WO2019192739A1

WO2019192739A1 - Apparatus and method for controlling and/or regulating a gas pressure

Info

Publication number: WO2019192739A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/061491
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tobias Müller; Patrick VON BRUNN; Achim Melching; Agnes WOLLSCHLÄGER; Barbara RICHARZ; Jürgen Dirscherl; Frank Gitmans
Original assignee: Vacuubrand Gmbh + Co Kg
Priority date: 2018-04-04
Filing date: 2018-05-04
Publication date: 2019-10-10
Also published as: DE202018102484U1

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for controlling and/or regulating a gas pressure, wherein the apparatus comprises a gas pressure measuring device with a gas pressure sensor and an operating device. The invention provides for the operating device to have a touch-sensitive display means and for the apparatus to be able to be operated using the display means. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling and/or regulating a gas pressure, wherein the gas pressure is measured using an apparatus having a gas pressure measuring device. The apparatus is operated using a touch-sensitive display means of an operating device.

Description

Device and method

for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure

The present invention relates to a device for controlling and / or

Regulation of a gas pressure according to the preamble of claim 1. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure according to the preamble of claim 20.

Gas pressure control and / or -regelungsvorrichtungen are usually at the same time gas pressure measuring devices and in various embodiments known. Gas pressure gauges are often referred to as vacuum gauges or vacuum gauges. They are used to measure the physical pressure of a gas or a gas mixture in a sealed apparatus. In most applications, the absolute gas pressure - measured in relation to a vacuum - is measured.

Gas pressure control and / or regulation devices of the type in question have a gas pressure measuring device with a gas pressure sensor and an operating device. The gas pressure sensor converts a physical

Gas pressure in a clearly related to this gas pressure, e.g. proportional, electrical output to. Are known, for example

Gas pressure sensors with a membrane of alumina ceramic. to

Gas pressure measurement, the gas pressure measuring device is connected to the apparatus, for. B. by means of a gas-tight line.

By means of the operating device, the device can be operated or influenced, in particular the gas pressure in the apparatus can be controlled and / or regulated. From practice it is known to use for this purpose at least one mechanical operating element of the operating device, for example a rotary control or a button. In addition, in the known device by means of

Operating device, the measured gas pressure of the apparatus shown via an exclusively provided for information display means. The user can thus on the one hand via the display means of the operating device the current Read off gas pressure in the apparatus and on the other via mechanical

Controls control and / or regulate the gas pressure. The use of mechanical controls greatly reduces the available space for the display means. When creating process sequences of one or more control and / or control processes / s, in addition to the gas pressure also other parameters such as the duration of a process step and / or the speed of a

Vacuum pump set.

In this context, it is known from practice that a process flow is specified or created as a textual program code. To change or set parameters within a process flow, the created program code must be changed accordingly. The program code can be stored and / or created on an external device, with a

Transmission of the program code is provided to the operating device. However, it has been shown in practice that the process sequences stored as program codes, and in particular the correct sequence of different process steps to be carried out one after the other, such as evacuation and process steps

Ventilation cycles, for the user are usually very difficult to understand. This results in an excessive demand of the user, which can end in a wrong operation or a limited use of the device. For example, process sequences that are not individually adapted are used, but previously created program codes that are not subsequently adapted to the respective application.

Object of the present invention is known from the practice device for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure and the corresponding

Procedures regarding usage options and / or handling

improve. In particular, it is the object of the present invention to enable a simple, in particular self-explanatory or intuitive, operation of the device. The above object is achieved by a device according to claim 1.

Advantageous developments are the subject of related

Dependent claims.

The basic idea of the present invention is to provide a device which, via a touch-sensitive display means of the

Operating device is operable. An operation of the operating device via a touch-sensitive display means is particularly simple and convenient for the user. In addition, a variety of different

Setting options by means of the display means are provided to the user.

Preferably, the display means has a graphical user interface and thus acts as a user interface between the device and a

User. An operation can be done by touching a touch screen of the display means. By means of the display means it is thus possible, on the one hand, to obtain information such as parameters of the device and / or the apparatus,

In particular, the gas pressure to display and on the other hand, an adjustment of the parameters of the device and / or the apparatus by touching the

To ensure display means. The user not only receives the possibility of setting different parameters, but also receives further information for setting a parameter and / or for using the display means. The user can, for example, through this information

Tap and / or select a "Help Button". Consequently, it is

preferably provided a direct interaction of the user with the operating device. In contrast, although in practice a specification of parameters for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure in the apparatus is possible, but this can not be done directly on the display means and the

Operating device can not communicate with the user in such a way that information, error messages and / or suggestions can be displayed to the user.

Advantageously, the operation of the operating device without mechanical controls, in particular exclusively via the display means. That concludes However, not the possibility that an external device can be connected to the device, which is used to transmit a previously created

Program codes and / or for setting parameters of the device and / or the apparatus is used. Thus, the device and / or the apparatus can also be remotely controlled and / or remotely controlled. In particular, a plurality of devices can be connected to an external device, wherein the

Devices that detected by the respective gas pressure measuring device

Information, in particular the measured gas pressure, transmitted to the external device and can receive commands from the external device. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a process sequence of a control and / or regulation process can be predetermined by operation of the display means, in particular adjustable, controllable and / or controllable. By setting a process flow, the evacuation and

Ventilation cycles, via the display means can be avoided that an external device for creating and / or changing the program code is needed. By setting the process flow via the display means can be a user-friendly way to customize the

Process flow are created. Graphical symbols can be used to define the process flow. The advantage here is that the majority of users are used to the use of a graphical user interface,

for example, by the smartphone. Accordingly, not only a high willingness to learn or learning ability with regard to the operation of such a user interface can be assumed, but also a mostly intuitive operation. According to an advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept

provided that at least one graphic control element for adjusting at least one parameter, in particular the target pressure, a control and / or control process is formed and that for setting the parameter a jogging, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movement is provided. Such an adjustment of the parameter is particularly user-friendly, since graphically on the one hand, the set target value and on the other hand, the measured Actual value can be displayed via the display means. In addition, the parameters can be set by means of different variants. Thus, for example, the adjustable range of a parameter can be displayed graphically, for example by a scale and / or by a circular arc portion-shaped representation and / or a representation in the form of a circular ring segment, which is bounded by two circular arcs and two circular radii. A logarithmic scale and / or subdivision of the area can be provided for setting the parameter, in particular the setpoint pressure. In addition, the process parameters can also be set via a numeric keypad which can be operated and displayed by means of the display means. Ultimately, with the help of the

Display means of selecting the setting that is the most comfortable for the user.

The graphical control element preferably represents an area representing the range of values of the parameter and a mark representing a desired value of the parameter in the area. In order to set the parameter, the marking can be moved within the range, in particular displaceable. Thus, by shifting the mark, for example to one

circular section shown area, made a setting of the parameter. In addition, the marker can also be set or moved by tapping in the area. Prolonged tapping can be used to move the marking over a sliding movement. In addition, the value of the parameter to be set by the marking can also be displayed graphically as a number, possibly with a displayable unit. In order to change the marking by a wiping and / or sliding gesture, a longer selection can be provided beforehand - by "holding" the marking - for a short period of time, for example under one second, preferably between 100 and 500 milliseconds. In addition, by dragging this marker along the range, the new setpoint value of the parameter can also be set. Another marker may be in the area the current, measured

Parameter, preferably the actual value represent the apparatus. Furthermore, the parameters to be set are the gas pressure, the

Abpumpgeschwindigkeit, the process times or the like conceivable.

Alternatively or in addition to a circular arc section-shaped and / or annular segment-shaped representation of the area is / are in particular a slider or a slider and / or level keys, in particular in conjunction with a slider and / or a circular arc section and / or circular segment representation of the area for adjustment of

Parameters trained. The aforementioned setting variants allow the fast and / or precise setting of parameters as well as a change of the parameters by corresponding touches of the operating elements.

In addition, the device is advantageously carried out

formed various process steps. The display means may be designed to display a plurality of graphical operating elements, wherein a plurality of the graphical operating elements are assigned to different process steps, and wherein the operating device is designed to produce a process sequence having at least two process steps. Accordingly, the display means may be configured to graphically represent a process flow. Thus it can be avoided that a textual program code, which is ultimately a

Specifies, implements, changes, and / or calls the process flow. By means of the operating elements the user can graphically display the respective process step with its possibly adjustable parameters. In this case, a control element is associated with a control element. In particular, previously set parameters of the process step are specified. The single ones

Process steps can also be predefined in their entirety, whereby process sequences which have at least two process steps can also already be stored in the device and can be retrieved from it. The user may, for a process flow and / or a process step, provide further information, in particular the effect of the process step and / or the

Affect setting options, get displayed. In particular, it is also possible for the user himself to be able to create further process steps in which he specifies various parameters. These newly created process steps, the can be retrieved or accessed by controls can also be programmed by an external device and transmitted to the device or to the operating device.

Furthermore, in a further and preferred embodiment of the inventive concept, it is provided that a plurality of graphic operating elements can be arranged graphically one above the other and / or next to one another by means of the display means in order to create a process sequence. The arrangement of the graphic

Operating elements can be carried out by means of tipping, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movements. Preferably, therefore, a graphical programming can be ensured by means of a visual programming language, wherein the program or the algorithm is defined by graphical elements and their arrangement. Consequently, according to the invention, an easy-to-learn or an intuitively understandable programming can be made possible for the end user. The adjective "visual" is to be understood comprehensively in this context, so that "visually" means more than just a visual perception, since other senses are also included. Thus, a visual syntax, visual semantics and dynamic or static signing can be used in the context of visual programming. The visual syntax is to be understood as a graphic notation of the basic symbols, with the visual semantics of the

In particular, the visual state of the visual objects is meant, which in particular can be visual, whereas under the dynamic signage the representation of fleeting processes, for example by the flashing of a

Control element that changes, is understood.

Consequently, such illustrative programming can greatly facilitate the operation of the device.

In the context of visual programming is preferably the

Process flow through the arrangement, in particular by the order that defines graphical controls on the display means. For example, the graphical controls can be arranged with each other and / or next to each other. The device of the invention is the graphical Operating elements assigned process controls from top to bottom or from left to right.

The process flow can be represented as a process flow diagram and / or plan. For the arrangement of the individual control, the flow can be through a

Numbering and / or a color gradient and / or a graphical highlighting of the controls are visualized to the user. In addition, when setting the process flow or when calling up a created process flow, the

End users will also be shown more information. This can be done for example by so-called pop-up messages that flash briefly, and / or by clicking on a help icon. So can everyone to each

The process step will include a description of the step as such

Information text for all parameters that can be set in the context of this process step, callable. The relevant parameters of the process step can be prioritized or highlighted by the graphical representation. Advantageously, already created process sequences are stored in the device and / or in a memory device associated with the device.

stored and can be called by the end user by selecting a control. With these previously created process sequences, relevant parameters and / or all parameters of the individual process steps can be set via further operating elements. It is also possible that the user or the end user in each case only those for the specific application or the

Process process relevant parameters are displayed and the end user can only set this. An understanding of the other parameters, which are basically adjustable but not relevant to the process section itself, is not necessary for this. In this way, complicated process sequences can be called up by the user without the user needing a deeper understanding of all the parameters of the equipment to be set. In the laboratory, this is of great advantage since, for example, processes can also be initiated by employees who do not regularly work on or operate the apparatus or the apparatus. In addition, a misuse of the device and / or the apparatus, such as unintentional venting at the end of a Process flow of a vacuum control and / or control process, severely limited and / or avoided. When calling previously created

Process sequences, it is conceivable to display corresponding help functions or relevant notes of the respective process steps when changing parameters of the individual process steps.

In particular, when the process has been started

According to the invention possible that the end user by selecting a

Operating element can still intervene in the process flow, in particular stop the process flow, change the parameters of the individual process steps and / or insert additional process steps.

Incidentally, at least one parameter of one of the process steps of a created process flow after tapping the associated graphical

Control be adjustable by means of at least one other graphical control element. For this parameter, a default value can be set and / or stored. To set the parameter, appropriate warning and / or auxiliary information can be displayed to the end user. The further graphical control element can have at least one of the previously described adjustment variants. After tapping or after selecting the process step

Representing graphical control element can therefore the end user more graphic controls, preferably for setting parameters, are displayed.

In addition, advantageously, a process step, which can be called by tapping or by selecting a control element, connect the preceding and / or the subsequent process steps with each other. Thus, for example, a loop can be incorporated into the process flow as a process step, it being possible for at least one process step for a given number of repetitions to be run through within the scope of this loop. It can also be one

Condition be given, so that a certain number of

Process steps which can be displayed to the end user by means of the graphical operating elements are only executed when the condition is fulfilled. For example, as a condition, a specific parameter, preferably measured by the gas pressure measuring device, can be used, which should be within a certain range of values. Accordingly, so-called

Control structures are integrated into the process flow, the instructions being adjustable by the end user via the display means. In principle, it is also conceivable to use the loops or the control structures, which are graphical

Controls are stored, nested inside each other.

In a further preferred embodiment it is provided that the

Arrangement, in particular the order, which is changeable to the process steps of a created process flow associated graphical controls. In particular, the operating elements can be changed by means of tapping, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movements, ultimately by touching the touch-sensitive display means. Thus, by a so-called "drag and drop" method, the arrangement of the controls can be changed by a simple method. For example, the control element can be selected by prolonged marking by means of a touch of the operating element, wherein the pulling itself and leaving the place of origin can be graphically displayed to the end user. In addition, the various possibilities of the "drop point" can be displayed to the end user. Consequently, a targeted insertion of a process step in one already several

Process steps having process steps are ensured.

Optionally, after the item has been "dropped" at the correct position, this is indicated to the user by a note.

The graphic operating elements of a created process sequence are preferably interchangeable and / or removable and / or a further graphical operating element assigned to a process step can be inserted into a created process flow. The graphic operating elements of the variable process steps can be displayed as a selection. For example, after invoking an already created process flow or when creating the process flow, additional process steps that can be added by graphical operating elements can be added to the process flow End users can be displayed and / or the end user can call up such a selection. From this selection, the graphical controls can be inserted anywhere in a created process flow.

In particular, it is provided that an indication is displayed to the end user if the connection of at least two process steps from a technical point of view is not meaningful. For example, the user can be informed that he should rearrange the process step or insert it at another location. The graphic controls can be displayed in the form of icons in the selection. An additional textual explanation of the icon for the symbol representation can also be provided.

By selecting the process step icon, the individual parameters of the process step can be set by means of further operating elements. To remove a process step, the control element can visually or graphically in the

Selection can be pushed back and / or deleting the control element from the process flow can be done by another control element, which is stored in the control element, for example by tapping a delete icon. In particular, after actuation of the deletion command a

Security check or a review made, which questions whether this action should actually be performed. When the process flow is displayed, the individual parameters of the respective process step can also be visualized, whereby a selection of further process steps can also be displayed. The selection can also be displayed separately or detached from the process flow to the end user, in particular when creating a process flow, wherein the end user for this purpose can add process steps by selecting controls to a process flow and preferably specify an array directly upon selection.

Furthermore, a created process flow can be received by the device and / or transmitted to an external device and / or in a memory device the device storable and, preferably, be retrievable therefrom.

In particular, process flows which have been created externally can be transmitted to the device, which subsequently processes these processes as

Show selection to the user. However, it can also by means of

Display means established process flows to another device or to an external device and / or a memory device are transmitted and retrieved from the memory device in particular again. Thus, already defined process sequences, for example to ensure identical and / or similar experimental conditions, can be transmitted to different devices and / or used for control and / or regulation on different apparatuses; and without an elaborate programming of the respective process flow is performed on the respectively associated with the apparatus device. Also created processes can be exchanged among different end users, so that a simple operation is possible.

Advantageously, a created process sequence can be selected, displayed and / or activated by means of an operating symbol, in particular by tapping on the operating symbol. The operating symbol can be designed, for example, in the form of an icon which can be displayed to the end user by means of a graphic symbol representing the respective process sequence. It is also conceivable that by selecting the operating symbol, the end user can be shown information about the process flow stored behind the operating symbol, whereby the end user can also set further parameters of the process sequence. The process flow can be activated or started by a corresponding touch of the operating symbol and / or in a representation of the individual process steps of the process flow, optionally linked to a hint that can be displayed to the end user.

Incidentally, in a further preferred embodiment it is provided that the device is designed to simultaneously carry out a plurality of process sequences and / or to display a plurality of simultaneous process sequences and / or to select one of several simultaneous process sequences. Accordingly, For example, multiple processes may be controlled and / or regulated in parallel by the device. In particular, a plurality of

Apparatuses are arranged such that the apparatuses are controllable and / or controllable via the device. When displaying multiple simultaneous

Processes it is also possible to pause and / or interrupt individual processes. When selecting an active process sequence, the parameters that are stored in the individual process steps of the process flow, can be changed, especially if the process step is already performed. The time duration for a step to be carried out can also be adapted by the end user after activation of the process sequence. In the representation of the multiple process sequences, the operating symbols, which stand for individual process sequences, can be linked with explanations, so that the end user can quickly learn the meaning of the symbols. Corresponding help functions can be made available to the end user via the display means.

Preferably, the operating device is wired and / or wirelessly connected to the gas pressure measuring device. In particular, the operating device can communicate by wire and / or wireless with the gas pressure measuring device and / or the device having the gas pressure. Preferably, the

Operating device connected to the gas pressure measuring device wired.

In a wireless communication between the operating device and the apparatus can be provided that the to be sent to the apparatus

Control and / or regulation specifications or commands are transmitted in encrypted form. The advantage of wireless communication is that the

Operating device spatially removed or can be arranged detached from the apparatus.

It is particularly preferred that the operating device with at least one

Actuator is coupled. The actuator of the apparatus can be controlled and / or controlled via the operating device. As an actuator, for example, a

Vacuum control valve and / or a vacuum pump drive serve. On the

Vacuum pump drive or via the vacuum pump, for example, a Pumping and holding or a constant gas pressure of the vacuum are made possible. In addition, the vacuum can also be regulated via the vacuum pump drive. The actuators which are coupled to the operating device can, preferably automatically, be recognized by the operating device and in particular be assigned to different operating elements or process steps and / or process sequences.

In particular, as a process sequences or process steps, a venting, a freeze-drying, a vacuum drying, a boiling point detection, a

Filtration and / or a vacuum concentration may be provided. To set or to ensure these different process steps individual actuators can be controlled and / or controlled by the operating device.

Incidentally, it is provided in a further embodiment that the

Display means extends over at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, of a front side of the device. In particular, the display means extends over 70% to 95%, preferably from 80% to 90%, of the front of the

Operating device or the front of the entire device. Thus, the target area and purposed the available area for the operation of the

Device used. Further required space for mechanical controls such as knobs or the like can be avoided. The above object is also achieved by a method according to claim 20. Advantageous developments are the subject of related

Dependent claims.

The method according to the invention serves to control and / or regulate a gas pressure, wherein the gas pressure is measured with a device having a gas pressure measuring device. The device is designed in particular according to one of the previously described embodiments. According to the invention it is provided that the device via a

touch-sensitive display means of an operating device is operated. In particular, the operation of the operating device takes place exclusively via the touch-sensitive display means and / or process sequences of a control and / or regulation process can be predefinable, in particular controllable, by operation of the display means. The above-described advantages of the device according to the invention can likewise be applied to the method according to the invention. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference should therefore be made at this point to the previous statements.

Finally, it is understood in particular that also preferred embodiments of the device can be used correspondingly for the method, or the method and / or the device is / are characterized by the features of the device and / or the method.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, a parameter, in particular the target pressure, of a process step by means of a graphical

Adjusted control element, in particular by means of a typing, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movement. For selecting the process step, a graphical operating element, preferably an operating symbol, can also be provided, which can be selected by the end user. After calling the

In the process step, the various parameters to be set can be set by means of graphical operating elements. It can be done by a numeric touch display or keypad number input of the parameter.

Alternatively or additionally, the parameter is adjusted by corresponding movements on the touch-sensitive display means.

Preferably, to set a parameter, in particular the setpoint pressure, of a control and / or regulation process or of a process step, a marking of a graphical control element is moved within a range representing the value range of the parameter. In particular, the

Marker moved within the range. The area can, as already explained, circular arc segment-shaped or circular ring section and / or as Slider and / or be formed by a scale in conjunction with step keys. The marker can be moved in the area as well as set to a specific location or position. In addition, the parameter can also be entered as a numerical value using a numeric touch display. Furthermore, in the area also the currently measured value or the current actual value of the parameter, in particular the actual pressure of the vacuum, can be displayed. Incidentally, the set value of the parameter can be displayed to the end user.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method, a process sequence having at least two process steps over the

Operating device created by means of graphical controls. The advantages of graphic programming enabled in this way have already been explained in detail.

To create a process sequence, a plurality of graphical operating elements can be arranged graphically one above the other and / or next to each other by means of the display means. The arrangement can be caused by tipping, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movements. The process flow can be defined by the arrangement, in particular the order, of the operating elements. Thus, an already created process flow can be changed by changing the arrangement of the operating elements, which each represent individual process steps. The user can intuitively perform such an arrangement. at

Creation of a process sequence, several controls can be selected, in particular with a definable order that can be displayed to the user, for example by a numbering and / or a gradient. Furthermore, the arrangement, in particular the order of the operating elements can be changed, in particular by means of a typing, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movement. Preferably, the graphic operating elements of a created process sequence are exchanged and / or removed and / or a further graphical operating element assigned to a process step is inserted in a created process flow. The graphic controls of changeable Process steps can be displayed as a selection. Thus, the order or the arrangement by appropriate touches of the

be set touch-sensitive display means, wherein the

Controls can be added as well as deleted. In the arrangement of the controls, the selection can also be displayed on the display means, so that for example adding the controls and removing the controls from the process flow can be done by a corresponding movement of the control element from the selection or in the selection back. This procedure ultimately also corresponds to the known "drag and drop" method.

Furthermore, a created process sequence can be selected, displayed and / or activated by means of an operating symbol, in particular by tapping on the operating symbol. After tapping on the operating symbol, you can

End users also control elements that can ultimately represent the individual process steps, and optionally displayed in the controls relevant parameters are displayed in the appropriate arrangement of the process flow, which by selecting a control further

Controls are displayed, by means of which the parameters of the individual

Process steps can be adjusted individually for each to be performed control and / or control process.

Preferably, an actuator of an apparatus having the gas pressure is controlled and / or regulated via the operating device. As an actuator, in particular those components of the apparatus can serve, which have an influence on the apparatus. As an example, let us mention the vacuum pump drive and the vacuum control valve. The actuators are connected to the apparatus or formed as part of the apparatus, with a direct influence of the

Operating device can be done on the actuators. The control and / or regulation of the actuators can in dependence of the

Gas pressure measuring device detected parameters, in particular the gas pressure in the apparatus, carried out. Other features, advantages and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings and the drawing itself

described and / or illustrated features, alone or in any combination, the subject of the present invention, regardless of their summary or their reference.

In the drawing shows

Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a preferred

Embodiment of a device according to the invention for

Control and / or regulation of a gas pressure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 1; FIG.

Fig. 3 shows schematically a front view of an inventive

Display means of the device of Figure 1 in a first state; Fig. 4 shows schematically a front view of an inventive

Display means of the device of Figure 1 in a second state;

Fig. 5 schematically shows a front view of an inventive

Display means of the device of Figure 1 in a third state;

Fig. 6 shows schematically a front view of an inventive

Display means of the device of Figure 1 in a fourth state;

Fig. 7 shows schematically a front view of an inventive

Display means of the device of Figure 1 in a fifth state;

Fig. 8 shows schematically a front view of an inventive

Display means of the device of Figure 1 in a sixth state; Fig. 9 schematically a front view of an inventive

Display means of the device of Figure 1 in a seventh state;

Fig. 10 shows schematically a front view of an inventive

Indicating means of the device of Fig. 1 in an eighth state; Fig. 1 1 schematically a front view of an inventive

Indicating means of the device of Fig. 1 in a ninth state;

Fig. 12 schematically in a representation of a further preferred

Embodiment of the device according to the invention and an apparatus; 13 is a schematic representation in a representation of the device according to the invention according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of the device according to the invention in accordance with a further embodiment; FIG. and

Fig. 15 shows schematically the sequence of a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure.

Fig. 1 shows schematically in a perspective view a preferred

Embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure. The device 1 comprises a

Gas pressure measuring device 2 with a gas pressure sensor 3 and a

Operating device 4.

Fig. 2 shows schematically in a perspective view, the back of the device 1 shown in Fig. 1 on the operating device 4 is the

Gas pressure measuring device 2, in which the gas pressure sensor 3 is integrated, arranged. Furthermore, the operating device 4 has a touch-sensitive display means 5. The device 1 can be operated via the display means 5. The display means 5 is provided in the illustrated embodiment on the front side 16 of the device 1, which is also the front side 16 of the operating device 4. From Fig. 1 it can be seen that the display means 5 extends over at least 70% of a front side 16 of the device 1. In the illustrated here and

preferred embodiment, the display means 5 extends over at least 80% of the front side 16.

3 to 1 1 show schematically the front view of the display means 5 and various states of the display means 5, by operating the

Display means 5 can be caused. Finally, FIGS. 3 to 11 show various control panels and screen layers of the display means 5.

In the first state of the display means 5 shown in FIG. 3, at least one graphical operating element 6, 6i is provided for setting at least one parameter of a control and / or regulation process. As a parameter, for example, the target pressure in the gas pressure having apparatus 14 are used. In the state of the display means 5 shown in FIG. 3, two graphic operating elements 6, 6i are provided for setting the parameter, the set value of the parameter being displayed to the user in a display area 19. In a further display area 20 of the by the

Gas pressure measuring device 2 measured value of the parameter are displayed. Further operating symbols 21 can be provided for the operation of the touch-sensitive display means 5, it being possible to return to a main menu via the further operating symbols 21 and request further information or assistance or the like.

Fig. 4 shows schematically in a second state of the display means 5, that the parameter can be adjusted via a sliding movement. In the third state of the display means 5 shown schematically in FIG. 5, it can be seen that the parameter can also be set by a jogging movement. In principle, wiping and / or pointing movements are also conceivable.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show that the graphical control element 6 has a

Value range of the parameter representing area 7 and in the area 7 has a mark 8 representing a desired value of the parameter. Figs. 4 and 5 show schematically that for setting the parameter the

Marker 8 within the range 7 movable, in particular displaceable, is. Furthermore, in FIGS. 3 to 5, a further marking 22 is provided which represents the measured value of the parameter.

On the one hand, the graphical control element 6 is formed in the states of the display means 5 according to FIGS. 3 to 5 as an annular segment-shaped region 7.

This basically arcuate representation can be represented logarithmically. On the left side of the front view of the display means 5, on the other hand, a further variant for setting the parameter is shown, this graphical operating element 6i having step keys. In further, not shown

Embodiments, the graphical control element 6, 6i may also be designed as a slider.

Fig. 6 shows schematically a fourth state of the display means 5, in which a designed as a numeric keypad graphical control element 6ii is provided. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated and preferred, the user is also informed via a display area 19 of the set value of the parameter-ie, the desired value-and of a further display area 20 of the measured value of the parameter-that is, the actual value. It is not shown that when the value of the parameter entered via the numeric keypad is outside of the range 7, the user is warned and this value is not used to control and / or regulate the gas pressure. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, it is provided that the device 1 is designed to carry out various process steps of a control and / or regulation process for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure. Fig. 7 shows schematically a fifth state of the display means 5, in which the display means 5 a plurality of graphical

Controls 6iii displays or to display several graphical

Operating elements 6iii is formed. In the illustrated in Fig. 7 and

In the preferred exemplary embodiment, each of the graphical operating elements 6iii is assigned a process step. After tapping one of the graphical operating elements 6iii shown in FIG. 7, at least one parameter of this process step can be set, in particular wherein at least one preset value of the at least one parameter is set and / or stored. In that shown in Fig. 8 and preferred

Embodiment, a sixth state of the display means 5 is shown, in which the at least one parameter of the process step, which has been selected by a graphical control element 6iii, is adjustable, by means of at least one further graphical control element 1 1. Here are three other graphical controls 1 1, for example, three parameters adjustable. The further graphical operating elements 1 1 make it possible to set or change the parameter, for example according to the variants illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6.

Furthermore, the operating device 4 is for creating at least two

Process steps having process sequence trained. The process flow may define a control and / or regulation process for controlling and / or regulating the gas pressure.

In the seventh state of the display means 5 shown in Fig. 9 is a

Process flow shown with two process steps, the two

Process steps each by a graphical control 6iv in one

Flow definition area 9 are represented. In addition, that shows

Display means 5 more graphic controls 6iii in a selection area 10th On or is designed to display multiple graphical controls 6iii in a selection area 10. The selectable graphical controls 6iii are arranged one above the other here.

To create a process sequence, a graphical operating elements 6iii can be selected and moved from the selection area 10 into the sequence definition area 9, in particular by a so-called "drag and drop" method. For example, a graphical control element 6iii may be selected by prolonged marking, thereby providing a graphic representation of the graphic

Control element 6iii is displayed, which can then be pulled from the selection area 10 in the sequence definition area 9. After the graphic

Representation of the graphical control element 6iii at a position

Flow definition area 9 has been "dropped", a first graphical control element 6iv is displayed and indicated by a numeric display element ("1"). Now a graphical control elements 6iii can again be selected and moved out of the selection area 10 into the sequence definition area 9. In this case, the graphical representation of this graphical operating element 6iii can be "dropped" at a position above or below the already displayed first graphical operating element 6iv in the process definition area 9. Then, a second graphical control element 6iv is displayed and indicated by a numerical display element ("2.").

It is not shown that the graphical operating elements 6iv can also be arranged side by side.

The process sequence is defined by the arrangement, in particular by the order, of the graphical operating elements 6iv on the display means 5. If the process is started, eg. B. by operation of another operating icon 21, the process controls assigned to the graphical controls 6iv are executed, and one after the other according to the arrangement of the graphical

Controls 6iv, here the order of the graphical controls 6iv from top to bottom. The arrangement of the graphical controls 6iv is changeable, here by tipping, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movements. In particular, the graphical controls 6iv are interchangeable and / or removable.

Thus, in an eighth state of the display means 5, FIG. 10 shows that a graphical control element 6iv of the created process flow can be removed by the graphical control element 6iv or a graphical representation of the graphical control element 6iv from the flow definition area 9 into the flowchart

Selection area 10 is moved. In addition, it is shown that a further graphical control element 6iii associated with a process step can be inserted into the process flow, whereby a further graphical control element 6iv is displayed in the process definition area 9.

It is not shown that a process step connecting several or at least two process steps can be provided, for example in the form of a loop and / or a condition. Thus, the user is allowed to include in the process flow control structures and / or repetitions.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated and preferred in FIGS. 9 and 10, parameters of the respective process step are visualized in the graphical operating elements 6iv and can be set by means of further graphical operating elements 11.

1 shows a ninth state of the display means 5, in which a created process sequence can be selected by means of an operating symbol 12. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the selection of the

Control icon 12 by tapping the control icon 12 done.

In particular, a created process sequence can be displayed and / or activated by means of the operating symbol 12. The created process flow can be changed after calling up the operating symbol 12, in particular whereby only relevant parameters of the process steps can be set.

Not shown is that the device 1 for simultaneous execution of multiple processes and / or to display multiple simultaneous Processes and / or for selecting an active is formed of multiple simultaneous processes. A selection of active process sequences and / or the representation of multiple simultaneous process sequences may be provided or representable analogously to the state of the display means 5 shown in FIG. 11. In addition to the operating symbols 12, in the case of an active process flow, relevant parameters and / or information regarding this can also be provided

Process flow are displayed to the user.

Furthermore, it is not shown that the operating device 4 is wired and / or wirelessly connected to the gas pressure measuring device 2. The operating device 4 can communicate with the gas pressure measuring device 2 and / or the apparatus 14 having the gas pressure by wire and / or wireless.

FIG. 12 schematically shows the apparatus 14 which communicates with the device 1. The gas pressure measuring device 2 measures the gas pressure in the apparatus 14. The apparatus 14 are in the illustrated and preferred embodiment shown here associated actuators 15 and at least one actuator 15. As actuator 15, a vacuum control valve and / or a vacuum pump drive, in particular coupled to the apparatus 14 may be provided. In the one shown in Fig. 1 1

Embodiment is also shown that the actuators 15 with the

Operating device 4 are coupled such that the actuators 15 on the

Control device 4 can be regulated and / or controlled. For this, the

Operating device 4 corresponding commands a control and / or

Control process to the actuators 15, which are arranged either in the apparatus 14 and / or associated with the apparatus 14, transmitted.

In addition, it can be seen in FIG. 12 that the gas pressure measuring device 2

Information, in particular measured parameters, preferably the desired pressure, transmits to the operating device 4, which then displays this, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, to the user.

Fig. 13 shows schematically a further preferred embodiment of

Device 1, wherein the operating device 4 is a memory device 17th assigned. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, a created process flow in the memory device 17 of the device 1 can be stored. In addition, the device 1 can also receive or retrieve a created process flow from the memory device 17. FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention, wherein the device 1 is assigned an external device 18. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the external device 18 of the gas pressure measuring device 2 is assigned. From the external device 18, a process flow to the device 1 can be transmitted or the device 1 can receive a created process flow from the external device 18. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated and preferred here, it is provided that after transfer of a created process sequence from the storage device 17 and / or from the external device 18, this process flow can be changed by a user via operation of the display means 5. Fig. 15 shows schematically a method for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure. The gas pressure is measured with a device 1 having a gas pressure measuring device 2. The device 1 is formed in the illustrated and preferred embodiment of the method according to at least one of the preferred embodiments described above. According to the invention, the device 1 is operated via a touch-sensitive display means 5 of an operating device 4.

As already apparent from FIGS. 4 and 5, in a preferred

Embodiment of the method, a parameter, in particular the target pressure, a process step by means of a graphical control element 6, 6i, 6ii set. A setting can be made by tapping, swiping, sliding and / or

Pointing movements take place.

Furthermore, in the state of the indicating means 5 shown in FIG. 4, it is shown that, for setting a parameter, in particular the setpoint pressure, of a control and / or regulation process, a marking 8 of a graphic display is shown Control element 6 within a range of values of the parameter

representing area 7 is moved. By moving the marker 8 within the range 7, the parameter to be set - ultimately the desired value - can be set. From the state shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, with regard to the method described here, a process sequence having at least two process steps is created via the operating device 4 by means of graphical operating elements 6iii, 6iv. In this case, a plurality of graphical operating elements 6iv are graphically arranged one above the other by means of the display means 5 in order to create a process sequence. In a further, not shown embodiment, the controls are 6iv graphically arranged side by side. The arrangement can be caused by tapping, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movements - ultimately via the touch of the touch-sensitive display means 5 -. The process flow is defined here by the arrangement, in particular the order, of the graphical operating elements 6iv. The order of the controls 6iv can be displayed in addition to the arrangement via a numbering of the controls 6iv the user. It is not shown that a hierarchy or sequence of the control elements 6iv representing the process steps can be visualized by a color progression or the like. Fig. 10 shows schematically that the order or the arrangement of

Controls 6iv is changed. Such a change can be made by means of a touch via tipping, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movements. In addition, the graphic operating elements 6iv of a created process flow can be exchanged and / or removed and / or another one process step

associated graphical control 6iv can be inserted into a created process flow.

A created process flow can - according to FIG. 11 - be selected, displayed and / or activated by means of an operating symbol 12. A selection of the

Control icon 12 may, for example, by tapping on or

Marking the operating icon 12 done. From Fig. 12 it can be seen that an actuator 15 of a gas pressure

having apparatus 14 is controlled and / or regulated via the operating device 4.

In the preferred method sequence shown in FIG. 15, it is provided that in step A a process sequence is selected by marking an operating symbol 12.

In step B, further process steps by means of graphical operating elements 6iii, 6iv are added to the process flow. In the process, or afterwards, the

Sequence of processing the process steps defined - if necessary additionally checked. This is done by setting the arrangement of the graphical controls 6iv.

In step C, the individual parameters of the process steps are checked and changed parameters to be changed by selecting other controls 1 1 and thus adjusted. Furthermore, in step D, the created process sequence is started by selecting a further operating symbol 21.

Finally, in step E, the created process flow is stored in a memory device 17. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the process flow can be interrupted in step E. The already started process flow can be changed by, for example, changing and / or removing individual process steps. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Device for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure

2 gas pressure measuring device

3 gas pressure sensor of 2

4 operating device

5 touch-sensitive display means of FIG. 4

6, 6i, 6ii, 6iii, 6iv control element

7 area of 6

8 mark

9 flow definition area

10 selection area

1 1 additional control element

12 Operating symbol

14 apparatus

15 actuator

16 front of 1

17 storage device

18 external device

19 display area

20 additional display area

21 additional operating symbols

22 more marks

Claims

claims:

1 . Device for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure, the device (1) comprising:

- a gas pressure measuring device (2) with a gas pressure sensor (3) and - an operating device (4),

characterized,

the operating device (4) has a touch-sensitive display means (5) and the device (1) can be operated via the display means (5).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one graphic control element (6, 6i, 6ii) is designed for setting at least one parameter, in particular the desired pressure, of a control and / or regulation process and that for setting the parameter a tapping , Wiping, sliding and / or pointing movement is provided.

3. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the graphical control element (6) representing a value range of the parameter

Area (7) and in the area (7) one setpoint value of the parameter

representing marking (8) and that for setting the parameter, the marker (8) within the range (7) movable, in particular

is displaceable.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

the device (1) is designed to carry out various process steps,

- the display means (5) is designed to display a plurality of graphical operating elements (6iii, 6iv),

- Several of the graphical controls (6iii, 6iv) are assigned to different process steps and - The operating device (4) is designed to create a process sequence having at least two process steps.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that for the creation of a process sequence, a plurality of graphical operating elements (6iv) by means of

Display means (5) are arranged graphically one above the other and / or side by side, in particular wherein the arrangement on tipping, wiping, sliding and / or

Moving movements is feasible.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the process flow is defined by the arrangement, in particular by the order of the graphical controls (6iv) on the display means (5).

7. Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that at least one parameter of one of the process steps of a created

Process sequence after touching the associated graphical control element (6iii, 6iv) by means of at least one further graphical control element (1 1) is adjustable, in particular wherein at least one default value of the parameter is set and / or stored.

8. Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the arrangement, in particular the order of the process steps of a created process flow associated graphical operating elements (6iv) is changeable, in particular by means of a tipping, wiping, sliding and /or

Pointing motion.

9. Device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that graphical operating elements (6iv) of a created process flow are interchangeable and / or removable.

10. Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that a further process step associated with a graphical operating element (6iii, 6iv) can be inserted into a created process flow.

1 1. Device according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the graphical control elements (6iii) of the variable process steps are displayed as a selection.

12. Device according to one of claims 4 to 1 1, characterized in that a created process flow from the device (1) receivable and / or transferable to an external device (18) and / or in a memory device (17) of the device (1 ) storable and, preferably, is retrievable therefrom.

13. Device according to one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that a created process sequence by means of an operating symbol (12), in particular by tapping on the operating icon (12), selectable, displayable and / or activated.

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the device (1) is designed to carry out a plurality of process sequences at the same time.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the device (1) is designed to display a plurality of simultaneous process sequences.

16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the device (1) is designed to select one of several simultaneous process sequences.

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the operating device (4) is wired and / or wirelessly connected to the gas pressure measuring device (2), in particular wherein the operating device (4) is wired and / or wirelessly connected to the

Gas pressure measuring device (2) and / or the gas pressure having apparatus (14) can communicate.

18. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the operating device (4) with at least one actuator (15), in particular a vacuum control valve and / or a

Vacuum pump drive is coupled, in particular wherein the actuator (15) via the operating device (4) is controllable and / or controllable.

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

in that the display means (5) extends over at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, of a front side (16) of the device (1).

20. A method for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure, wherein the gas pressure with a gas pressure measuring device (2) having device

(1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that

in that the device (1) is operated via a touch-sensitive display means (5) of an operating device (4).

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that a parameter, in particular the target pressure of a process step by means of a graphical

Operating element (6, 6i, 6ii) is set, in particular by means of a tipping, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movement.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that for setting a parameter, in particular the target pressure, a control and / or regulation process, a mark (8) of a graphical

Operating element (6) within a range of values of the parameter

representing area (7) moves, in particular is shifted.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that a process sequence having at least two process steps on the

Operating device (4) by means of graphical controls (6iii, 6iv) is created.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that for the creation of a process sequence, a plurality of graphical operating elements (6iv) by means of the display means (5) are arranged graphically one above the other and / or side by side, in particular wherein the arrangement on tipping, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movements is caused

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the process flow through the arrangement, in particular the order, the

Controls (6iv) is defined.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the arrangement, in particular the order of the operating elements (6iv) is changed, in particular by means of a typing, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movement.

27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that graphical operating elements (6iv) of a created process flow are swapped and / or removed.

28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that a further process step associated with a graphical operating element (6iii, 6iv) is inserted into a created process flow.

29. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that the graphical operating elements (6iii) of the variable process steps as

Selection will be displayed.

30. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that a created process sequence by means of an operating icon (12), in particular by tapping on the operating icon (12), selected, displayed and / or activated.

31. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 30, characterized in that an actuator (15) of a gas pressure having apparatus (14) via the operating device (4) is controlled and / or regulated.