Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is the US National Stage of International Application No. PCT/EP2007/051604, filed Feb. 20, 2007 and claims the benefit thereof. The International Application claims the benefits of German application No. 10 2006 015 029.5 DE filed Mar. 31, 2006, both of the applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a control device, by which a production machine is able to be controlled in accordance with a control program stored in the control device, with the production machine having at least two elements with interfaces, with said elements being connected to one another at the interfaces. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    Such control devices are generally known. Examples of such control devices are programmable logic controls and numerical controls. 
         [0004]    The elements of the corresponding production machine can for example be mechanical, electrical, electronic or data systems elements. Examples of mechanical elements are a threaded spindle or a step-down gear. Examples of electrical elements are drives or a motor-driven tool holder. Examples of electronic elements are sensors or decentralized peripheral units. Examples of data systems elements are software modules or communication programs. 
         [0005]    The interfaces of the corresponding production machines are of a diverse nature. They include mechanical interfaces, electrical interfaces, data systems interfaces and more besides. 
         [0006]    For orderly operation of the production machine it is necessary for said interfaces to have been correctly planned into the project. Project planning is generally undertaken using modeling programs, by means of which the production machine is able to be modeled. The modeling programs run on computers which are not controllers for production machines but are commercially-available PCs. 
         [0007]    The modeling programs include element descriptions of possible elements, with the element descriptions comprising at least a list of the available interfaces so that it is possible to determine which elements are able to be connected to one another. The modeling programs are used to create a required configuration description which includes which elements the production machine features and via which interfaces the elements are connected to one another. The required configuration description can be created and changed by an operator of the modeling program. A required configuration description already generated can also be retrieved. The created required configuration description is able to be stored in the control device of the production machine. The control device has an operator interface via which the required configuration description can be output to the operator. 
         [0008]    Production machines are upgraded from time to time. An example of such an upgrade is the addition of a further element, the removal of an element previously present, the replacement of elements or also upgrading to a new operating mode. In order to always maintain the current configuration of the production machine in the control device, it is thus necessary in the prior art to complete the configuration change using the computer and the modeling program and to store the new required configuration description in the control device. 
         [0009]    A printing press of modular construction which features a control device is known from EP 0 747 793 A2. Stored in each of the individual modules of the printing press is a description of the respective module. The modules “sign on” at the control device. This enables the latter to determine the present configuration of the printing press and to operate the printing press to match the present configuration determined. 
         [0010]    A control device for a packaging machine is known from EP 1 225 491 A1. Stored in the control device are instructions for an operator of the packaging machine. The instructions can be retrieved by the operator. They specify the measures to be taken by the operator and the order in which they are to be taken in order to convert the packaging machine from a first operating mode to a second operating mode. 
         [0011]    A project planning and diagnostic device for a electrical installation is known from DE 199 17 102 A1. The device can have a reservoir area in which element descriptions of possible elements of the electrical installation are stored. In such cases each element description can include a list of the available interfaces. This allows the project planning and diagnostic device to determine which elements can be connected to one another. The project planning and diagnostic device can also have a configuration area, in which a required configuration description is stored. The required configuration description includes at least the elements that the electrical installation features and via which interfaces the elements are connected to one another. The project planning and diagnosis device also features an operator interface via which the required configuration description can be requested by an operator of the project planning and diagnostic device, can be output to the operator as a result of the request and can be changed by the operator. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0012]    An object of the present invention is to further develop a control device such that the required configuration description is able to be updated in a simpler manner than in the prior art. 
         [0013]    The object is achieved, starting from a control device of the type stated at the outset, by the control device featuring a reservoir area in which element descriptions of possible elements are stored, by the respective element descriptions at least including a list of the available interfaces, so that the control device determines which elements can be connected to one another, and by the control device having an operator interface via which the required configuration description is able to be requested by an operator of the production machine, output to the operator in response to the request and changed by the operator. 
         [0014]    Examples of electronic elements are sensors or decentralized peripheral units. Examples of data systems elements are software modules or communication programs. In each case the elements may involve units which are included individually in the project planning of the production machine. 
         [0015]    Preferably installation and dismantling information is also stored in the reservoir area, providing information about how the possible elements are able to be connected to one another or disconnected from one another via the interfaces. This is because it is then possible for the installation and dismantling information to also be requested by the operator via the operator interface and output to the operator at this interface. 
         [0016]    Also preferably stored in the reservoir is commissioning information about how the possible elements are to be put into operation. This is because this makes it possible for the commissioning information to also be requested by the operator via the operator interface and output to the operator via said interface. 
         [0017]    In an advantageous embodiment the required configuration description features parameter settings for the existing elements. The parameter settings are also able to be output to the operator via the operator interface and changed by the operator. 
         [0018]    In a preferred embodiment of the inventive control device the required configuration description changed by the operator is able to be stored in the configuration area as an alternative to or in addition to the original required configuration description. This is because overwriting a superseded configuration is possible especially by storing alternatives to the original required configuration description. Storing additional configurations to the original required configuration description provides the option of keeping a number of frequently-needed required configuration descriptions simultaneously in the control device. In this case the required configuration description which is valid at the time should of course be flagged in the control device. 
         [0019]    Preferably the operator can prespecify to the control device a choice of one of the interfaces of a specific element. In this case the element descriptions of the possible elements able to be connected to the chosen interface are preferably able to be output via the operator interface to the operator. Based on this arrangement user guidance during the project planning of the production machine is especially possible. 
         [0020]    The project planning of the production machine is facilitated even further if the control device, on determining the possible elements able to be connected to the chosen interface, is also able to take account of which elements are connected to the other interfaces of the specific element. For example this allows mutual influences and incompatibilities to be taken into account. 
         [0021]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the required configuration description is embodied to contain an instantiation of one of the element descriptions for each available element. This makes creating the required configuration description especially simple. 
         [0022]    Preferably the elements present are able to be monitored for correct operation by the control device while it is controlling the production machine and in the event of a malfunction of one of the elements a message is able to be output via the operator interface to the operator. Based on the message the operator can identify the element at which the malfunction has occurred. 
         [0023]    It is especially easy for the operator to detect the error location if the message able to be output by the control device includes a project planning diagram of the project planning machine in which the element at which the malfunction has occurred is highlighted visually. 
         [0024]    It is possible for the control device to be able to determine an actual configuration of the production machine. In this case for example the actual configuration can be automatically stored in the control device as the present configuration by the control device. 
         [0025]    The present configuration is requested via the operator interface by the operator and is able to be output to the operator in response to the request. 
         [0026]    The present configuration preferably features a configuration part and an element part, with the configuration part corresponding in its format to a required configuration description and the element part containing dynamic data of the elements of the production machine. 
         [0027]    The configuration part is preferably not able to be changed by the operator. It can be accepted as the required configuration description. The transferred required configuration description is then able to be changed again. 
         [0028]    The element part can be at least partly modifiable by the operator. 
         [0029]    Preferably the control device updates the present configuration during operation of the production machine. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    Further advantages and details can be found in the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. The figures show the following basic diagrams: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  a block diagram of a typical production machine, 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  a block diagram of a control device for the production machine of  FIG. 1  and 
           [0033]      FIG. 3 to 6  flowcharts. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
       [0034]      FIG. 1  shows—purely by way of an example—a production machine  1 . The production machine  1  features different elements  2  to  14 . The following are shown as examples in  FIG. 1 :
       A chassis unit  2 ,   A tool carriage  3 , which is able to be moved by means of a carriage spindle  4  and a carriage drive  5 ,   A first and a second workpiece holder  6 ,  7 , each of which has a chuck  8 ,  9  and which can be moved by means of a holder drive  10  and a holder spindle  11  in relation to one another,   A workpiece drive  12 , by means of which a workpiece  12 ′ can be rotated around an axis of rotation  12 ″, and   A tool magazine  13 , containing a number of tools  14 .         
         [0040]    Elements  2  to  14  are mechanically connected to one another via interfaces. For example the carriage drive  5  is connected via schematically indicated threaded bolts  15  to the chassis unit  2 . The associated bolt guides of the chassis unit  2  and of the carriage drive  5  thus represent a part of the mechanical interface between the chassis unit  2  and the carriage drive  5 . Furthermore the carriage drive  5  is connected via corresponding connection elements to the drive spindle  4 . This connection too represents a mechanical interface, here between the carriage spindle  4  and the carriage drive  5 . Similar embodiments apply for the other of the elements  2  to  14 . Thus for example the workpiece carriage  3  must be adapted to the diameter and the thread pitch of the carriage spindle  4 . 
         [0041]    Electrical interfaces are also provided, especially terminals for energy, signal and communication lines. These interfaces too must be suitably connected to one another. For example an electrical interface can have screw terminals for connecting individual conductors or can have a multipin prefabricated plug-in connector. Data systems interfaces must also be taken into account. Data transfer rate, protocol, signal type etc. are considered for example. 
         [0042]    The production machine  1  is controlled in accordance with  FIG. 2  by a control device  16 . To this end the control device  16  has a memory  17  which holds a control program  18  as one of its programs. The control program  18  is read out and executed by a processor  19  of the control device  16 . According to the control program  18  the processor  19  controls the production machine  1  via a machine interface  20 . 
         [0043]    A present configuration  21  and descriptions  21 ′,  21 ″ can be stored in the memory  17 . The present configuration  21  and the descriptions  21 ′,  21 ″ can be output via an operator interface  22  to an operator  23  of the production machine  1 , in some cases it is also able to be retrieved and changed. For this purpose the operator interface  22  preferably includes a visual display unit and an input device (for example keyboard and/or cursor control). 
         [0044]    In accordance with  FIG. 2  the descriptions  21 ′ are stored in a reservoir area  24  of the memory  17 , the descriptions  21 ″ in a configuration area  25  of the memory  17 . 
         [0045]    The descriptions  21 ′,  21 ″ stored in the control device  16  are explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
         [0046]    The descriptions  21 ′ are element descriptions  21 ′. In accordance with  FIG. 3  they each describe a possible element  26  of the production machine  1 . The element descriptions  21 ′—specifically for the respective possible element  26 —have the following contents: 
         [0047]    A list of the available interfaces of the respective possible element  26  and a description of these interfaces. On the one hand the descriptions contain a plain text part which can be output via the operator interface  22  to the operator  23 , on the other hand a part prepared for data processing which is used internally by the control device  16  in order to determine which other possible elements  26  are able to be connected with which of their interfaces to the respective interface of this possible element  26 . 
         [0048]    Installation information about whether the respective possible element  26  is to be connected via its interface to other possible elements  26 . 
         [0049]    Dismantling information about how the respective possible element  26  is able to be disconnected from other possible elements. 
         [0050]    Commissioning information about how the respective possible element  26  is to be put into operation. 
         [0051]    A list of possible parameters and the maximum or minimum permitted limit values for these parameters. 
         [0052]    The installation, dismantling and commissioning information is held in plain text, for example in ASCII code, and is able to be output via the operator interface  22  to the operator  23 . 
         [0053]    The descriptions  21 ′ stored in the reservoir area  24  are able to be changed by the operator  23 . However it is also possible for them not to be able to be changed by the operator  23 . 
         [0054]    At least one required configuration description  21 ″ is stored in the configuration area  25 . If necessary a number of required configuration descriptions  21 ″ can also be held in the configuration area  25 . If more than one required configuration description  21 ″ is held in the configuration area  25  there should also be a flag to indicate which of the required configuration descriptions  21 ″ is valid (=activated) at the time. 
         [0055]    The required configuration descriptions  21 ″ are able to be requested via the operator interface  22  by the operator  23 . If the operator  23  enters a request of this type, the requested required configuration description  21 ″ is output by the control device  16  via the operator interface  22  to the operator  23 . It can then be changed by the operator  23 . 
         [0056]    In accordance with  FIG. 3  each required configuration description  21 ″ includes for each element  2  to  14  that the production machine  1  has in accordance with the respective required configuration description  21 ″, an instantiation of one of the element descriptions  21 ′ which are stored in the reservoir area  24 . The instantiations are parameterized. The possible parameters of the respective elements  2  to  14  are thus assigned actual values. Furthermore the respective instantiations are obviously assigned the information about which of the elements  2  to  14  are connected to the respective instantiated element  2  to  14 . The required configuration description  21 ″ thus includes which of elements  2  to  14  the production machine  1  features and via which interfaces the elements  2  to  14  are connected to one another. 
         [0057]    The present configuration  21  can also be stored in the configuration area  25 . It can be requested via the operator interface  22  by the operator  23 . In the event of a request via the operator interface  22  it is output to the operator  23 . 
         [0058]    The present configuration  21  contains a configuration part  21   a  and an element part  21   b . Both the configuration part  21   a  and also the element part  21   b  are requested by the operator  23 . 
         [0059]    The form of the configuration part corresponds to a required configuration description  21 ″. It can be accepted by the operator  23  as the required configuration description  21 ″. However it is not possible for the operator  23  to change the configuration part  21   a . He can only make changes if he has transferred the configuration part  21   a  as a required configuration description  21 ″. 
         [0060]    The element part  21   b  contains dynamic data of elements  2  to  14  of the production machine  1 . For example the element part  21   b  contains the run times, the time of the last maintenance or inspection, the wear state etc. of elements  2  to  14  of the production machine  1 . The element part  21   b  is able—at least partly—to be changed by the operator  23 . 
         [0061]    The interaction of the control device  16  with the operator  23  is now described in conjunction with  FIG. 4 , where it relates to the descriptions  21 ′,  21 ″ stored in the control device  16 . 
         [0062]    In accordance with  FIG. 4  the control device  16  in a step S 1 , accepts an input from the operator  23  entered via the operator interface  23 . In a step S 2  the control device  16  tests whether the operator input is a choice of a required configuration description  21 ″. If it is, the control device  16  determines in a step S 3  which required configuration description  21 ″ the operator  23  has chosen. In addition the control device  16  accepts the chosen required configuration description  21 ″ into a buffer  27  and outputs it via the operator interface  22  to the operator  23 . 
         [0063]    If the input of step S 1  is not a choice of a required configuration description  21 ″, the control device,  16  tests in a step S 4 , whether the input of the step S 1  is a change specification for the chosen required configuration description  21 ″. If it is, the control device  16 , in a step S, changes the chosen required configuration description  21 ″ in accordance with the change specification. The changes are however only made in relation to the required configuration description  21 ″ stored in the buffer  27 . The required configuration description  21 ″ stored in the configuration area  25  is not changed. Step S 5  will be examined in more detail below in conjunction with  FIG. 5 . 
         [0064]    If the input of step S 1  is also not a change specification, the control device  16  tests, in a step S 6 , whether the input is a request to output information about installation, dismantling or commissioning of an element  2  to  14 . If this is the case, the control device  16  outputs the requested information to the operator  23  in a step S 7  via operator interface  22 . 
         [0065]    If the input of the step S 1  is also not an information request, the control device  16  tests, in a step S 8 , whether previous inputs are to be stored. If they are, the control device  16  also tests, in a step S 9 , whether the required configuration description  21 ″ stored in the buffer  27  is to replace the corresponding original required configuration description which is stored in the configuration area  25 . If it is, the control device  16 , in a step S 10 , stores the required configuration description  21 ″ buffered in the buffer  27  instead of the original required configuration description  21 ″ in the configuration area  25 . Else the control device  16  executes a step S 11 , in which its stores the required configuration description  21 ″ buffered in the buffer  27  in the configuration area  25  in addition to the required configuration description  21 ″ already stored there. The control device  16  is thus able to store the required configuration description  21 ″ changed by the operator  23  in the control device  16  as an alternative or in addition to the original required configuration description  21 ″. 
         [0066]    The control device  16  also then executes a step S 12 . In step S 112  the control device  16  clears the buffer  27 , provided the required configuration description  21 ″ was previously stored there. Step S 12  is also executed if the information is not to be stored in the configuration area  25 . 
         [0067]    In accordance with  FIG. 5 , step S 5  of  FIG. 4  for example can be implemented as follows: 
         [0068]    In a step S 21  the control device  16  tests whether the change specification of the user  23  is a selection entry for one of the elements  2  to  14 . If it is, the control device  16 , in a step S 22  outputs the description of the respective element  2  to  14  or at least a part of this description  23 . Furthermore the control device  16  flags this element  2  to  14  internally as chosen. 
         [0069]    If the change specification is not a choice of an element  2  to  14 , the control device  16  tests, in a step  23 , whether the input was a specification to change a parameter. If it is, the control device  16 , in a step S 24  outputs the parameters of the chosen element  2  to  14  via the operator interface  23  to the operator  22 . In a step S 25  it accepts the appropriate parameter specifications. 
         [0070]    If the change specification of step S 1  was neither the choice of an element  2  to  14  nor the specification of a parameter, the control device  16  tests, in a step S 26 , whether the operator  23  has chosen one of the interfaces of the previously chosen element  2  to  14 . If he has, the control device  16  determines on the basis of the description of the chosen interface and the descriptions of the interfaces of the possible elements  26 , which possible elements  26  are able to be connected to the chosen interface. When determining the possible elements  26  able to be connected to the chosen interface, the control device  16  preferably takes account of which elements  2  to  14  are already connected to the other interfaces of the specific element  2  to  14 . 
         [0071]    In a step S 28  the control device  16  outputs the descriptions  21 ′ of the possible elements  26  (or a part of the descriptions) determined in step S 27  via the operator interface  22  to the operator  23 . In a step S 29  the control device  16  finally accepts a corresponding choice of one of the possible elements  26  from the operator  23 . 
         [0072]    In the operation of the production machine  1  the control device  16  preferably initially determines in accordance with  FIG. 6  in a step S 31  the actual configuration of the production machine, provided this is possible for the control device  16 . 
         [0073]    It then tests in a step S 32 , whether a present configuration  21  is already stored in the configuration area  25 . If no present configuration  21  is yet stored in the configuration area  25 , the control device  16 , in a step S 33 , stores the actual configuration just determined as the present configuration  21 . In this case both the configuration part  21   a  and also the element part  21   b  are stored. If a present configuration  21  is already stored in the configuration area  25 , the stored present configuration  21  is updated in a step S 34  with the information of the actual configuration. In the updating of the present configuration  21  the configuration part  21   a  will be overwritten and data of the element part  21   b  retained, where this is sensible and possible. 
         [0074]    In a step S 35 , the control device  16  tests whether the actual configuration of the production machine  1  determined in step S 31  matches the configuration of the production machine  1  in accordance with the required configuration description  21 ″ (or, for a number of required configuration descriptions  21 ″, matches the configuration in accordance with the activated required configuration description  21 ″). If the actual configuration (i.e. the configuration part  21   a ) matches the required configuration description  21 ″, the control device  16  branches to a step S 36 . If on the other hand deviations are produced, the control device  16 , in a step S 37 , outputs a warning message to the operator  23  via the operator interface  22  and waits for an input from the operator  23 . 
         [0075]    In a step S 38 , the control device  16  tests whether the operator entry of step S 37  is a command for accepting the configuration part  21   a  as the new required configuration description  21 ″. If it is, the control device  16 , in a step S 39 , accepts the configuration part  21   a  as the new required configuration description  21 ″, if necessary marks this new required configuration description  21 ″ as activated and moves on to step S 36 . Depending on the type of user entry the new required configuration description  21 ″ can displace the previous required configuration description  21 ″ or be stored in addition to the previously stored required configuration description  21 ″ in the configuration area  25 . 
         [0076]    If the operator entry of step S 37  is not a command for accepting the configuration part  21   a , the control device  16  tests, in a step S 40 , whether the operator entry is a command for continuing the control of the production machine  1 . If it is not, the further processing of the control program  18  is aborted in a step S 41 . 
         [0077]    If a branch is made to step S 36 , the control device  16  controls the production machine  1  by executing the control program  18 . Likewise within the framework of step S 36  the control device  16  monitors the elements  2  to  14  of the production machine  1  for correct functioning. If sensible and possible, the control device  16  within the framework of step S 36 , can also update the dynamic data of the element part  21   b.    
         [0078]    In a step S 42  the control device  16  tests whether the elements  2  to  14  are functioning correctly. If they are, the control device  16  returns to step S 36 . Otherwise the control device  16  determines, in a step S 43 , at which of the elements  2  to  14  the malfunction has occurred. In a step S 44  it outputs via the operator interface  22  a message to the operator  23 , on the basis of which the operator  23  can identify at which of the elements  2  to  14  the malfunction has occurred. 
         [0079]    The message can especially be a project planning diagram of the production machine  1 —e.g. a diagram similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , in which there is a visual highlight to indicate in which of the elements  2  to  14  the malfunction has occurred. The visual highlight can for example consist of the element  2  to  14  in which the malfunction has occurred being shown flashing and/or in a color different from the remaining elements  2  to  14 . The faulty element  2  to  14  can also be marked for example by means of an arrow  28  (see  FIG. 1 ). A combination of different measures is also possible. 
         [0080]    The control device  16  thus allows convenient in-situ configuration and reconfiguration of the required configuration description  21 ″, i.e. at the production machine  1 .

Technology Category: 3