DE102010053486A1 - Method for operating a work machine and work machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of operating a work machine, the work machine having at least one machine unit (2) with at least one drive device (22) and this machine unit (2) each having at least one control device (4) for controlling the machine unit (2) and this control device ( 4) has a memory devices in each of which are required for the operation of the respective machine units (2) programs are stored, and wherein the one or more machine units (2) are each assigned interfaces (8) for data exchange. According to the invention, to change a machine configuration of the work machine (1), the programs required for changing or starting up the machine configuration are automatically loaded in all machine units (2) and standardized interfaces (8) are used, and the programs are independent of the work machine (1) Platform (20) provided.

Description

The present invention relates to a method of operating a work machine, as well as a work machine. The present invention may find particular application in packaging machines, printing machines, textile processing machines, textile manufacturing machines and automation systems. Furthermore, applications are also conceivable for systems with electric, hydraulic or pneumatic drives.

Such machines are usually shipped with a certain configuration, such as with different machine units. Often, however, it is necessary to change this machine configuration at later times, for example to add further units or to carry out updates of the data processing programs. Such extensions or configuration changes are relatively cumbersome in the prior art. It usually has to be carried out separately on the individual units in each case the change. In the prior art, the reloading of codes, such as. DLLs, libraries, and the like. The corresponding new machine configuration, the configuration of bus subscribers, the input elements and also the linking of actuators and sensors usually has to be tracked in single steps. This results in a rigid software setup configuration that prevents reloading of software or project modules. Another disadvantage is that certain project and device configurations are not reusable.

Often, however, such reusability of components is desired to reduce manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the users of such machines require greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness, even for the different applications.

Also, the basic program may include various components for operating an automation solution, such as a PLC runtime environment, an interpolator, a driver for peripherals, a software oscilloscope, memory management, robot control, communication services, error handling, and the like.

Furthermore, it is also possible to update the basic program. This can be done for example by a service technician or directly by a customer who has the basic program on a disk available. Reasons for updating the base program may be, for example, bug fixes or feature enhancements, or the need for more or different software on the device.

With regard to the respective engineering modules, simple operability, improved collaboration, and joint project work are required. In addition, easy maintenance of the engineering software should also be possible, for example fast update rollouts or the management of different versions (compatibility). In addition, open interfaces and extensibility through tools of other users are often required.

These objects are achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a working machine according to claim 9. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

In a method according to the invention for operating a work machine, the work machine has at least one machine unit with at least one drive device and this machine unit has at least one control device for controlling the machine unit, and this control device has a memory device in each of the programs required for the operation of the respective machine unit are stored. Furthermore, the machine unit or the control device has an interface for data exchange.

In accordance with the invention, to modify a machine configuration of the work machine, the programs necessary for changing or starting up the machine configuration are automatically loaded in all machine units or control devices and uniform interfaces are used for this purpose, the programs being made available by a platform independent of the work machine.

Thus, a control device is available for each machine unit, but it would also be possible for a control device to control a plurality of machine units. In addition to the term control device, the term automation system is also used below. Advantageously, the working machine has a plurality of machine units. These machine units can work independently or dependent on each other. Also, synchronizations of the individual work units are conceivable. In this case, the machine units advantageously have a plurality of drive devices, wherein advantageously the movements of machine elements performed by these drive devices are at least partially coordinated with one another and in particular Preferably, these drive means are controlled by said control means.

In a preferred method, if the machine configuration changes in each machine unit or controller, at least one basic program remains.

This basic program can be played on the hardware after production and is preferably present in the state of delivery as the only software component on the device. All other software components will be installed on the device at a later date. This installation is preferably carried out by the said basic program. Preferably, therefore, the base program includes functionality to search a directory server in a network to authenticate to that directory server (preferably with an identification number and an electronic signature method). Furthermore, the base program is preferably able to accept the software components listed by the directory server and also preferably to decompress the software components according to a method for data compression.

Therefore, a modular and preferably also scalable solution for creating and reloading software or project modules is proposed. As a result, project configurations and device configurations are reusable, and preferably the reloadable elements can also be provided by a distribution service via a networking infrastructure.

Uniform interfaces are understood to mean, in particular, that there is a standardized interface description which permits the subsequent "docking" of different, independent or dependent modules. These modules contain all the information needed for the application, such as the programming system or the runtime system. These modules are automatically distributed, installed and reloaded on all devices or control devices of the work machine.

The advantage of this procedure is that a very slim platform frame can be distributed first and that only the necessary modules can be reloaded. In this way, a simple distribution is possible. Furthermore, a subsequent extension of existing programs to new functionalities is possible, as well as an automatic distribution to different devices.

Preferably, each of said software components supports a plurality of actions, which actions are selected from a group of actions, which include starting the software component, stopping the software component, installing the software component, updating the software component, polling for Interfaces, the query for required interfaces, combinations thereof and the like. Advantageously, each of the software components mentioned supports or implements all of these functions.

Each of the software components mentioned preferably has a state machine which describes its current operating mode. The states are thereby selected from a group of states which includes an installed state, an uninstalled state, a starting state, a stop state, an active state, an inactive state, an error state, and / or the like. The state transitions are made via the actions listed above.

Within the state "start", which is preferably supported by all software components, each software component can then express its specific functionality and make it available during the "active" state. However, the common interface allows the base program to keep all software components the same in terms of distribution and installation.

Further possible tasks of the basic program are to check said software components with methods for electronic signature for validity or change by a third party and also to install or update the software components on the control device, for example on a permanent or volatile memory can be done. Finally, the base program advantageously performs the function of starting the software components in the controller.

In the prior art, the basic programs described above involve the problem that they become more complex and also the basic programs are divided into different components, but not every machine needs the same components on the controller. This in turn requires a product strategy, a price differentiation and different error corrections, as well as licensing issues.

The invention therefore provides a simplified method to support different component compositions on a hardware and to provide them on the Hardware to install and distribute. A change of the configuration is understood in particular as adding or replacing a new unit, exchanging a unit, updating the software of a particular unit, and the like.

Advantageously, the change of the machine configuration continues to take place with the aid of a directory service. This directory service keeps the respective program components ready for distribution. Furthermore, this directory service has a database which lists which version of which software component is to be installed on which control device. Furthermore, the directory service advantageously has methods for authentication and electronic signature, and particularly preferably also methods for the transmission of software components.

Advantageously, this directory service is connected or connectable to a network infrastructure.

The hitherto complex firmware functionality is therefore preferably split into individual, preferably versioned components. In addition, preferably also a description file is provided which describes the dependency relationships among the components or modules. Preferably, data compression techniques may be applied to these components during their distribution to speed network deployment and installation

Advantageously, the control device is equipped in production only with a basic firmware without direct firmware functionality.

In a further advantageous method, several machine units are combined to form an automation system. This means that a control device can control several machine units.

Advantageously, the programs are provided by the platform as program modules, which preferably interact with the basic program.

It is possible that an installation and distribution of the programs or components takes place without adversely affecting the real-time capability and the determinism of the automation hardware. Preferably, the distribution and installation without intervention of users, such as service technicians, on the device itself. In a further advantageous method, the program modules are available on a server, in particular a server that is located on the Internet.

As mentioned, program functions are installed in the form of modules, whereby the directory server can be located in a global or local area network. The directory server mentioned above does not have to be a dedicated server, and automation hardware with a corresponding connection to the network infrastructure can serve as a directory server.

In this case, the directory server (s) can be linked in a hierarchical network, in which case a master directory server then manages the components that a slave directory server is allowed to distribute further. Preferably, individual components or modules can not only be installed but also uninstalled again. It is possible that a control device or automation hardware can only serve as a forwarding point to another control device or automation hardware, which can not reach the directory server directly. In this case, if necessary, a conversion to another protocol or transmission medium (fieldbus to Ethernet) can take place.

A control unit may also be connected only indirectly to the directory server, for example via another control unit. In this case, the software components are preferably forwarded via the control unit. The distribution and installation of new software components can be done, for example, at the initiative of the control unit (eg at power up) or the directory service (through user input).

Another preferred method is virtualization. This means that an operating program is decoupled from the underlying hardware. In this way, a freer configuration of the machine is possible.

In a further advantageous method, the programs necessary for changing the machine configuration are distributed via the field buses necessary for operating the drive devices. In other words, a distribution over the existing fieldbuses and networks for the operation of the control device or automation hardware at the management level is possible.

In a further advantageous method, each control device is associated with a character string that uniquely identifies it. This string is in particular an identification number. After handover of this Identification number can be determined by the platform which components must be installed or transmitted. Advantageously, as mentioned above, the components or modules are also protected by electronic signatures, so that the basic firmware can verify the correctness of the components to be installed. Furthermore, it is also advantageously possible for the current installation state to be saved on control devices and restored at a later time.

The present invention further relates to a work machine having at least one work unit, wherein each of these work units has at least one drive means and each of these work units is assigned a control means for controlling the work unit and these control means or these control means each comprise memory means in each of which programs required for the operation of the respective machine units are stored and wherein the machine units are each assigned interfaces for data exchange.

According to the invention, the interfaces are formed uniformly and to change a machine configuration of the work machine are automatically all machine units, the necessary programs for changing the machine configuration programs supplied and the programs are provided by a platform independent of the machine.

In an advantageous embodiment, a basic program is respectively stored in the control devices and the above-mentioned programs are based on this basic program or interact with this basic program. This makes the programs modular.

In a preferred embodiment, the control devices each have securing mechanisms for securing an installation package of the control devices. The control devices advantageously communicate via real-time buses with the drive units of the machine units.

Furthermore, it is advantageous, the work machine selected from a group of work machines, which includes packaging machines, printing machines, textile manufacturing machines, automation equipment, combinations thereof and the like.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the accompanying drawings:

Show:

1 a schematic representation for illustrating the method according to the invention;

2 a schematic representation for illustrating the modularization of the programs;

3 a further schematic representation for illustrating the method according to the invention; and

4 a schematic representation for illustrating a platform solution.

1 shows a schematic representation for illustrating the present invention. One in its entirety 1 designated working machine here has 2 machine units 2 on. These machine units 2 each have a plurality of drive devices 22 on, which may be, for example, servo drives to hydraulic or pneumatic drives. The reference numerals 26 each refer to drive amplifiers, which via real-time buses 24 at the respective control devices 4 are connected. The reference number 16 indicates a visualization unit which allows the user to manipulate the system. About this visualization unit 16 For example, characteristic data for the respective configuration can be output.

Via an input / output device 18 Commands can be entered on the part of the user. This input / output device 18 can do this via a fieldbus 28 with the control device 4 be connected. The control devices 4 each have uniform interfaces 8th on which configuration changes are possible. For this purpose, here is a control level 20 provided on the example, individual program modules can be stored.

With a configuration change, these program modules can be used for the individual interfaces 8th and thus also the individual control devices 4 be supplied. Accordingly, it would also be possible for the corresponding intelligence in the respective drive amplifiers 26 and the program modules in each case in these drive amplifiers 26 getting charged. The program modules can be connected via Ethernet 32 or the internet 30 to provide. The reference number 14 indicates an engineering module that allows editing of the individual software modules.

2 shows an example of the modularization of the data processing programs or the software. Each is a basic program 40 provided in the manner described above, as well a variety of programs or program modules 42 that on this base module 40 build up. These components can be installed or replaced in a configuration change in the individual control devices. Each of the mentioned control devices 4 out 1 has a unique identification number. In the control device or the automation hardware can be configured whether and to which directory service, the automation hardware to connect at power on or an explicit activation.

After transferring the identification number, the directory server uses its database to ascertain the components to be installed and updated and transmits them to the control device 4 , This will be the individual programs 42 from the basic program or the basic firmware 40 installed, updated and started.

3 shows a further illustration of a method according to the invention. Here again is the already in 2 illustrated open, modular and scalable platform solution from the basic program 40 and the programs 42 represents. Specifically, a modularization of the programs or the software is made here. How to 3 detects, is the resulting project of the underlying hardware or the engineering environment 46 decoupled. Over a multiplicity of Webinterfaces is a Download of the individual programs 42 or applications possible. It is possible, for example, to download a web server 30 , especially Google Chrome 54 serves. The reference number 48 indicates the transport layer (transport layer) and the reference numeral 52 the runtime (runtime).

Also a coupling between the individual programs or software modules 42 is solved, which in particular the implementation can be changed.

4 illustrates this module system. The individual modules are each in groups 45 (Bundles) summarized. These groups 45 have public interfaces 8th for communication. In addition, a dynamic process model is provided for these groups (runtime dynamics), which includes their installation Start, Refresh, Stop and Uninstall at runtime 52 the virtual machine allowed. As part of the modularization of the software modules is also a determination of the modularizing functions and also a determination of the size and scope of the individual modules or programs 42 possible.

Conversely, it would also be possible, as in 3 illustrates individual programs 42 or software modules into the network 30 outsourced, so that the customer can decide for himself which modules 42 He then needs to install them afterwards in the form of applications.

The advantage of a browser-based solution, as in 3 illustrates the advantage that here the browser replaces the operating system and the documents can be edited directly in the browser. Currently, as mentioned above, Google Chrome provides such a service. The advantage of this approach is a reduction in hardware costs and also provides the ability to use computers with low storage capacity and processor power.

As in 3 illustrates that virtualization continues to be used. Virtualization is generally the decoupling of an operating system from the underlying hardware. This can be accomplished by defining an abstraction layer between the hardware and the operating system that fakes the operating system in the installed guests the presence of real hardware. As part of this procedure, it would also be possible to use the individual application programs 42 to decouple from the underlying hardware. In addition, a programming with virtual devices can be made and only then a mapping to the physical devices or only when downloading the same. It is also possible to create a general project or program that runs on several differently configured machines. In this regard, reference is made to co-pending application of the present patent application entitled "Method of Operating a Work Machine and Virtual Automation Work Machine". The disclosure of this application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the disclosure content of the present application.

Due to the above-mentioned modularization of the software programs, it is thus possible to configure any empty frame (basic program) as desired or to equip it with the individual software components. In this case, this assembly, as mentioned above, in particular from the network.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

working machine

2

machine unit

4

control device

8th

interface

14

Engineering module

16

visualization unit

18

Input / output device

20

control level

22

driving means

24

Real-time bus

26

drive amplifier

28

fieldbus

30

Internet

32

Ethernet

40

Basic program, basic firmware

42

other programs, software modules

45

individual groups

46

engineering environment

48

transport layer

52

running time

54

Google chrome

Claims (13)

Method for operating a work machine, wherein the work machine comprises at least one machine unit ( 2 ) with at least one drive device ( 22 ) and this machine unit ( 2 ) in each case via at least one control device ( 4 ) for controlling the machine unit ( 2 ) and this control device ( 4 ) has a memory devices, in each case for the operation of the respective machine units ( 2 ) programs are stored, and wherein the one or more machine units ( 2 ) each interfaces ( 8th ) are assigned for data exchange, characterized in that for changing a machine configuration of the working machine ( 1 ) automatically in all machine units ( 2 ) the programs necessary for changing or commissioning the machine configuration are loaded and, for this purpose, uniform interfaces ( 8th ) and the programs by one of the working machine ( 1 ) independent platform ( 20 ) to provide. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that when changing the machine configuration in each machine unit ( 2 ) at least one basic program is maintained. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that several machine units ( 2 ) to an automation system ( 12 ). Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the programs are provided as program modules of the platform. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the program modules are available on a server, which is preferably located on the Internet. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method is a virtualization. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the programs necessary for changing the machine configuration are accessible via the means for operating the drive devices ( 22 ) necessary field buses are distributed. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each control device is associated with a character string that uniquely identifies it. Working machine ( 1 ) with at least one working unit ( 2 ), whereby these or each of these working units ( 2 ) at least one drive device ( 22 ) and this or each of these working units ( 2 ) in each case a control device ( 4 ) for controlling the working unit ( 2 ) and these control devices ( 4 ) each have memory devices in each of which are required for the operation of the respective machine units programs are stored, and wherein the machine units ( 2 ) each interfaces ( 8th ) are assigned for data exchange, characterized in that the interfaces ( 8th ) are formed uniformly and for changing a machine configuration of the working machine ( 1 ) automatically to all machine units ( 2 ) are fed to the necessary programs for changing the machine configuration and the programs by one of the working machine ( 1 ) independent platform ( 20 ) to provide. Working machine ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that in the control devices ( 4 ) a basic program is deposited and the programs are based on this basic program. Working machine ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the control means ( 4 ) respective securing mechanisms for securing an installation package of the control devices ( 4 ) exhibit. Working machine ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the control device ( 4 ) via real-time buses ( 24 ) with the drive devices ( 22 ) of the machine units ( 2 ) communicate. Working machine ( 1 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the working machine a group of working machines, which includes packaging machines, printing machines, textile manufacturing machines, automation systems, combinations thereof, and the like.

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