. This increases tamper protection.

[0039] The socket of the pump electronics is preferably accessible through an opening in the first housing. The plug of the HMI module is guided through this opening as intended in order to contact the socket. When the socket is not in use, however, the opening can closed by a plug. Ideally, this plug can be elastic in order to as a seal at the same time.

[0040] Furthermore, a removable cover can provided for the connector, which is placed on the connector when the HMI module is not in use and completely encloses it.

[0041] The housing of the HMI module can have a smaller installation space than the pump electronics, which simplifies the handling of the HMI module.

[0042] Furthermore, the housing of the HMI module can have dimensions that are less than 8 cm, in particular less than 5 cm. In other words, no dimension (length, height, width) is greater than 8 cm, in particular 5 cm. This even allows the HMI module to be carried in a trouser pocket.

[0043] It is advantageous if the HMI module can removed from and / or plugged into the first housing, i.e. the housing of the centrifugal pump unit, while the centrifugal pump unit is in operation. This means that the centrifugal pump unit does not have to switched off to remove and attach the HMI module.

[0044] The housing of the HMI module contains electronics that control the display and record and evaluate an actuation of the operating element. In one embodiment, this can the only functionality of the HMI module. In any case, it does not take part in the control or regulation of the electric motor or the centrifugal pump. Instead, these tasks are carried out by the pump electronics, which suitably has a frequency converter for this purpose in order to adjust the speed of the electric motor variably either in accordance with a setpoint specification or to control it in accordance with a selectable control method defined in the operating software. The operating software of the centrifugal pump unit is also only part of the pump electronics.

[0045] The electronics of the HMI module can therefore be comparatively simple and structurally small, which favors a small structural volume of the HMI module, or more precisely, its housing.

[0046] Suitably, the data required to visualize the operating settings on the display and the program code required for this are not stored on the HMI module, but are part of the operating software of the pump electronics. This allows the HMI module to be used universally. The HMI module can therefore used with different centrifugal pump units, i.e. with two or more centrifugal pump units that differ in the operating parameters that can be viewed or set or in the functions that can be activated, in the operating or measured values.

[0047] In one embodiment, a bus-based communication connection can be used between the pump electronics and the HMI module, in which the HMI module acts as a bus subscriber that is connected to a communication bus used within the pump electronics by attaching or plugging it in. This type of communication system architecture between the pump electronics and the HMI module allows the HMI module to removed while the centrifugal pump unit is in operation. The communication bus can a conventional, in particular standardized bus, such as the CAN (Controller Area Network) bus. In one embodiment, the communication bus can only exist between a processor of the pump electronics and the HMI module, or according to another embodiment, it can also network other components of the pump electronics with each other in terms of communication technology.

[0048] To increase data security, communication between the pump electronics and the HMI module can encrypted.

[0049] According to a further development, the HMI module can have a non-volatile memory for storing a data set defining a complete or partial operating setting, in particular the current operating setting, of the first centrifugal pump unit. Furthermore, the HMI module can set up to make the memory accessible to the pump electronics so that the pump electronics can transfer the data set to this memory or, conversely, read it out of the memory and set it. Consequently, the corresponding pump electronics can the memory. On the one hand, this enables quick configuration

[0050] several centrifugal pump units with identical operating settings. On the other hand, this makes it to transfer an operating setting from a first centrifugal pump unit to a second centrifugal pump unit, for example if the first centrifugal pump unit needs to be replaced. This means that a specific operating setting can be made on a first centrifugal pump unit, saved in the HMI module (as a data set) and then "loaded" directly from the memory of the HMI module to the second centrifugal pump unit after the HMI module has been fitted to a second centrifugal pump unit. This can realized as a configuration at the touch of a button.

[0051] According to an alternative or additional further development, the HMI module can have a non-volatile memory in which at least one release identifier is stored. This non-volatile memory can be the same memory in which the aforementioned data set is stored, or it can a second memory. The release identifier has been loaded onto the HMI module before it is used, e.g. at the factory or by technical customer service.

[0052] Furthermore, an identifier of the centrifugal pump unit can stored in the pump electronics of the first centrifugal pump unit. The HMI module and the pump electronics are then set up to compare the identifier with the at least one enabling identifier after the HMI module is connected to the pump electronics and only allow a change to and / or access to the operating setting if the identifier of the centrifugal pump unit corresponds to the enabling identifier or can at least derived from it. This provides additional protection for the centrifugal pump unit, as its operating settings can only be changed or viewed with the HMI module if the HMI module is authorized or enabled for this purpose. This authorization / enabling of the HMI module is achieved by storing the enabling code in the memory.

[0053] The release identifier can, for example, a serial number of the centrifugal pump unit. Alternatively, the release identifier can identify a group of centrifugal pump unit identifiers. In this case, it is more general than a serial number and records an entire pool of serial numbers, for example. This means that the HMI module is not only authorized for a single centrifugal pump unit, but for a defined group, for example a specific pump series, so that the HMI module does not work with another pump series.

[0054] In one embodiment, it is possible that the pump electronics and the HMI module are set up to transfer an identifier of the first centrifugal pump unit from the pump electronics to the HMI module when they are connected and to store it there as an enable identifier. This the HMI module to be paired with the centrifugal pump unit. This ensures that only this individual HMI module is authorized to configure the centrifugal pump unit.

[0055] As already mentioned, it is advantageous if the HMI module does not participate in the control or regulation of the electric motor or the centrifugal pump, but only controls the display and records and evaluates an actuation of the operating element, and furthermore, the data required for the visualization of the operating setting on the display and the program code required for this are not stored on the HMI module, but are part of the operating software of the pump electronics, since the electronics of the HMI module and its programming can then be simple and, in addition, a universal, i.e. no pump-specific use of the HMI module is possible. This the HMI module to be used universally, i.e. not pump-specific.

[0056] It is also possible that the operating setting of the centrifugal pump unit not specified in the electronics of the HMI module, but instead by the HMI module changing at least one operating parameter directly in the operating software of the centrifugal pump unit, which is part of the pump electronics. This has the advantage that the entire operating setting does not first to be transferred to the HMI module and then transferred back again after the change.

[0057] This means that no memory space is required in the HMI module to make the operating settings and the data traffic required between the pump electronics and the HMI module is kept to a minimum.

[0058] The property that the HMI module changes at least one operating parameter directly in the operating software of the centrifugal pump unit can also apply to the embodiment variant in which a data set defining an operating setting is stored in the HMI module, because this storage has a different purpose, namely copying the operating setting of a first centrifugal pump unit to a second centrifugal pump unit or configuring the first and second centrifugal pump units identically.

[0059] Nevertheless, in one embodiment, it is quite possible that the operating setting of the centrifugal pump unit first transferred in full from the pump electronics to the HMI module, changed there and then transferred back to the pump electronics.

[0060] It is clear from the above explanations that, in addition to the set, the invention also relates to the use of an HMI with a display and at least one operating element for setting the operation of a centrifugal pump unit, which formed from an electric motor, a centrifugal pump which can be driven by the latter and pump electronics for controlling and / or regulating the electric motor, which is arranged in a first housing, has an electrical interface in the form of a plug socket and has no own or only a limited ability to change the operating setting, wherein the HMI is a module and has its own second housing, closed on all sides, and an electrical interface projecting therefrom in the form of a plug, in order to be temporarily removably mounted on the first housing for the purpose of the operating setting in such a way that, in the mounted state, the plug and the plug socket are electrically plug-connected in order to carry out the operating setting.

[0061] The HMI module and the centrifugal pump unit according to this use may have the characteristics already explained above and to which reference is made in order to avoid repetition.

[0062] As already mentioned, an added value of the HMI module is that it does not only have to be used to configure or set the operation of the centrifugal pump unit, but can also be used to display the operating values of operating parameters of the current operating setting and / or the operating parameters of the centrifugal pump unit.

[0063] read out measured values from the pump electronics and them on the display, as neither the HMI module nor the pump electronics need to be specially set up for this. Rather, the same steps take place in terms of data and process technology as when the operating setting is made, as only the time at which the HMI module is plugged into the pump electronics is different, namely the time at which a user wants to know the value of an operating parameter of the current operating setting and / or a measured value.

[0064] The first and / or second centrifugal pump unit is preferably a compact unit, i.e. a structural combination of centrifugal pump, electric motor and pump electronics.

[0065] For example, the first and / or second centrifugal pump unit is a glandless pump.

[0066] It should be noted that a centrifugal pump unit not only has limited adjustment options. The setting options themselves are also by the physical limits of the centrifugal pump unit. For example, centrifugal pump units have different maximum delivery heads or speeds. In an advantageous embodiment, it is possible for the HMI module to obtain a data set with limit values for the adjustable operating values of the connected centrifugal pump unit from a memory of its pump electronics and to take these limit values into account during the operating settings on the HMI module. This increases the security that no incorrect settings can be made.

[0067] These and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. The description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Figure 1 schematically and exemplarily illustrates in a perspective view a first embodiment of an inventive setting tool for controlling and / or configuring a pump, especially a circulation pump. Figure 2a schematically illustrates a display means of the first embodiment of the inventive setting tool as shown in figure 1 in a first screen view. Figure 2b schematically illustrates the display means of the first embodiment of the inventive setting tool as shown in figure 1 in a second screen view. Figure 2c schematically illustrates the display means of the first embodiment of the inventive setting tool as shown in figure 1 in a third screen view. Figure 3a schematically and exemplarily illustrates a smartphone interface for configuring a constant pump rotation speed of a pump by using an application and the inventive setting tool as a gateway. Figure 3b schematically and exemplarily illustrates the smartphone interface for configuring a variable pump differential pressure by using the same application shown in figure 3a. Figure 3c schematically and exemplarily illustrates the smartphone interface for configuring a constant pump differential pressure by using the same application shown in figure 3a and 3b. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are nonlimiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes.

[0070] Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g. "a", "an", "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated.

[0071] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0072] Figure 1 schematically and exemplarily illustrates in a perspective view a first embodiment of an inventive setting tool 10 for controlling and / or configuring a pump, especially a circulation pump. By means of the inventive setting tool 10, especially a control mode of the pump can be set. The pump itself is not shown in the figures.

[0073] The setting tool 10 comprises a tool communication interface 11 for establishing a connection to a pump communication interface of the pump. Furthermore, the setting tool 10 comprises a further tool communication interface 12. The further tool communication interface 12 as shown in the first embodiment in the figure 1 is a Human Machine Interface, HMI, for controlling and / or configuring the pump. The Human Machine Interface comprises a display means 13 and an input means 14, wherein the input means 14 is configured as a knob. The knob 14 is formed nearly cylindrically and comprises a white line as a position marker of the know 14. On a current layout on the display means 13 that will be further described in the descriptions in figures 2a, 2b and 2c three different options are depicted, the options being "Pump PID", "Pump NAD" and "Replace SC". A cursor symbolized by a simple or double arrow head currently, that is in the figure 1, hints to the option "Replace SC". By turning the knob 14 the arrow head can be moved to the other two options or to "Back" and / or "Next". Selecting one of the options by pushing the knob 14, or by using a touch screen that the display means can be, results in a corresponding change of the depiction on the display means 13 for inputting further details into the setting tool 10 and thereby making further selections for a proper configuration of the pump.

[0074] For carrying out any changes in the pump configuration, a connection between the pump and the setting tool must be established in a first step. Afterwards, in a second step, data is exchanged between the setting tool 10 and the pump using the pump communication interface of the pump as well as the tool communication interface 11 of the setting tool 10.

[0075] The Human Machine Interface of the setting tool 10 further comprises three differently colored LEDs 15 for indicating, for instance, malfunctions of the setting tool and / or malfunctions of the pump. It is also conceivable that the Human Machine Interface comprises loudspeakers for an acoustic feedback, for instance in case of a malfunction and / or in case of an emergency.

[0076] The setting tool 10 is configured as a standalone tool that is configured to be both connected to the pump and separated from the pump. The setting tool 10 comprises a tool surface 16 manufactured from a mechanically resilient and water-repellent material. According to the invention, the tool communication interface 11 is or corresponds to a local interconnect network bus, LIN bus, connection or interface. However, it is also conceivable that the tool communication interface 11 is or corresponds to a controller area network bus, CAN bus, connection or interface or a MOD bus connection or interface.

[0077] The setting tool 10 can be connected to a communication device, especially to a smart phone. The setting tool 10 is configured as a Gateway between the pump and the smartphone. The pump then can be configured by an operator or user of the smartphone using a respective application saved on the smartphone. Such an application / app will be depicted on the figures 3a, 3b and 3c and described hereinafter.

[0078] Figure 2a schematically illustrates a display means 13 of the first embodiment of the inventive setting tool 10 as shown in figure 1 in a first screen view. The first screen view as shown in the figure 2a differs from the screen view in the figure 1 in that the cursor / arrow head is positioned on the "Back" option. Moving over to and selecting the "Replace SC" option opens a sub-level of the "Replace SC" option as shown in figure 2b, wherein the display means 13 of the first embodiment of the inventive setting tool 10 is schematically illustrated in a second screen view. By moving the arrow head to the two depicted options "Select mode" and "Set level" a control mode and an absolute or relative magnitude or level of the control mode can be chosen and set respectively. Figure 2c schematically illustrates the display means 13 of the first embodiment of the inventive setting tool 10 as shown in figure 1 in a third screen view and in the process of selecting. According to the first embodiment three different control modes of the corresponding pump can be selected by means of the setting tool 10 as will be further shown in the figures 3a, 3b and 3c: firstly a constant pump rotation speed, Nct, secondly a variable pump differential pressure, DP-V, and thirdly a constant pump differential pressure, DP-C. In the embodiment shown in figure 2c, the control mode Nct is about to be selected. Furthermore, the level of the control mode Nct is a relative value that can be set via the "Set level" option as will be described in the following description of the figures 3a, 3b and 3c.

[0079] Figure 3a schematically and exemplarily illustrates a smartphone interface for configuring a constant pump rotation speed Nct of a pump by using an application and the inventive setting tool 10 as a gateway. By means of a Graphical User Interface, a selection between the aforementioned three control modes can be made. In figure 3a can be seen that Nct is selected by means of a touch screen of the smartphone. A slider or slider bar can be moved from 0% to 100% in order to increase or reduce the rotation speed of the pump from a minimum rotation speed that corresponds to 0 rpm to a maximum rotation speed of the pump. The slider is set to 50% that is to half the maximum of the corresponding pump rotation speed.

[0080] Figure 3b schematically and exemplarily illustrates the smartphone interface for configuring a variable pump differential pressure DP-V by using the same application already shown in the figure 3a. The relative magnitude or level of the control mode DP-V also ranges from 0% to 100%. However, the dynamic pump differential pressure DP-V is depicted and selectable in absolute values, in figure 3b from 0 mCE to 4 mCE, wherein the unit mCE is a pressure unit and stands for meter Column (of water) Equivalent. In figure 3b the dynamic pump differential pressure DP-V is set to 2 mCE.

[0081] Furthermore and analogously, figure 3c schematically and exemplarily illustrates the smartphone interface for configuring a constant pump differential pressure DP-C by using the same application shown in the figures 3a and 3b. In the smartphone application as shown in the figures 3a, 3b and 3c the respective selections and / or changes made can be saved and the application exited by pushing a "SAVE and EXIT" button. As a result, the pump can receive a data set from the setting tool 10 that acts as a gateway and a change in the pumps configuration and / or control mode can be brought about.Reference signs

[0082] 10Setting tool 11Tool communication interface 12Further tool communication interface 13Display means 14Input means 15LED 16Tool surface

Claims

1. Setting tool (10) for controlling and / or configuring a pump, especially for setting a control mode of the pump, wherein the setting tool (10) comprises a tool communication interface (11) for establishing a connection to a pump communication interface of the pump, wherein the setting tool (10) comprises a further tool communication interface (12), wherein the setting tool (10) is configured as a standalone tool that is configured to be both connected to the pump and separated from the pump, wherein the tool communication interface (11) is or corresponds to a local interconnect network bus, LIN bus, connection or interface and / or to a controller area network bus, CAN bus, connection or interface and / or a MOD bus connection or interface.

2. Setting tool (10) according to claim 1, wherein the further tool communication interface (12) is a Human Machine Interface, HMI, for controlling and / or configuring the pump, wherein the HMI comprises a display means (13) and an input means (14) and wherein the HMI is especially configured as a Graphical User Interface, especially a dashboard, a Command Line Interface, Touchscreen, or Voice Command Interface.

3. Setting tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the further tool communication interface (12) is a short-range wireless communication interface or a wireline communication interface for connecting the setting tool (10) to a computer or communication device, especially a smart phone, wherein especially the setting tool (10) is configured as a Gateway between the pump and the computer or the communication device, wherein the further tool communication interface (12) is a Bluetooth interface, or a Near Field Communication interface or a wireline communication interface, especially using a plug connection.

4. Setting tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - while the setting tool (10) is connected to the pump - a control mode or an operational mode of the pump is selectable or settable or configurable by means of the setting tool (10), the control mode or the operational mode of the pump especially comprising a constant pump differential pressure, DP-C, a variable pump differential pressure, DP-V, or a constant pump rotation speed, Nct.

5. Setting tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - while the setting tool (10) is connected to the pump - an absolute or relative magnitude or level of a control mode or operational mode of the pump is selectable or settable or configurable by means of the setting tool (10), the absolute or relative magnitude or level especially ranging between 0% and 100% or between 0 mCE and 4 mCE and / or the control mode or the operational mode of the pump especially comprising a constant pump differential pressure, DeltaPc, a variable pump differential pressure, DeltaPv, or a constant pump rotation speed, Nct.

6. System comprising a pump, especially a circulation pump, and a setting tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the setting tool (10) is configured as a standalone tool that is configured to be both connected to the pump and separated from the pump.

7. Use of a pump with a setting tool (10), especially a setting tool (10) according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein, in a first step, a connection between the setting tool (10) and the pump is established, wherein, in a second step, data is exchanged between the setting tool (10) and the pump using the pump communication interface of the pump as well as the tool communication interface (11) of the setting tool (10).

8. Method for operating and / or controlling and / or configuring a pump using a setting tool (10), especially a setting tool (10) according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein, in a first step, a connection between the setting tool (10) and the pump is established, wherein, in a second step, data is exchanged between the setting tool (10) and the pump using the pump communication interface of the pump as well as the tool communication interface (11) of the setting tool (10).

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein - in an additional step prior to the first step - the further communication interface (12) of the setting tool (10) is used to preset the setting tool (10), wherein the first and second steps are performed regarding a plurality of different pumps, wherein especially the identical configuration data are transmitted from the preset setting tool (10) to the respective pumps.

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