Method for operating a hydraulic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a hydraulic device using an operator control device that is connectable to the hydraulic device via a data connection, the method comprising the steps whereby: if an impending change (200, 202) in a connection state relating to the data connection between the operator control device (50) and the hydraulic device (20) is identified: determining (204) state information relating to a present operating state of the hydraulic device; if the present operating state (208) according to the state information satisfies a relevance criterion (207): determining (212), on the basis of the state information, one or multiple action recommendations (216, 218) relating to the present operating state of the hydraulic device; providing (214) the one or at least one of the multiple action recommendations (216, 218) to a user; receiving (224) one or multiple action instructions (222) relating to the present operating state of the hydraulic device; and if the one or at least one of the multiple action instructions comprises a change in the present operating state of the hydraulic device: initiating (242) the change in the operating state of the hydraulic device.

Description

[0001] Method for operating a hydraulic device

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for operating a hydraulic device using an operating device that can be connected to the hydraulic device by means of a data connection, as well as a computing unit and a computer program for carrying out the method.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] 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.

[0006] Disclosure of the invention

[0007] According to the invention, a method for operating a hydraulic device, as well as a computing unit and a computer program for implementing the method, are proposed, having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] The invention relates to hydraulic devices such as hydraulic valves and the like, which can be operated via an operating device such as a smartphone, a tablet or the like. In the case of a smartphone or tablet as the operating device, a suitable application or app can be provided there, for example. However, other types of specially designed operating devices are also conceivable, for example, but also computers. Independently of this, a data connection can be established between the operating device and the hydraulic device; in particular, a wireless data connection such as a Bluetooth connection or a WiFi connection (or WLAN) can be considered as the data connection. In principle, however, a wired data connection is also conceivable. It goes without saying that in addition to the operating device, the hydraulic device must also have a suitable data and / or communication interface.

[0009] In the proposed method, if an impending change in the connection state concerning the data connection between the control unit and the hydraulic unit is detected, status information on the current operating state of the hydraulic unit is determined. Such an impending change in the connection state could, for example, be the (active) disconnection of the data connection, for example, if a user specifically wishes to disconnect the connection. However, it could also be the need to log off a user account on the control unit or on the hydraulic unit, or a change in the user level on the control unit or on the hydraulic unit, for example, if the new user level includes fewer authorizations for operating the hydraulic unit. The status information can be determined, for example, based on current information in the control unit, but this can, for example,also include a query of information from the hydraulic device, then via the data connection.

[0010] If the current operating state meets a relevance criterion according to the state information, i.e. is considered a relevant operating state, one or more recommended actions relating to the current operating state of the hydraulic device are determined based on the state information. This one or at least one of the several recommended actions is then made available to a user, e.g. shown on a display of the control device. This can, for example, also be done within the framework of various selection options. One or more instructions relating to the current operating state of the hydraulic device are then received, particularly in response to the provision of the recommended actions. The user can, for example, select and confirm one of the recommended actions, which then corresponds to receiving an instruction.

[0011] If one or at least one of the multiple instructions involves a change in the current operating state of the hydraulic device, then this change in the operating state of the hydraulic device is initiated. For this purpose, for example, a control instruction can be transmitted from the control device to the hydraulic device via the data connection, according to which the current operating state is changed accordingly. In this way, it can be avoided that, when changing the connection state of the data connection, undesirable operating states are inadvertently retained, which, for example, inevitably or likely lead to problems if the connection state is changed.

[0012] Operating states that satisfy the relevance criterion, i.e. for which a recommendation for action is determined and provided, are particularly suitable operating states that involve at least partially manual operation of the hydraulic device, during which manual operation information for operation is received from the control device. An example of this is an operating mode of the hydraulic device, e.g. of a hydraulic valve, in which a setpoint is or can be specified manually via the control device. It is also conceivable that the actual value can be changed directly, e.g. for maintenance purposes. A recommendation for action can then include, for example, a recommendation to end the current operating state.

[0013] Other operating states that satisfy the relevance criterion can also be considered, e.g. pending error messages, required software updates, ongoing bidirectional data transfer, necessary maintenance, unacknowledged system messages and the like.

[0014] If such an operating state is maintained, for example, when the data connection is disconnected, the hydraulic device cannot be used in normal operation; this could lead to errors or serious problems, for example. This can be avoided by providing recommended actions and, in particular, by prompting the user to take action. In principle, it can of course be stipulated that the user does not change this operating state despite this; in this case, however, the user is aware of this.

[0015] Depending on the type of hydraulic device, the operating states, recommended actions, and possibly instructions, can naturally vary. For example, configuration information or configuration data can be provided for specific hydraulic devices, providing specific recommended actions depending on the situation. If an impending change in a connection state concerning the data connection between the control device and the hydraulic device is detected, one embodiment can also check whether any unsaved operating data, e.g., parameterization data, is present for the current operating state of the hydraulic device. In the example of manual operating mode, for example, currently used parameters may not yet be saved (or stored).If this is the case, one or more further recommended actions, including a request to back up the unsaved operating data (or parameter data), are determined and made available to the user. One or more instructions for backing up the unsaved operating data can then be received, and the unsaved operating data is then backed up. This can be done, for example, in the control unit itself or in the hydraulic device.

[0016] In one embodiment, a change in the connection state relating to the data connection between the operating device and the hydraulic device can also be detected. Such a change in the connection state includes, in particular, that the data connection has been disconnected, in particular due to loss of the data connection. This can be the case, for example, if the operating device is out of range of the hydraulic device; with a Bluetooth connection, this is generally the case at a distance of more than 10 m. However, there can also be other reasons why the data connection has been disconnected, e.g. deactivation of a communication module of the hydraulic device (e.g. Bluetooth dongle), activation of a firewall (which then means that the data connection can no longer be maintained), or deactivation of a communication module on the operating device (e.g. Bluetooth module).

[0017] In this case, status information is determined for the last operating state of the hydraulic device before the connection state was changed. For example, the information last queried and / or transmitted from the hydraulic device (i.e., when the data connection still existed) can be used here. Information available in the control device can also be used. If the last operating state satisfies the relevance criterion according to the status information (this is in particular the relevance criterion already explained), one or more messages relating to the last operating state of the hydraulic device are determined based on the status information. In a simple case, such a message can, for example, simply comprise information that an operating state existed that is subject to the relevance criterion; however, it can also comprise additional information, for example, on the specific operating state and the like.

[0018] Based on the one or at least one of the multiple messages, one or more further recommended actions are then determined regarding the one or at least one of the multiple messages, which are then made available to the user, e.g., displayed again on the display of the control device. Such a further recommended action can then, in particular, also include a recommendation to establish (or restore) the data connection, e.g., by reducing the distance between the control device and the hydraulic device.

[0019] This way, even in the event of a connection loss, the aforementioned errors or problems can be avoided. Here, too, it is possible to pause to back up unsaved operational data if necessary.

[0020] In general, this can be used to extend a diagnostic function to detect and display device states in hydraulic devices that indicate action, in order to prevent incorrect operation / configuration through targeted recommendations for action.

[0021] A computing unit according to the invention, e.g. a smartphone, a tablet or PC or laptop, is configured, in particular in terms of programming, to carry out a method according to the invention.

[0022] 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 is also advantageous, as this entails particularly low costs, particularly if an executing control 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 storage devices, such as hard disks, flash memories, EEPROMs, DVDs, and others. Downloading a program via computer networks (Internet, intranet, etc.) is also possible. Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The invention is illustrated schematically in the drawing using an embodiment and is described in detail below with reference to the drawing.

[0025] Character description

[0026] Figure 1 shows an exemplary hydraulic device and an operating device to explain the invention.

[0027] Figure 2 shows schematically a sequence of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 3 shows schematically a sequence of a method according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Detailed description of the drawing

[0030] 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.

[0031] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows, by way of example, an operating device 50 designed as a smartphone, with a display 52 and a computing and communications unit 54. In the embodiment shown, the valve has a pilot valve 1, a proportional magnet 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 blocks the connection from P to A.

[0032] 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.

[0033] However, if the pressure in port A exceeds the set pressure of the pilot valve, the main control spool 4 is moved further to the left so that the connection from A to T opens. Thus, the pressure in port A is limited to the set target value.

[0034] A computing unit or electronics unit 10 is located on the proportional solenoid 2. This can be equipped with various 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 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 via the electronics unit 10 independently of the volume flow. The pressure in channel A can be provided as an analog or digital actual value. When the setpoint is zero, the electronics unit 10 applies only a minimal control current to the proportional solenoid 2, and a minimal set pressure is established.

[0035] 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.

[0036] In particular, a data connection (e.g., Bluetooth connection) to the control device 50 can be established in this way. The hydraulic device 20 can be operated or controlled by means of the control device 50, e.g., through specific operating modes in which specific setpoints for the valve are manually specified by input on the control device 50.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a process flow of a method according to one embodiment of the invention. Two different impending changes to the connection state relating to the data connection between the control device and the hydraulic device are illustrated as examples, as shown, for example, in Figure 1. Change 200 is intended to encompass an impending change in which the data connection is to be severed, while change 202 is intended to encompass an impending change in which a user account on the control device is to be logged out. In both (and other cases), the following steps can be identical or at least comparable.

[0039] If such an impending change is detected, status information relating to a current operating state of the hydraulic device is determined in a step 204. The impending change can be used, for example, as a trigger for step 204. In a step 206, it can then be checked whether the current operating state, based on the status information, satisfies a relevance criterion 207. If this is not the case—for example, if no relevant operating state exists—the impending change in the connection state can be implemented in the usual way in step 210. For example, the data connection can simply be disconnected.

[0040] If, however, the current operating state 208 according to the state information satisfies the relevance criterion 207, one or more recommended actions regarding the current operating state of the hydraulic device are determined in step 212. The operating state can, for example, include at least partially manual operation of the hydraulic device, in which information for operation is received from the control device, e.g., setpoints. In general, however, such operating states can include, for example, pending errors, required updates, currently ongoing (possibly bidirectional) data traffic, due maintenance of the hydraulic device, unacknowledged system messages, and the like.

[0041] Two recommended actions are shown as examples: recommended action 216, which states that the current operating mode or operating state should be terminated, and recommended action 218, which states that the current operating mode or operating state should not be terminated. These recommended actions 216 and 218 are provided (step 214), e.g., shown to the user on the display of the operating device and made available for selection. The user can then, for example, cancel the process (step 220), but this does not change the connection state.

[0042] The user can also choose one of the two recommended actions 216, 218 and select one of them, for example, by tapping the display (if the display is a touchscreen). This then generates an instruction 222, which is received by the operating device (step 224).

[0043] There can also be other operating states that satisfy the relevance criterion. The same steps can then run here. This is shown as an example for an operating state 208'. Here, in step 212', one or more recommended actions relating to the current operating state of the hydraulic device are determined. Three recommended actions 216', 217', 218' are shown as examples. These recommended actions are made available to the user, for example, in step 214', on the display of the operating device and made available for selection. The user can then, for example, in step 220', cancel the process, although this does not change the connection state. The user can also decide on one or more of the three recommended actions and select one or more of them. This then generates an instruction 222', which is received by the operating device, step 224'.

[0044] Likewise, in step 226, a check can be made to determine whether unsaved operating information relating to the current operating state of the hydraulic device is present. If so, one or more further recommended actions 232, 234 can be determined in step 228. These recommended actions include a request to save the unsaved operating data and are provided in step 230, for example, shown to the user on the display of the operating device and made available for selection. The user can then, for example, in step 236, cancel the process and thus not save the unsaved data. Likewise, the user can decide on one of the recommended actions and select one of them. This then generates an instruction 238, which is received by the operating device in step 240.

[0045] In a step 242, all existing action instructions can then be implemented. In cases where an action instruction involves changing the current operating state of the hydraulic device, this means that the change in the operating state of the hydraulic device is initiated.

[0046] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a process flow of a method according to a further embodiment of the invention. For this purpose, a change in the connection state concerning the data connection between the control device and the hydraulic device, as shown, for example, in Figure 1, is shown as an example. The change 300 is intended to include a disconnection of the data connection, e.g., the loss of the data connection due to excessive distance.

[0047] If such a change is detected, state information relating to the last operating state of the hydraulic device prior to the change in the connection state is determined in a step 304. The change can be used, for example, as a trigger for step 304. In a step 306, a check can then be made as to whether the last operating state, according to the state information, satisfies a relevance criterion 307. If this is not the case—for example, if no relevant operating state exists—the procedure can be terminated in step 310, or the loss of the data connection can be indicated in the usual way, for example.

[0048] However, if the last operating state 308 according to the state information satisfies the relevance criterion 307, one or more messages relating to the last operating state of the hydraulic device are determined in step 312. The operating state can, for example, comprise at least partially manual operation of the hydraulic device, in which information for operation, such as setpoints, is received from the control device. A message 314 is shown as an example, which, for example, comprises information about the operating state.

[0049] Likewise, there may be other operating states that satisfy the relevance criterion. The same steps can then be executed here. This is shown as an example for an operating state 308'. Here, in step 312', one or more messages relating to the last operating state of the hydraulic device are determined. As an example, a message 314' is shown, which, for example, includes information about the operating state.

[0050] In general, such messages can also include information about, for example, pending errors, required updates, currently running (possibly bidirectional) data traffic, maintenance work due on the hydraulic device, unacknowledged system messages and the like.

[0051] Likewise, in step 326, a check can be made to determine whether any unsecured operating information regarding the current operating state of the hydraulic device is present. If so, in step 328, one or more messages, here message 330, can be determined that contain information about the presence of such unsecured data, and possibly also information about this unsecured data.

[0052] All of the aforementioned messages can be collected, for example. Then, in step 342, one or more further recommended actions 344 can be determined regarding the one or at least one of the multiple messages, which are then made available to the user, for example, in step 346, displayed on the control device's display. This can inform the user, for example, about the loss of the data connection and the most recent operating states. In particular, such a recommended action can also include a request to restore the data connection.

Claims

Claims 1 . A method for operating a hydraulic device (20) using an operating device (50) that can be connected to the hydraulic device (20) by means of a data connection, comprising: if an impending change (200, 202) of a connection state relating to the data connection between the operating device (50) and the hydraulic device (20) is detected: determining (204) state information relating to a current operating state of the hydraulic device; if the current operating state (208) satisfies a relevance criterion (207) according to the state information: determining (212), based on the state information, one or more recommended actions (216, 218) relating to the current operating state of the hydraulic device; Providing (214) the one or at least one of the plurality of recommended actions (216, 218) to a user; Receiving (224) one or more action instructions (222) relating to the current operating state of the hydraulic device; and if the one or at least one of the plurality of action instructions comprises a change in the current operating state of the hydraulic device: initiating (242) the change in the operating state of the hydraulic device.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: if a change in the connection state relating to the data connection between the operating device and the hydraulic device is detected: determining (304) state information relating to a last operating state of the hydraulic device before the change in the connection state; if the last operating state (308) according to the state information satisfies the relevance criterion (307): determining (312), based on the state information, one or more messages (314) relating to the last operating state of the hydraulic device; Determining (342), based on the one or at least one of the plurality of messages (314), one or more further recommended actions (344) relating to the one or at least one of the plurality of messages (314); and Providing (346) one or more further recommended actions (344) relating to the one or at least one of the multiple messages to the user.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the change in the connection state comprises: The data connection has been disconnected, in particular due to loss of data connection.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the impending change in the connection state comprises one of the following changes: The data connection should be disconnected; A logout from a user account on the control device or on the hydraulic device should take place; A change of a user level on the control device or on the hydraulic device is to be made.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: if the impending change of a connection state relating to the data connection between the operating device and the hydraulic device is detected: checking (226) whether unsecured operating data, in particular parameterization data, are present for the current operating state of the hydraulic device; if unsecured operating information is present: determining (228) one or more further recommended actions (232, 234) comprising a request to save the unsecured operating data; Providing (230) the one or at least one of the several further recommended actions to a user; Receiving (240) one or more further instructions (238) for securing the unsecured operating data; and Arrange for the backup of unsaved operational data.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating state according to the state information satisfies the relevance criterion if the operating state comprises an at least partially manual operation of the hydraulic device (20), in which information for the operation is obtained from the operating device (50).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the one or at least one of the plurality of recommended actions comprises a recommendation to terminate the current operating state.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data connection comprises a wireless data connection, in particular a Bluetooth connection or WiFi connection.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hydraulic device (20) comprises a hydraulic valve.

10. A computing unit (54) comprising a processor configured to carry out the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to claims 1 to 10.

12. A computer-readable data carrier on which the computer program according to claim 11 is stored.

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