Method for the computer-assisted installation and / or start-up and / or maintenance and / or modernization of an industrial system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for the computer-assisted installation and / or start-up and / or maintenance of an industrial installation (1).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for computer-aided installation and / or commissioning and / or maintenance and / or modernization of an industrial plant

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for computer-aided installation and / or commissioning and / or maintenance and / or modernization of an industrial plant.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] It is known that the components of an industrial plant can be interconnected in a centralized topology, in which a central control cabinet is directly connected to devices such as sensors and actuators. Alternatively, the plant can also be planned in a decentralized topology. This means that decentralized connection elements are provided, each of which connects one or more devices to provide automation functions. The decentralized topology offers the advantage of a more flexible system design, is easier to install, and can be more efficient and cost-effective.

[0006] However, installing the system can be complex in individual cases, especially if a large number of different devices are used.

[0007] Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The invention relates to a method having the features of claim 1, a computer program having the features of claim 14, and a device having the features of claim 15. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the computer program according to the invention and the device according to the invention, and vice versa, so that a mutual reference is always possible with regard to the disclosure of the invention.

[0009] The subject matter of the invention is in particular a method, preferably a computer-implemented method, for the computer-aided installation and / or commissioning and / or maintenance and / or modernization of an industrial plant. The method according to the invention can optionally comprise the provision of an installation specification, in particular with a digital circuit diagram and / or mechanical plan and / or other installation information and in particular documentation. The provision and / or the provided installation specification can serve to specify and / or indicate an at least partial structure of at least part of the plant. The at least partial structure can comprise a mechanical and / or a hydraulic and / or a fluid and / or a pneumatic and / or an electrical structure. This means in particular that the structure of the plant is specified by different representations, such as e.g.a mechanical (MCAD) or electrical (ECAD) representation.

[0010] The provision of the installation specification can optionally be achieved by reading and / or processing digital information by at least one computer program. According to a further development, the processing can also include generating the installation specification. To enable provision, user input and / or data transmission of the digital information can also be provided.

[0011] The provision of the installation specification can also optionally be achieved by automatically determining a state and / or a topology and / or a wiring and / or a connection configuration of at least a partial structure of the system and preferably at least partially electronically reading and / or recording it. For this purpose, for example, it can be electronically determined at the connection level (in particular I / O level) of the devices and / or connection elements which devices and / or connection elements are connected to one another. Alternatively, it can be provided that the provision of the installation specification must be carried out without determining it at the connection level, since this is not yet technically possible before or at the time of installation, for example due to the lack of electronic commissioning and / or power supply.

[0012] It is optionally possible for the installation specification – e.g., in the form of a circuit diagram – not to be specified, but to be provided by automatically and dynamically determining it from the (at least partially already installed) system (i.e., even without a specified circuit diagram). This determined installation specification can then be stored for later use for computer-assisted installation and / or commissioning and / or maintenance and / or modernization of the system.

[0013] In the at least partial construction (at least part of the system), the devices and connection elements, the latter particularly in the form of modules, can also be connected to one another electrically and / or for signal and / or data exchange, particularly decentrally and / or in the field, to provide automation functions. The connection can be established, for example, via cable and / or radio. Optionally, the installation specification can specify the connections between the devices and the connection elements. The installation specification can thus also be understood as a digital circuit diagram or a target plan.

[0014] The method according to the invention can optionally comprise providing assembly and / or connection documentation. The assembly and / or connection documentation can document, preferably based on the provided installation specifications, an at least partial assembly, preferably comprising a mechanical and / or hydraulic and / or fluid and / or pneumatic and / or electrical assembly and / or the connection of the devices to the connection elements. For this purpose, the assembly and / or connection documentation can result, for example, from computer-guided installation and / or documentation in which a user confirms, for example, several installation steps. This can be, for example, confirmation that a device has been connected to a port of a connection element.The confirmation may also include the exact specification of the connection, since the connection elements may have several connections for connecting to the devices.

[0015] The provision of the assembly and / or connection documentation can optionally be provided alternatively or in addition to the provision of the installation specifications in the method according to the invention.

[0016] The provision of the assembly and / or connection documentation can optionally be achieved by reading and / or processing digital information using at least one computer program. According to a further development, the processing can also include generating the assembly and / or connection documentation. To enable provision, user input and / or data transmission of the digital information can also be provided.

[0017] The provision of the assembly and / or connection documentation can also optionally be achieved by automatically determining a state and / or a topology and / or an interconnection and / or a connection configuration of at least a partial structure of the system and preferably at least partially reading and / or recording this information electronically. For this purpose, for example, it can be electronically determined at the connection level (in particular the I / O level) of the devices and / or connection elements which devices and / or connection elements are connected to one another. Alternatively, it can be provided that the provision of the assembly and / or connection documentation must be carried out without determining this at the connection level, since this is not yet technically possible at the time of installation, for example due to the lack of electronic commissioning and / or power supply.

[0018] It is optionally possible for the assembly and / or connection documentation not to be specified, but to be provided by automatically and dynamically determining it on the (at least partially already installed) system, preferably during installation. This determined assembly and / or connection documentation can then be stored for later use for computer-aided installation and / or commissioning and / or maintenance and / or modernization of the system.

[0019] The method according to the invention can optionally further comprise providing an actual specification which specifies an actual, at least partial, structure of at least part of the system and / or an actual connection of the devices to the connection elements in the system. In other words, the actual structure refers to the real structure as it actually exists on the machine. This can be determined, for example, by manual recording and / or automated recording at the system. The actual specification can also have been determined as part of the computer-guided installation and / or documentation, e.g. by recording at least one user input and / or correction regarding the actual execution of an installation step. Furthermore, an electrical and / or digital evaluation of the connection elements can be provided if necessary in order to check the actual connection to the devices.

[0020] The provision of the actual specification can optionally be provided alternatively or in addition to the provision of the installation specification and / or the assembly and / or connection documentation in the method according to the invention.

[0021] The provision of the actual specification can optionally be achieved by reading and / or processing digital information using at least one computer program. According to a further development, the processing can also include generating the actual specification. To enable provision, user input and / or data transmission of the digital information can also be provided.

[0022] The provision of the actual specification can also optionally be achieved by automatically determining a state and / or a topology and / or an interconnection and / or a connection configuration of at least a partial structure of the system and preferably at least partially reading and / or recording this data electronically. For this purpose, for example, it can be electronically determined at the connection level (in particular the I / O level) of the devices and / or connection elements which devices and / or connection elements are connected to one another. The provision of the actual specification therefore represents an important addition to the above alternatives, where previously the provision of the installation specifications or assembly and / or connection documentation had to be done without determining this at the connection level, because this was not yet technically possible at the time of installation, for example due to the lack of electronic commissioning and / or power supply.But even if this was possible beforehand, providing the as-is specification can be important because it allows for verification at a later or even final installation time. Furthermore, providing the as-is specification may make it possible to determine the topology and / or the actual connection of the devices more accurately than providing the installation specifications or assembly and / or connection documentation, as more comprehensive electronic commissioning of the system is possible. Providing the installation specifications may also provide less reliable information about at least a partial structure of the system than the as-is specification, as deviations from the installation specifications may arise during installation. Furthermore, providing the assembly and / or connection documentation may also make it more difficult to determine the topology and / or the actual connection of the devices.This makes it less reliable to provide at least a partial description of the structure of the system, as this depends on correct and error-free user input.

[0023] It is optionally possible for the actual specification not to be specified, but to be provided by automatically and dynamically determining it on the (at least partially already installed) system, preferably during and / or after installation. This determined actual specification can then be stored for later use for computer-aided installation and / or commissioning and / or maintenance and / or modernization of the system.

[0024] Optionally, the actual specification may include an actual topology of the system or at least a partial structure of the system. This can be stored digitally for later use after the actual specification has been provided and, preferably, determined.

[0025] The method according to the invention can optionally further comprise determining a comparison result based on an automated evaluation of the provided assembly and / or connection documentation (and / or installation specification) and the actual specification. In this case, a difference between the actual specification and the assembly and / or connection documentation (and / or installation specification) can be determined, preferably as a difference between the actual, at least partial, structure and the documented, at least partial, structure, in each case at least with regard to the part of the system, and / or between the actual connection and the documented connection. On this basis, the determined difference can be provided in the comparison result.In other words, by determining the calibration result, a target / actual comparison can be performed, preferably down to the I / O level of the connection elements and / or down to the device level, in particular the sensor-actuator level, of the connection elements. The I / O level is understood in particular to mean that the specific connections, in particular ports, to which the devices are connected on the connection element are known. This can be achieved by specifying the I / O address, whereby an I / O address range can be defined for this purpose as part of the system's parameterization.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the invention can optionally comprise determining a comparison result based on an automated evaluation of the provided installation specification and the actual specification. A difference between the actual specification and the installation specification can be determined, preferably as a difference between the actual, at least partial, structure and a specified / documented, at least partial, structure of the installation specification, in each case at least with regard to the part of the system, and / or between the actual connection and a specified / documented connection of the installation specification. On this basis, the determined difference can be provided in the comparison result.In other words, by determining the calibration result, a target / actual comparison can be performed, preferably down to the I / O level of the connection elements and / or down to the device level, in particular the sensor-actuator level, of the connection elements. The I / O level is understood in particular to mean that the specific connections, in particular ports, to which the devices are connected on the connection element are known. This can be achieved by specifying the I / O address, whereby an I / O address range can be defined for this purpose as part of the system's parameterization.

[0027] The determination of the comparison result can optionally be carried out as an automated test in which it is checked whether a device has actually been connected in accordance with the documented structure or the documented connection, i.e. for example, at the documented connection of a connection element. The test can accordingly comprise an electrical target / actual comparison in which it is electrically checked to which connections of a connection element a device has been connected and / or which device has been connected. If necessary, the electrical properties of the connected device can also be compared with the expected properties. The comparison result, in particular the target / actual comparison, can then be used to determine whether the device has been connected correctly and whether it is functioning properly.

[0028] The method according to the invention can further optionally comprise providing the comparison result for the system and / or for another system, in particular for installation and / or commissioning and / or operation and / or maintenance and / or modernization of the respective system. For this purpose, the comparison result can be used, for example, to provide new installation specifications and / or to provide automated and / or computer-assisted instructions for installation and / or commissioning and / or operation and / or maintenance and / or modernization. The instructions can preferably comprise a visual output, preferably via augmented reality. This can have the advantage that changes and improvements can be taken into account during installation and / or commissioning and / or operation and / or maintenance and / or modernization of the respective system.The new installation specification and / or instructions can contain a detailed description of the structure of the respective system and / or installation steps, preferably including the dimensions and / or materials and / or components for the system and their functionality. The new installation specification and / or instructions can also contain instructions for the operation and maintenance of the system, including the required maintenance work, the recommended maintenance intervals and the required spare parts. Finally, the instructions can also contain information on the modernization of the system, including the recommended modification and / or improvement measures and the steps required to carry out the modification and / or improvement measures. By providing detailed information and instructions, the new installation specification or instructions canInstructions can help improve plant efficiency and reliability and reduce operating costs.

[0029] Another option resulting from the provision of the comparison result is the output of a test result and / or a warning to a user. Alternatively or additionally, the comparison result can be used to evaluate at least part of the installation and / or maintenance, in particular several installation steps. This evaluation can be carried out, for example, during or after the computer-guided installation and / or documentation in order to determine how accurately the installation / maintenance was carried out. This evaluation can then, for example, be assigned to a user who carried out the installation / maintenance. For this purpose, it may be possible for a user ID to be recorded during the computer-guided installation and / or documentation. One application of the comparison result may be to enable a target / actual comparison down to the connection and / or I / O level of the connection elements.For this purpose, the system can be equipped with sensors that enable precise detection of electrical signals and / or data and / or electrical currents at the terminals of the connection elements. The use of digital control elements can also make it possible to control the I / O level to compare target values ​​with actual values. The system can also be equipped with at least one surveillance camera, which enables visual inspection of the connection elements and / or devices, particularly at the I / O level, thus facilitating the target / actual comparison.

[0030] The system, in particular an industrial system, may comprise an electrical machine and / or an industrial automation system. Furthermore, the system, in particular an industrial system, may be configured at least partially as a mechanical and / or hydraulic and / or fluid and / or pneumatic and / or electrical system.

[0031] The method according to the invention can, if appropriate, at least partially provide computer-assisted installation and / or commissioning and / or maintenance and / or modernization and / or testing and / or operation of the system or of another system. For this purpose, the method can be carried out at least partially or completely by a data processing device, in particular comprising one or more computers. Computer-assisted is understood in particular to mean that automated functions are provided by the device. This can serve to support a user such as an installer when working on the system. The installation can, for example, relate to an initial installation or a reinstallation of the system or of another system, in which the system is constructed according to its predetermined topology. In concrete terms, the construction can comprise the installation and connection of several components of the system.This is preferably done based on a specified installation specification. Furthermore, commissioning may include setting up and / or testing the system, and maintenance may involve checking and / or repairing and / or replacing one or more of the system's components. Modernizing the system may also involve replacing components to add new / adapted or improved functionality to the system and / or to improve its efficiency and performance.

[0032] It is possible for the method according to the invention to comprise providing an installation specification, in particular with a digital circuit diagram and / or a mechanical plan. For this purpose, the installation specification can be retrieved, for example, in the form of digital data, e.g., from a data storage device or a database, and / or stored non-volatilely in a data processing device. The installation specification can comprise a target plan that at least partially specifies the desired structure of the system.

[0033] The provided installation specification can, if necessary, serve to specify an at least partial structure, in particular a mechanical and / or a fluid and / or a pneumatic and / or hydraulic and / or an electrical structure, of at least part of the system. In the specified at least partial structure, devices, in particular sensors and / or actuators, and at least one or more connection elements, in particular one or more modules, can be connected to provide automation functions. The connection can be electrical and / or for signal and / or data exchange and / or wired and / or wireless. Furthermore, the connection can be provided in the field and / or decentralized. For the connection, for example, one or more of the devices can be connected to ports of a respective connection element.

[0034] The connection of the system's devices to the connection elements is preferably made in the field. "In the field" in this context specifically means that the devices and / or connection elements are not connected centrally in the control cabinet, but are distributed at various locations within the system and can be connected to each other there. This enables flexible and space-saving installation of the system and also facilitates on-site maintenance and repair work.

[0035] The one or more connection elements can be designed as at least one of the following and / or comprise at least one of the following: a module, a fieldbus module, a master element, preferably an IO-Link master and / or a fieldbus master, a distributor, a terminal box, a power supply, a fuse, a connection card, a signal converter, a control unit, preferably an engine control unit, a part of a control device, The connections between the components, i.e. the at least one connection element and the devices, can be provided such that each of the connection elements serves to connect to one or more of the devices. For this purpose, the respective connection element can have a plurality of connections for the devices. Specifically, it can be provided that the respective connection element has at least 2 or at least four or at least six connections in order to connect at least one of the devices to each of the connections.The connections can comprise electrical connections and / or data and / or signal connections. An electrical connection can also be understood to mean a connection to the electrical power supply. A signal exchange can also comprise an analog signal exchange, the data exchange preferably a digital signal exchange. Furthermore, the connection can be provided in the field and / or decentralized. In the decentralized case, the connection is made in particular outside a central control device and / or outside a control cabinet directly in the field. Furthermore, the connection can be wired and / or wireless, i.e. the connection elements and / or devices can at least partially have a cable connection and / or a wireless interface. The connections can also be designed for connection to a plug connector.Furthermore, the terminals of a respective connection element can also be provided on a housing of the connection element, and preferably each be electrically connected to a circuit board and / or electronics within the housing. The housing can have a seal and / or at least partially enclose a potting compound for the electronics to enable a water-, dust-, and / or moisture-proof, i.e., in particular, IP67-compliant, design of the connection element.

[0036] The connection of one or more of the devices to the or one of the connection elements can preferably be achieved by connecting the one or more devices to one or more connections of the connection element. For this purpose, the respective connection can be designed, for example, as a port or a terminal. The connection does not necessarily have to be a connection between only two components. A T-piece, for example, makes it possible to connect not just one but two devices to one connection, or even to connect one device to two connections.

[0037] Furthermore, the method according to the invention can provide for assembly and / or connection documentation in which the at least partial structure is documented on the basis of the provided installation specifications. The at least partial structure can comprise a mechanical and / or hydraulic and / or fluid and / or pneumatic and / or electrical structure. It is also conceivable for the connection of the devices to be documented on the basis of the provided installation specifications in the assembly and / or connection documentation. The assembly and / or connection documentation can therefore serve to document the assembly and / or connections carried out by a user on the basis of the installation specifications.A user confirmation of individual installation actions, especially installation steps, may be required. It may also be possible for the installation actions to be confirmed at least partially automatically.

[0038] It is possible that, with the method according to the invention and in particular with the assembly and / or connection documentation, deviations between the documented at least partial structure, in particular the documented connection(s), i.e., the documentation, and the specified at least partial structure or the specified connection(s) according to the installation specification are determined and / or detected. The deviations can be displayed to the user and / or the user can correct and / or confirm the deviations.

[0039] It is also conceivable that the documentation does not correspond to the actual, i.e. real, at least partial structure of at least part of the system, in particular not to the actual connection(s) in the system. This can be possible, for example, due to incorrect confirmation. It is therefore possible that an actual specification is provided which specifies an actual, at least partial structure of at least part of the system and / or an actual connection of the devices with the connection element(s) in the system. The actual specification can, for example, be determined through electronic evaluation of the connection element(s), e.g. through communication with the respective connection element. For this purpose, the respective connection element can, for example, report back which devices are connected there and / or which connections are occupied. The actual specification can also, for example,determined by evaluating device output and / or user input.

[0040] It is also possible for a comparison result to be determined based on an automated evaluation of the provided assembly and / or connection documentation and on the basis of the actual specification. In this case, for example, a difference between the actual specification and the assembly and / or connection documentation can be determined. This difference is preferably a difference between the actual at least partial structure and the documented at least partial structure, in each case at least with regard to the part of the system, and / or between the actual connection and the documented connection. The determined difference can then be provided, preferably output, in the comparison result. This has the advantage that a deviation between the documentation and the actual state of the system, i.e. the actual at least partial structure or the actual connection, can be detected and, if necessary, output to the user.This makes work on the system easier and more reliable.

[0041] The connection elements can each be designed as a module and / or master element, which preferably serve to distribute energy and / or data streams. As a master element, the connection elements can also be designed for data communication with secondary devices. Preferably, at least some of the connection elements and / or devices can each have electronics that have software-based functions, preferably automation functions. The functions are, for example, communication and / or control functions for the system. To parameterize the functions for a specific system, a device device can be provided if necessary.

[0042] For example, computer-assisted device setup is conceivable in the system. The device setup can, for example, include parameterization of the devices and / or storage of specifications that enable the parameterization of the devices (similar to a driver installation). It is conceivable that for this purpose, at least one device-specific setup specification is provided for the connected devices. Subsequently, a transmission of the at least one device-specific setup specification to at least one of the connection elements, preferably master elements, and / or to at least one of the devices connected thereto can be provided. In this case, the at least one device-specific setup specification can be provided and / or transmitted based on an automated evaluation of the provided connection documentation.The provided connection documentation can also document the connection of the devices to the connection elements, preferably master elements, based on the provided installation specifications.

[0043] The device-specific device specification includes, for example, a device name for the respective device in order to be able to identify the device uniquely or one-to-one. Furthermore, the device-specific device specification can include a communication address, preferably a network address, preferably an IP address. The device-specific device specification can also include a device description, preferably an IODD, which preferably describes descriptive data such as device parameters and / or properties of the respective device in order to enable parameterization of the device based on the device description. The descriptive data also includes, for example:Specifications on the device ID and / or the IO-Link version implemented and / or an indication of a communication cycle time and / or the operating modes and / or the data structure for process data and / or the unique identification of the device and / or the type of parameterization and / or the data width and / or the processing time.

[0044] Furthermore, it is conceivable that a master element and / or device device is provided in which device-specific names are configured for the at least one respective master element and / or for the devices. This can enable the device-specific names to be used to provide the automation functions and in particular for communication between the at least one control device and the devices. The device-specific names are, for example, device-specific tags according to an IO-Link specification. The use of device-specific names can have the advantage that, in contrast to I / O addresses, the names can semantically identify the device and / or its function(s) and therefore contribute to easier programming and / or maintenance. For example, the device-specific names can be used directly for control programming.Furthermore, when one of the devices is connected to any port of a connection element, especially a master element, the device-specific name of the connected device can be dynamically assigned to the port. This eliminates the need for the laborious task of assigning the port's I / O address during the control programming for controlling the device.

[0045] In addition, further options for parameterizing the devices can be provided, particularly in an engineering system (ES). A first option, for example, is for the ES to configure the controller, preferably a control device. The connection elements, preferably I / O modules, with their connections, preferably ports, preferably IO-Link ports, can also be defined here. A software tool (“device tool”) can be called from the ES and then receives a temporary parameter file from the ES in order to parameterize the connected device. The software tool can specifically be designed as an IO-Link device tool. A basic functional test of the sensor or actuator is also possible using the tool. Finally, the IO-Link device tool can enable the modification of manipulated variables and characteristic variables in the sensor or actuator without changing the complex PLC control of the system. Another option, for example, isin that information from the device description, in particular IODD, or from data sheets, as well as the associated parameters for the devices, are defined in the controller. This may require the separate programming of IODD information into data blocks of the controller. Another possibility, for example, is for a user's device description, such as IODD, to be integrated into a GSDML file for the system and / or one of the system components and / or one of the connection elements, and in particular an IO-Link master. The GSDML file can be stored in the controller and used by the controller to parameterize the devices. It can be provided that the structure, i.e. the type and topology of at least part of the system / components / devices / connection elements, is stored in the GSDML, and the parameterization settings are stored in the controller, e.g., in a PLC project file.A further possibility preferably consists in that at least one of the connection elements, preferably in the form of Ethernet modules and / or IO-Link master modules, has an internal web server and particularly preferably at least one or more device descriptions, in particular IODD(s), can be imported directly into the connection element via this.

[0046] It is possible for the connecting elements to "know their neighbors." The connecting elements, preferably fieldbus modules, can discover their neighboring connecting elements using a discovery function such as the LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol). LLDP enables the connecting elements to discover their neighboring connecting elements in the network by exchanging information about their identity, capabilities, and / or connection information. This discovery function can be implemented at the link layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model and allows network devices to be identified without the need for manual configuration. Connecting elements that support this discovery function, and preferably LLDP, can periodically send (LLDP) packets containing information about their identity and connection information.Other connection elements that receive these packets can read the information and identify their neighbors. This can have the advantage of at least partially revealing and / or verifying the network topology.

[0047] The system may comprise several components, preferably in the form of devices and / or in the form of at least one connection element for the devices. Further components may be connecting means, such as cables and / or connectors, to establish the connection between the devices and the at least one connection element. The devices may be configured as at least one of the following devices:

[0048] A sensor, an actuator, a light barrier, a binary switch, a binary sensor, a binary actuator, an IO-Link device sensor, an IO-Link device actuator.

[0049] The device-specific device specification, in particular the device description, preferably in the form of an IODD, and / or the description data of the device description, can be designed to contain specific information about a device. This information is, for example, details regarding the functions, properties, configurations or interfaces of the device. The device description is, for example, provided in the form of one or more files. The description data of the device description can be formulated in a description language such as XML (Extensible Markup Language), GSDML (Generic Station Description Markup Language) or DDL (Device Description Language). Examples of device descriptions are IODD (IO Device Description), FDI (Field Device Integration), ESI (EtherCAT Slave Information) and EDD (Electronic Device Description). In addition, an integration of the device description orthe description data into a GSDML file.

[0050] For parameterization, a software tool can also be used, which can transfer the parameters to the device based on the device-specific description data.

[0051] Another option is to use a GSDML file. GSDML stands for "Generic Station Description Markup Language" and is a standardized file format for describing at least one component of the system. The device descriptions or descriptive data can be inserted into the GSDML and then made available to a central controller. This enables automatic parameterization of the devices connected to the connection elements.

[0052] Furthermore, the devices can be designed as analog and / or digital devices. Multiple devices can be connected to a connection element. Each of the connection elements can accordingly be designed as a distributor for the connected devices. The devices can be connected to the connection element directly via cables and / or connectors or, if necessary, indirectly. The indirect connection is made, for example, via an analog converter, in particular an IO-Link, and / or a hub, in particular a 10-Link. The devices can be connected to the (IO-Link) hub in the form of binary standard sensors, for example. Digital (standard) inputs / outputs (I / O) can be provided on the hub for this purpose.

[0053] The connection element, in particular the master element, can be designed as a master module, preferably an IO-Link master. At the same time, the connection element can be designed as a fieldbus module and thus have a fieldbus connection. This enables networking with other connection elements and / or with at least one or exactly one control device via the fieldbus. The control device is, for example, a central controller such as a PLC ("Programmable Logic Controller"). Furthermore, the control device can also be designed as a decentralized controller, which, if necessary, performs the control task directly in the field with other decentralized controllers. The fieldbus module can be designed to control and / or evaluate the devices connected to the connection element based on the fieldbus communication.

[0054] Reading and writing to the device, especially IO-Link devices, is possible via CoE (CAN application protocol over EtherCAT) and / or AoE (Automation Device Protocol over EtherCAT), for example. Configuring at least some of the devices as IO-Link devices allows information such as process data, diagnostics, and parameterization data to be transmitted digitally through the devices. The functions of a web server, an IO-Link device tool, and HOT ("Industrial Internet of Things") can be activated via EoE (Ethernet over EtherCAT) communication, if necessary. Additionally, other digital or analog devices can also be integrated into the system.

[0055] The system is preferably provided in the form of an electrical and / or industrial system and / or an electrical machine and / or an industrial automation system and / or a production and / or conveyor and / or manufacturing system and / or an automotive production system and / or a logistics system. The system can also be designed as a hydraulic or pneumatic or fluid or mechanical system. In the system, liquids or gases can be transported through hoses and / or pipes or valves, a coolant can be supplied, or mechanical forces can be exerted on an object in order to provide a desired function, in an automatically controlled manner. Examples of such systems are a hydraulic press, a pneumatic conveyor system, a system with a fluid cooling mechanism, a machining system, or a mechanical manufacturing machine.The structure of the system, especially fluid structure, may include lines such as hoses and / or pipelines to meet technical and production-related requirements and / or to transport consumables.

[0056] Installation documentation, in particular an installation specification, preferably comprising a circuit diagram or a mechanical plan, preferably in digital form, can specify how the electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, fluid, or mechanical system is constructed and how the various components are interconnected to provide desired functions such as automation functions. In other words, the installation specification can specify and, in particular, predefine a topology of the system. A distinction can be made between a centralized and decentralized topology. In a centralized topology, the devices can predominantly be connected directly to a central control cabinet and, in particular, to a central control device.In a decentralized topology, however, several distributors, also called connection elements, are used, to each of which only a limited number of devices can be connected. The connections between the devices then usually go directly to the spatially closest distributor and from there can either be forwarded directly to the control device or first interpreted or converted. The difference between the two topologies is that in a centralized topology, most connections run directly to the control cabinet, whereas in a decentralized topology, several distributors are used to establish the connections to the devices in a decentralized manner. Accordingly, system components that are usually provided in the control cabinet should be adapted for the field. Components such as power supply units for the energy supply can therefore be protected against water, dust and / or moisture, i.e.in particular IP67-capable.

[0057] The system can have one or more decentralized control devices. These can each provide and / or control only a portion of the overall functionality, preferably the automation functions, of the system. For this purpose, the decentralized control devices can each be designed as a component that can be used in the field. This preferably means that the control devices are protected against water, dust, and / or moisture, i.e., in particular, they are IP67-compliant. Furthermore, the respective decentralized control device can be designed as a functional module and can be modularly connected to other functional modules, such as a power supply unit for the energy supply and / or at least one of the connection elements, in particular modules, and / or a master module, such as a 10-link master and / or a network switch and / or a motor or servo controller.This modular assembly can also be designed to be water, dust, and / or moisture-proof, i.e., particularly IP67-compliant, through an appropriate sealing arrangement. The respective decentralized control device can also comprise an industrial PC and / or perform its control tasks by communicating with the devices via the connection elements or a fieldbus.

[0058] The system may comprise a production line and / or conveyor technology and / or storage and order-picking systems and / or automated sorting systems and / or software for controlling and monitoring processes. Furthermore, the system may comprise multiple components. The components may include devices, in particular operating equipment such as actuators and / or sensors, and / or control devices and / or drives or switchgear and / or valve terminals and / or the like. Furthermore, the components may also include connection elements that can serve as distributors for one or more of the devices. In addition, connecting means such as cables or connectors or the like may be used to connect the components of the system.

[0059] Cables and / or connectors according to standards such as M12, M8, or M5, as well as three-wire cables, can be used as connecting elements. This can have the advantage of ensuring quick and easy installation of the sensors and actuators. The connecting elements can be connected using a bayonet or screw connection, for example. The connector contacts can be rectangular or round and made of different materials such as brass or stainless steel. The connectors can also have a protection rating such as IP67 to ensure reliable operation in harsh environments.

[0060] Within the scope of the invention, a connection element can refer to a distributor which is used for the field connection and / or decentralized interconnection of devices such as actuators, sensors and machines in the system. The connection element can be designed as a fieldbus module which can be connected via a fieldbus to a central control device such as a PLC (programmable logic controller) and / or to at least one decentralized control device. Fieldbus modules thus enable communication between the control device and the devices using a fieldbus protocol such as PROFIBUS, PROFINET, CANopen or EtherCAT. Furthermore, several devices can be connected to the connection element, if necessary also via IO-Link and in particular in order to control and / or read out the devices based on / by means of a received fieldbus signal. In this way, the automation functions of the devices can be provided in a decentralized manner.Another possible variant of a connection element can, if necessary, also directly transmit an electrical control signal and / or sensor signal between the control device and the device. Furthermore, the connection element can be designed as an I / O connection element, in which the connected devices are not connected to the control device, or not only via a fieldbus, but (also) via digital or analog inputs and outputs via the connection element. The connection element thus serves as an interface between the control device and devices such as sensors, actuators and machines and can convert and process signals from the control device into signals usable by the devices and / or vice versa. The inputs and outputs enable the transmission of process data to provide the functionality of the system.

[0061] Optionally, it can be provided that the respective connection element has a plurality of lighting means, preferably LEDs, which are each assigned to a connection, preferably port, or several connections of the connection element and indicate an operating state of the respective connection / port / ports.

[0062] It can be provided that at least one connection element is connected to at least one of the devices via a communication system for digital, in particular point-to-point, communication. A concrete example of such a communication system is IO-Link. IO-Link refers in particular to a communication system for connecting intelligent sensors and actuators to an automation system, which is standardized in the IEC 61131-9 standard under the designation Single-drop digital communication interface for small sensors and actuators (SDCI). In other words, at least one of the connection elements can therefore be designed as a connection element for this communication system, in particular as an IO-Link module.This means that the connection element can be designed to establish communication between the connection element and the devices connected to it via the communication system and preferably via the IO-Link standard.

[0063] IO-Link enables digital communication with devices and offers a high degree of flexibility when connecting devices from different manufacturers. The connection element can be designed as an IO-Link master (master element) or an IO-Link device, thus enabling easy integration of IO-Link devices into the decentralized system's interconnection. The use of IO-Link also enables extensive diagnostic and parameterization options to ensure efficient and reliable system control. Furthermore, the connection element can have a fieldbus interface (and thus also be designed as a fieldbus module), for example, to enable control commands and / or communication via a fieldbus with a control device and / or other connection elements.

[0064] The communication system comprises, for example, a master, preferably a master element, in particular an IO-Link master, and one or more devices, i.e. sensors or actuators, that are suitable for communication with the master. These can specifically be IO-Link devices. The master provides, in particular, the interface to the higher-level controller, i.e. a decentralized or centralized control device such as a PLC, and controls communication with the connected devices. The master can have one or more ports, in particular IO-Link ports, to which only one device can be connected at a time. This can also be a hub that enables the connection of conventional switching sensors and actuators.

[0065] The device, in particular an IO-Link device, can enable bidirectional communication with the connection element and / or be an (intelligent) sensor, actuator, hub, or even a mechatronic component such as a gripper or power supply. The device can provide identification data, such as a type designation and serial number, or parameter data (e.g., sensitivities, switching delays, or characteristic curves), which can be read or written via the communication system and, in particular, the IO-Link protocol. Changing the parameters can advantageously be achieved by parameterization based on a device description. Furthermore, the devices can be capable of providing detailed diagnostic information. The parameters of devices such as sensors and actuators can be device- and technology-specific.Therefore, parameter information can be provided for the respective devices, preferably in the form of a device description such as IODD (IO Device Description) with the description language XML.

[0066] One possible extension for the IO-Link communication system is IO-Link Safety. This extension provides an additional safety communication layer on top of the existing master and device layers, transforming them into "FS Master" and "FS Device."

[0067] Another possible extension for the IO-Link communication system is IO-Link Wireless, which represents a physical extension of the system based on IEEE 802.15.1. An IO-Link Wireless Master behaves like a master in the higher-level system, while the IO-Link Wireless devices are connected via virtual ports over a wireless link.

[0068] The communication system can provide point-to-point communication between the master / master element and the devices. The communication system thus enables a direct connection between the master / master element and the devices, without the need for mediation by other systems. This ensures fast and reliable communication, especially fieldbus-independent.

[0069] It may also be possible for the provided assembly and / or connection documentation to result from automated documentation of installation actions, in particular computer-guided installation and / or documentation. In this case, a user can be guided step by step by a computer to carry out the installation actions for at least partially assembling the system, at least with regard to the part of the system, and / or for connecting the devices to the connection elements. Likewise, a manual confirmation from the user that the installation action has been carried out correctly can be recorded for each installation action. This makes it possible to create the documentation on this basis.The instructions and / or confirmation and / or documentation can be provided by specifying at least one specific connection, in particular a port and / or terminal, for at least one of the connection elements to which at least one of the devices has been connected. Furthermore, the connection of the devices to the connection elements can be documented based on the provided installation specifications in the provided assembly and / or connection documentation at least by evaluating the installation specifications for the step-by-step instructions provided by the computer and / or by documenting the connection in relation to the installation specifications.The documentation of the respective connection is preferably provided by specifying the specific connection / port and / or an article and / or serial and / or manufacturer identification and / or a network address, preferably a MAC address, and / or a spatial coordinate (in particular the installation location in the mechanical representation, preferably model, of the system) of the connected device and / or module. All or part of this information can be confirmed by the user before it is stored. This allows the device to be uniquely or unambiguously identified based on the stored information, for example, to subsequently transfer a setup specification to the device.

[0070] The respective installation action is preferably an installation step, such as connecting at least one device to at least one terminal of a connection element, which is performed during installation and / or maintenance and / or modernization and / or the like. The connection elements can include terminal boxes, power supplies, fuses, connection cards, signal converters, engine control units, control units and / or the like.

[0071] A T-piece may be used for the connection. It can be used, for example, to connect two devices to one connection / port, or conversely, to use two connections / ports to connect one device. The T-piece can be used, for example, in piping systems, pneumatic or hydraulic systems, or in electronic circuits. It enables an efficient and reliable connection between the connecting elements and the devices.

[0072] It may be advantageous if, within the scope of the invention, the determination of the comparison result comprises the following step, which is carried out automatically, preferably during and / or after an automated documentation of installation actions: Checking that the documented at least partial structure, at least with regard to the part of the system, and / or the documented connection of the devices to the connection elements corresponds to the actual at least partial structure and / or an actual connection of the devices to the connection elements.

[0073] In this process, compliance can also be checked with regard to specific connections, especially ports and / or terminals, of the connection elements to which the devices are to be connected. In other words, a topology comparison can be performed at the I / O level.

[0074] For example, the provision of the actual specification may include, at least in part, determining the actual connection of the devices to the connection elements, at least in part, through automated querying of the connection elements, preferably via a communications interface and / or a fieldbus. This can have the advantage of accelerating the installation process and minimizing the error rate, as the connection verification can be automated. It is also possible for the automated querying of the connection elements to be used to identify and display potential cabling errors. This enables rapid troubleshooting and increases system uptime.

[0075] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the provision of the actual specification includes, at least in part, evaluating the installation location of at least one of the connected devices based on a mechanical model, preferably MCAD. This allows the installation of the system to be planned more precisely and accurately, which can prevent errors and delays during installation. The use of a mechanical model, especially MCAD, enables a detailed and realistic representation of the system and the connected devices, which facilitates testing and installation. Furthermore, the evaluation of the installation location enables a function-related test by evaluating a reference in which the functions of the devices are assigned to the different installation locations.

[0076] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the provision of the actual specification includes, at least in part, evaluating a visual recording of at least part of the system. By evaluating the visual recording, the actual installation location of the devices can be determined in order to conduct a functional test. The reference described above can also be used for this purpose. A camera can be used for visual recording.

[0077] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the provision of the actual specification includes, at least in part, the electronic evaluation of system components, preferably an output of the components. This allows potential sources of error to be identified and rectified at an early stage, leading to greater reliability and availability of the system. The electronic evaluation can be carried out, for example, by electrically recording the analog or digital connections of a connection element or by connecting sensors that determine the status of the connected devices. The recorded signals / data can then be transmitted to a central control unit, which evaluates the data.

[0078] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the provision of the actual specification includes, at least in part, evaluating user input. This may allow for manual recording of the actual structure.

[0079] According to a further advantage, it can be provided that determining the actual connection comprises at least the following step: performing an automatic detection of at least part of an actual topology of the system. For this purpose, for example, topology information can be received from the respective connection elements, which preferably comprises at least one of the following information:

[0080] An indication of connections, in particular ports and / or terminals, of the connection element to which devices are connected,

[0081] An identifier of a connected device, preferably with an indication of the connection, preferably ports and / or terminal, of the connection element to which the device is connected, and / or with an indication of an identification of the device, An indication of neighboring connection elements that are connected in a common network, preferably fieldbus, adjacent to the connection element, and which is preferably determined on the basis of communication between the connection element and the neighboring connection elements, particularly preferably by means of LLDP.

[0082] This enables a reliable determination of the actual structure.

[0083] Furthermore, it is conceivable that determining the actual connection includes at least the following steps:

[0084] Initiating a request to a user to trigger a defined output of at least one of the devices,

[0085] Determining the actual connection for the device, in particular the specific port of the connection element to which the device is connected, based on the triggered output.

[0086] A manual action such as a hand gesture or other user interaction can trigger a signal output from a device such as a sensor to determine whether the device / sensor has been connected to the specified port. Furthermore, the triggering can be prompted by a graphical output, where the action is represented graphically and, in particular, animated. The connection elements can then be monitored for a defined time to capture the defined output and determine the actual connection of the device, in particular the specific port of the connection element to which the device is connected, based on the triggered output.

[0087] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the test could be initiated regularly during automated documentation of installation procedures and / or after each confirmation of proper execution of the installation procedure and / or manually via user input and / or prior to commissioning. In other words, the testing of the connection elements can be performed parallel to the installation or at any time.

[0088] Advantageously, within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that the determination of the comparison result comprises: assigning the documented connection of the devices to the connection elements according to the provided assembly and / or connection documentation to the specified connection of the devices to the connection elements according to the installation specification, in order to expand the specified connection by a connection specification from the assembly and / or connection documentation, which specifies the specific connections, preferably ports, of the connection elements to which the documented connection of the devices was made. In other words, the target plan can be updated in this way.The assignment of the documented connection according to the provided connection documentation to the specified connection according to the installation specifications can include not only storing the ports to which the devices were connected, but also specifying the serial number and / or MAC address of the module and / or device. Furthermore, a spatial position in a mechanical plan of the system at which a particular device was arranged can be stored as further information. For this purpose, after a module and / or device has been arranged, i.e. installed, in the system, this installation step can be confirmed by the user and triggered by storing the corresponding information.

[0089] It is also advantageous if the determination of the calibration result includes a comparison of the documented connection of the devices to the connection elements according to the assembly and / or connection documentation with the specified connection of the devices to the connection elements according to the installation specifications.

[0090] This can make it possible to detect deviations between the documented and specified connection and output them via the comparison result.

[0091] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that the comparison result comprises: an indication of at least one or more specific connections of the connection elements to which the documented connection of at least one of the devices was made, preferably by an indication of a respective input and / or output address for the connections of the connection elements, and / or a test result which indicates whether an actual connection of the device to the respective specific connection exists and / or has been successfully tested.

[0092] In this way, testing can be performed efficiently and preferably at the I / O level.

[0093] It may also be possible for the determination of the comparison result to include: resolving ambiguities when assigning the documented connection of the devices to the connection elements according to the provided assembly and / or connection documentation to the specified connection of the devices to the connection elements according to the installation specifications. The ambiguities can result in particular from the fact that several identical devices are connected to one or more connection elements. To resolve the ambiguities, spatial information about the actual installation location of the identical devices can be evaluated, preferably by comparing them with a mechanical model of the system. In other words, for identical devices, the function and therefore the installation location are important. The function can therefore be determined using MCAD. For example,Through appropriate installation procedures, several identical devices, such as light barriers for monitoring different areas, are connected to the connection element at different ports. To determine which of the devices specified in the installation specifications has actually been connected to one of the ports, simply evaluating the device's identification on the port is not sufficient. Therefore, the installation location of the devices is also considered.

[0094] It is also optionally conceivable for the assembly and / or connection documentation to specify which devices were connected to which of the system's connection elements during installation and / or during an installation procedure, and / or in which order the devices were connected, and / or with which deviations from the installation specifications the devices were connected to the connection elements. This can have the advantage of allowing the system to be installed more quickly and efficiently, as the assembly and connection documentation enables clear verification for the installation.

[0095] The invention also relates to a data processing device comprising means for carrying out the steps of the method according to the invention. Thus, the device according to the invention offers the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

[0096] The invention also relates to a computer program, in particular a computer program product, comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the invention. Thus, the computer program according to the invention provides the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

[0097] A data processing device, for example the device according to the invention, which executes the computer program can be provided as the computer. The computer can have at least one processor for executing the computer program. A non-volatile data memory can also be provided, in which the computer program is stored and from which the computer program can be read by the processor for execution.

[0098] It is also conceivable for the computer to comprise at least one integrated circuit such as a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an application-specific standard product (ASSP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like. The computer may further comprise at least one interface for data exchange, e.g., an Ethernet interface, an interface for a LAN (local area network), a WLAN (wireless local area network), a system-on-a-chip (SoC), or another wireless interface such as Bluetooth or near-field communication (NFC). Furthermore, the computer may be configured as one or more control units, i.e., as a system of control units. The computer may, for example, also be provided in a cloud and / or as a server in order to provide data processing for a local application via the interface.It is also possible that the computer is designed as a mobile device, such as a smartphone.

[0099] The invention may also provide a computer-readable storage medium comprising the computer program according to the invention. The storage medium is designed, for example, as a data storage device such as a hard disk and / or a non-volatile memory and / or a memory card. The storage medium can, for example, be integrated into the computer.

[0100] Furthermore, the method according to the invention can also be implemented as a computer-implemented method.

[0101] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show:

[0102] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a decentralized topology.

[0103] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a connecting element.

[0104] Fig. 3 shows an exemplary detailed representation of area A from Fig. 2.

[0105] Fig. 4 Parts of an installation specification.

[0106] Fig. 5 shows a computer, a graphical user interface, and a reading device. Fig. 6 shows a schematic visualization of a method according to embodiments of the invention.

[0107] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary decentralized topology of an industrial plant 1. A control device 2 is shown, which can be implemented as a central control device (PLC) or as one of several decentralized control devices 2. Furthermore, several connection elements 10, preferably modules 10, are shown, which are connected to the control device 2 via a communication system such as a fieldbus (dashed line).

[0108] According to an optional variant, it can be illustrated with reference to Fig. 1 that a correct recording of the topology is possible automatically and / or electronically if a recording of the at least partial structure of the system 1 is carried out at the connection or I / O level of the connection elements 10. This automatic recording can be provided, for example, by providing the actual specification, in which the topology can be read out by electronic evaluation of the connections and stored digitally. According to optional embodiments of the invention, therefore, a first reading of the topology and subsequent storage of the read topology in the (digital) actual specification for later use can be provided.

[0109] Furthermore, to provide automation functions, a plurality of devices 50 are provided, which are connected to the connection elements 10 in the field and / or decentrally. Figs. 2 and 3 show the respective connection elements 10 with further exemplary details. One or more of the devices 50 can be connected to each of the connection elements 10. For this purpose, the devices 50 are connected, in particular via connecting means 90 such as cables and / or connectors, to corresponding connections 30, in particular ports 30, of the connection elements 10. In this way, the connection elements 10 serve to connect the respective connected devices 50 to the control device 2 and / or to distribute data and / or signal transmission to the respective connected devices 50.

[0110] The devices 50 can be, for example, actuators 81 or sensors 82. The connection between the connection elements 10 and at least some of the devices 50 can be a bidirectional point-to-point connection, preferably via a communication system for digital communication such as IO-Link. The connection between the connection elements 10 and at least some of the devices 50 can also be an analog and / or digital connection. The connection elements 10 thus enable different connection types to be used to connect the devices 50. It is possible for the connection elements 10 to also have different connections 30, in particular ports 30, adapted to the different connection types. The connections 30 can be arranged on a housing 40 of the connection element 10.

[0111] Fig. 4 shows an example excerpt from a digital circuit diagram, which can be part of the provided installation specification. The installation specification can be intended to specify an electrical wiring for system 1, in which devices 50 and connection elements 10 are electrically connected to one another to provide automation functions in the field and / or decentrally.

[0112] It is conceivable that, prior to installation of system 1, a topology of system 1 is known via the installation specifications, but not which specific connection element is connected to which specific device via which connecting means 90. This means that, prior to installation, the required components 80 may be known in terms of type due to the installation specifications, but the unique assignment to specific components 80 has not yet taken place. For example, Fig. 1 shows that one or more of the devices 50 can be connected to a respective connection element 10. During installation, it is then possible for the connection element 10 to be selected from one of several, and possibly also the devices 50 from one or more generic components 80.

[0113] In order to simplify installation and documentation - as well as, based on the documentation, device setup and / or configuration and / or programming of a controller - the installation can be supported by a computer as follows. In addition to providing instructions for installation steps, the connection documentation can also be created simultaneously through automatic documentation of the installation steps. The example sequence is as follows: a. First, outputs are initiated to a user, which instruct the user step by step in carrying out installation steps (see the graphical user interface in Fig. 5). The installation steps, also referred to as installation actions, can include selecting, attaching and connecting devices 50 and / or connection elements 10 and / or connecting means 90. For example,the user is prompted to select a component 80, such as one of the connection elements 10 or a connecting means 90. To make the selection, the user scans an identifier such as a machine-readable code on the component 80 using a reader 200 such as a handheld scanner. The reader 200 can have an interface 201, e.g., a radio interface, to transmit an identification of the component 80 to a corresponding interface 201 of the computer 5 based on the scanned identifier. b. The computer 5 can use the transmitted identification to identify one or more possible installation locations 320 or (if a connecting means 90 was selected) connections 30 / ports 30 of the connection elements 10 in the system 1. For this purpose, a search can be carried out in the installation specifications for suitable locations.For this purpose, the installation specification can include, in digital form, both an electrical circuit diagram and a linked mechanical and / or three-dimensional representation of the system 1. In a visualization of the spatial, in particular mechanical and / or three-dimensional, representation 310 of the system 1, the possible installation locations 320 can then be displayed on a user interface 300. If the connecting means 90 has been selected, a light source 20 assigned to the corresponding connection 30 / port 30 can also light up. c. The user can, if necessary, select one of the installation locations 320 and install or connect the component 80 at the desired installation location 320 or at the connection 30 / port 30. d. The user can then confirm this installation step. This enables the computer 5 to document the installation step and to store the information about the selected installation location 320 or connection 30 / port 30.For this purpose, information about the connection 30 / port 30, e.g. an address of the connection 30 / port 30, and / or the identification of the component 80 and / or the designation of the device 50 and / or the installation location and / or the like can be stored in the connection documentation.

[0114] The connection documentation thus serves, in particular, to document the connection of the devices 50 to the connection elements 10 based on the provided installation specifications. Furthermore, the connection documentation can be automatically evaluated to determine a calibration result on this basis and to make it available for installation and / or commissioning and / or maintenance and / or modernization and / or during operation of System 1.

[0115] The comparison result can be used to indicate, in particular, whether the specified installation matches the actual installation. This is useful, for example, if the aforementioned confirmation by the user is incorrect and / or if the user intentionally deviates from the installation specifications. To detect this deviation through automated evaluation, a computer-assisted check can be performed to determine whether the documented connection of the devices 50 to the connection elements 10 matches the actual connection of the devices 50 to the connection elements 10. The evaluation can also include an evaluation of the installation specifications with regard to the interconnection of the components 80.

[0116] The match can also be checked with regard to the specific connection 30, preferably ports 30, of the connection elements 10 to which the devices 50 are to be connected (see Figs. 2 and 3). This is possible, for example, by querying the connection elements 10 via the communication system or another interface to determine which of the connections 30 / ports 30 are occupied. In some cases, such as when using IO-Link devices 50, this could also determine further details about the connected device 50 (such as a label or the like). Another possibility is to prompt the user to manually activate the device 50. For example, in the case of a sensor such as a light barrier, a hand movement can be used to trigger detection by the sensor. In the case of an actuator, for example, a current characteristic at the connection element 10 can be evaluated.Activation of device 50 can result in an output from device 50 that can be detected at connection 30 or port 30 of connector 10 to which device 50 is connected. By detecting this defined output from device 50, it is thus possible to determine the actual connection.

[0117] Furthermore, an automated evaluation of the provided connection documentation may make it possible for at least one or more device-specific setup specifications to be provided for the connected devices 50 and / or transmitted to at least one of the connection elements 10 and / or to at least one of the devices 50 connected thereto. In this case, those of the at least one or more device-specific setup specifications that are intended for the at least one device 50 connected to the connection element 10, in particular that correctly describe it, can be transmitted to the respective connection element 10 in the form of device descriptions. The automated evaluation of the provided connection documentation can thereby determine the device description intended for the device 50. For this purpose, the automated evaluation evaluates, for example, the information stored in the connection documentation, such as a device designation.The transfer of the device specifications enables, in particular, automated parameterisation of the devices 50.

[0118] Fig. 6 schematically shows a method 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The method 100 is used for the computer-aided installation and / or commissioning and / or maintenance and / or modernization of an industrial plant 1. According to a first method step 101, provision of an installation specification, in particular with a digital circuit diagram and / or mechanical plan, is provided. This can be used to specify at least a partial structure, in particular a mechanical, hydraulic, fluid, pneumatic and / or electrical structure, of at least part of the plant 1, in which devices 50 and connection elements 10, in particular modules 10, are connected to one another electrically and / or for signal and / or data exchange, in particular decentrally in the field, preferably by cable or radio, to provide automation functions. The automation functions include, for example:the monitoring and / or control and / or regulation of the system 1. The devices 50 can include sensors, actuators, controllers, computers, communication modules, storage media, and / or display elements. The connection elements 10 can be connectors, terminals, switches, relays, and / or fieldbus modules. The decentralized installation also enables a flexible and adaptable configuration of the system 1, since devices 50 and connection elements 10 can be easily added, replaced, or removed without the entire system 1 having to be rewired.

[0119] According to a second method step 102, provision may be made for assembly and / or connection documentation, in which, on the basis of the provided installation specification, the at least partial structure, comprising a mechanical, a hydraulic, a fluid, a pneumatic and / or an electrical structure and / or the connection of the devices 50 to the connection elements 10, is documented.

[0120] According to a third method step 103, an actual specification can be provided which specifies an actual (in particular real) at least partial structure of at least part of the system 1 and / or an actual (in particular real) connection of the devices 50 to the connection elements 10 in the (real) system 1.

[0121] According to a fourth method step 104, a comparison result can be determined based on an automated evaluation of the provided assembly and / or connection documentation and the actual specification. A difference between the actual specification and the assembly and / or connection documentation can be determined, preferably as a difference between the actual, at least partial, structure and the documented, at least partial structure, in each case at least with regard to the part of the system 1, and / or between the actual connection and the documented connection, in order to provide the determined difference in the comparison result. The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively within the framework of examples.Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided that this is technically reasonable, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0122] List of reference symbols

[0123] Attachment

[0124] Control device

[0125] device

[0126] computer program

[0127] Connection element, module

[0128] Light bulbs

[0129] connection, port

[0130] Housing

[0131] Device, sensor, actuator

[0132] Component first component, actuator second component, sensor

[0133] Connectors, cables

[0134] Procedure first procedure step second procedure step third procedure step fourth procedure step

[0135] reader

[0136] Radio interface

[0137] User interface spatial representation

[0138] Installation locations

Claims

Claims 1. A method (100) for computer-aided installation and / or commissioning and / or maintenance and / or modernization of an industrial plant (1), comprising the following steps: Providing (101) an installation specification, in particular with a digital circuit diagram and / or mechanical plan, in order to specify an at least partial structure of at least part of the system (1), in which devices (50) and connection elements (10), in particular modules (10), are connected to one another electrically and / or for signal and / or data exchange in the field to provide automation functions, and / or Providing (102) assembly and / or connection documentation, in which, preferably on the basis of the provided installation specification, the at least partial structure, comprising a mechanical and / or a hydraulic and / or a fluid and / or a pneumatic and / or an electrical structure and / or the connection of the devices (50) to the connection elements (10), is documented, Providing (103) an actual specification which specifies an actual at least partial structure of at least part of the system (1) and / or an actual connection of the devices (50) to the connection elements (10) in the system (1), Determining (104) a comparison result based on an automated evaluation of the actual specification and the provided installation specification and / or assembly and / or connection documentation, wherein a difference between the actual specification and the installation specification and / or the assembly and / or connection documentation is determined, preferably as a difference between the actual at least partial structure and the documented at least partial structure, in each case at least with regard to the part of the system (1), and / or between the actual connection and the documented connection, in order to provide the determined difference in the comparison result.

2. Method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the provided assembly and / or connection documentation results from an automated documentation of installation actions, in which a user is instructed step by step by a computer for carrying out the installation actions for at least partially assembling the system (1), at least with regard to the part of the system (1), and / or for connecting the devices (50) to the connection elements (10), and in which a manual confirmation from the user is recorded for the respective installation action that the installation action has been carried out correctly in order to carry out the documentation on this basis, wherein the instruction and / or the confirmation and / or the documentation is carried out by specifying at least one concrete connection (30), in particular a port and / or a terminal, for at least one of the connection elements (10),to which at least one of the devices (50) has been connected, wherein the connection of the devices (50) to the connection elements (10) is preferably documented on the basis of the provided installation specification in the provided assembly and / or connection documentation at least by evaluating the installation specification for the step-by-step instructions by the computer and / or documenting the connection with reference to the installation specification.

3. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination (104) of the comparison result comprises the following step, which is carried out automatically, preferably during and / or after an automated documentation of installation actions: Checking that the documented at least partial structure, at least with regard to the part of the system (1), and / or the documented connection of the devices (50) to the connection elements (10) corresponds to the actual at least partial structure and / or an actual connection of the devices (50) to the connection elements (10), wherein the correspondence is also checked with regard to specific connections (30), in particular ports and / or terminals, of the connection elements (10) to which the devices (50) are to be connected. Method (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the provision of the actual specification at least partially comprises: Determining the actual connection of the devices (50) to the connection elements (10) at least partially by an automated query on the connection elements (10), preferably via a communication interface and / or a field bus, and / or - evaluating an installation location of at least one of the connected devices (50) on the basis of a mechanical model, and / or - evaluating a visual recording of at least part of the system (1), and / or Electronic evaluation of components (80) of the system (1), preferably an output of the components (80), and / or - Evaluating user input.

5. Method (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that determining the actual connection comprises at least the following step: Carrying out an automatic detection of at least part of an actual topology of the system (1), wherein for this purpose topology information is received from the respective connection elements (10), which preferably comprises at least one of the following information: An indication of connections (30), in particular ports and / or terminals, of the connection element (10) to which devices (50) are connected, An identifier of a connected device (50), preferably specifying the connection (30), preferably ports and / or terminal, of the connection element (10) to which the device (50) is connected, and / or specifying an identification of the device (50), An indication of neighboring connection elements (10) which are connected in a common network, preferably fieldbus, adjacent to the connection element (10), and which is preferably determined on the basis of communication between the connection element (10) and the neighboring connection elements (10), particularly preferably by means of LLDP.

6. Method (100) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that determining the actual connection comprises at least the following steps: Initiating a request to a user to trigger a defined output of at least one of the devices (50), Determining the actual connection for the device (50), in particular the specific connection (30) of the connection element (10) to which the device (50) is connected, based on the triggered output.

7. The method (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the user is prompted to manually activate the device (50) to trigger the output, preferably by a hand movement which is detected by the device (50) in the form of a sensor (50).

8. Method (100) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the test is initiated regularly during an automated documentation of installation actions and / or after each confirmation of proper execution of the installation action and / or manually by a user input and / or before commissioning.

9. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination (104) of the comparison result comprises: Assigning the documented connection of the devices (50) to the connection elements (10) according to the provided assembly and / or connection documentation to the specified connection of the devices (50) to the connection elements (10) according to the installation specification, in order to expand the specified connection by a connection specification of the assembly and / or connection documentation, which specifies the concrete connections (30), preferably ports, of the connection elements (10) to which the documented connection of the devices (50) has been made.

10. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination (104) of the comparison result comprises a comparison of the documented connection of the devices (50) to the connection elements (10) according to the assembly and / or connection documentation with the predetermined connection of the devices (50) to the connection elements (10) according to the installation specification in order to detect deviations between the documented and predetermined connection and to output them via the comparison result.

11. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the comparison result comprises: an indication of at least one or more concrete connections (30) of the connection elements (10) at which the documented connection of at least one of the devices (50) was made, preferably by an indication of a respective input and / or output address for the connections (30) of the connection elements (10), and / or a test result which indicates whether an actual connection of the device (50) to the respective concrete connection (30) exists and / or has been successfully tested.

12. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination (104) of the comparison result comprises: - Resolving ambiguities when assigning the documented connection of the devices (50) to the connection elements (10) according to the provided assembly and / or connection documentation to the specified connection of the devices (50) to the connection elements (10) according to the installation specification, wherein the ambiguities result in particular from the fact that several identical devices (50) are connected to one or more connection elements (10), wherein in order to resolve the ambiguities, spatial information about an actual installation location of the identical devices (50) is evaluated, preferably by a comparison with a mechanical model of the system (1).

13. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly and / or connection documentation specifies which devices (50) were connected to which of the connection elements (10) of the system (1) during installation and / or in which order the devices (50) and / or with which deviation from the installation specification the devices (50) were connected to the connection elements (10).

14. A computer program (6) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (6) is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Device (5) for data processing which is arranged to carry out the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

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