DE10110223A1 - Power converter operation method, e.g. for ac motor control, involves graphically displaying operating instructions and data, which include program for execution of pulse width modulation operation. - Google Patents

Abstract

The power converter operation method involves graphically displaying operating instructions and data, which include a program for execution of a pulse width modulation operation. The procedure is for operating a converter comprising at least one micro-controller with at least one data store. The micro-controller comprises one or more A/D inputs and is included by the generation of control signals for the control of electronic power switches of the converter. The electronic power switches are controlled by pulse width modulation, and can be connected to an electric motor. Operation information, operating instruction and documentation are displayed graphically. Data can be input. There is a first program for the execution of a pulse width modulation operation, comprising at least one control procedure, and at least one second program for the execution of the display of the information, which can be executed by the converter. Independent claims are included for the converter that is suitable for operating the method.

Description

The invention relates to a method for operating a converter and a converter.

From the page http://www.sew-eurodrive.de there are converters for supplying a drive known industrial plants. Such converters supply electric motors and include one electronic circuit that has at least one microcontroller and at least one Data storage includes, the microcontroller from the generation of control signals to Control for electronic circuit breakers of the converter is included and the electronic circuit breakers can be controlled with pulse width modulation and with an electric motor are electrically connectable for supply. The microcontroller has a lower computing power on as modern microprocessors in PC, laptop or the like. In particular are Microcontrollers designed for real-time applications and have timers and A / D inputs.

The inverters mentioned have smaller semiconductor data memories and a smaller one Clock frequency as microprocessor systems for modern PC. So it's about Inverters with completely different systems than with PC. In addition, the software common for PC, especially operating systems and graphic display programs, not executable on one such converter.

In such converters, a microcontroller has the task of measuring physical values Variables, such as current, voltage or the like, via A / D converters or corresponding A / D Convert inputs to digital values using algorithms to perform these values Control procedures to be considered as input values and to determine output values that to other electronic devices. All of this must be done as a real-time application be carried out. This means that regularly after certain time intervals, such as for example 1 ms or 100 µs, an output value must be determined. Therefore, with such Inverters ensured that a new value for electricity is available in sufficiently short time intervals and / or voltage can be determined and thus the regulation of the drive with a sufficient high control quality is feasible.

A known converter is also as compact as possible, since it is in industrial systems the space requirement is a crucial cost factor. In particular, the space requirement of one Converter in control cabinets or systems with many converters requires more space the entire facility. In the case of the inverters mentioned, it is therefore not only the case that is used Heat sinks but also for electronic components such as microcontrollers, semiconductor Data storage, capacitors, electronic circuit breakers for the converter output stage or the like, selected a component as small as possible, as far as this without restriction of Function is possible, such as in particular the output power, the EMC radiation, which for real Time applications appropriate fast calculation of the algorithm for regulation and the Control quality. So a semiconductor data memory that is as small as possible is selected is so extensive that it is sufficient to carry out the converter function for the drive is.

As with other technical devices, the operator is provided with a manual and a user manual Operating instructions for operating the converter are provided in paper form. This Documents are complex, often more extensive than for the operator in individual practical ones  Cases necessary and expensive. Such documents must also be kept. This requires orderly storage in such a way that the documents can be accessed at any time can be. Such storage is not very convenient and expensive.

From the publication etz 10/1997, pages 22 to 27, is a graphic display of data known that the high computing power and the large data storage of a computer system with Microprocessors required, but does not have to perform real-time control. The data are however no information on the operation of the computer system. When viewing the data it is not essential and the function of the system is also not affected when the display with an amount, such as 10 ms or 100 ms, is delayed because a Operator could not perceive this. In particular, this applies to the usual usage, at which the operator reads a page on the screen and then answers the questions of the system, and / or operated the menu.

The invention is therefore based on the object of a method for operating a converter and to develop a converter while reducing costs.

According to the invention, the object is achieved in the method for operating a converter the features specified in claim 1 and in the converter according to the in claim 10 specified features solved.

Essential features of the invention in the method are that information on operation, for operating instructions and / or documentation are displayed graphically, and that data can be entered, and that the converter at least one first program for executing a Pulse width modulation, comprising at least one control method, and at least a second one Program for executing the display of information is executable, and that the second Program requires a larger storage space than the first program, and that from the first Program is running at least one real-time application and / or periodically Values for generating the control signals are determined. The advantage here is that a faster and easy access to information is executable, because in contrast to the prior art an instruction manual must be brought in and flipped through. In addition, the Environmental protection by protecting the raw materials for paper production and by doing without Improved paper.

It is also an advantage that not only text is displayed, but graphics with which the Operator recognizes the meaning of what is displayed much faster, especially suggestively. In addition, surprisingly, there is even a display from a converter with a microcontroller the operating information. So the operator doesn't need to get a paper version, but can advantageously use the information stored in the converter not only include help functions but also installation instructions, regulations on the Setting up and operating the device, maintenance instructions, safety regulations and -instructions, technical data and information and / or general information about the Maintenance, operation, commissioning and also requirements for the environment and / or surrounding device and / or system.

Another advantage is that a sufficiently large memory area for storing the Screen data is available and therefore a quick graphical page layout and a fast  Turning of pages or information displayed despite extensive graphical Representations is possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, information relating to the documentation and / or the Operating instructions can be displayed graphically. The advantage here is that no operating instructions, Manuals or the like must be kept, kept ready and / or transported all the information is contained directly in the converter. In the present invention the paper operating instructions are saved.

The display of such documentation and operating instructions is not a real-time Application. Such documentation and operating instructions also require one large storage space. On the other hand, the determination of the control signals for activation is for electronic circuit breaker of the converter a real-time application. When supplying the For physical reasons, the converter has the drive in good time, especially regularly, To determine values. If the values are determined with too great a time delay, the control quality of the control process and the supplied electric motor and the deteriorates powered mechanical device or plant can even be in dangerous conditions and / or Vibration states come up. When using the real-time application, this can be prevented because after a certain time interval there is a value for the control signals, the Time interval is sufficiently short, for example in the range from 100 µs to 1 ms.

Real-time applications require powerful microcontrollers with timers for time intervals and A / D inputs, but are usually not used for complex programs such as View extensive graphical information. Therefore, the invention is a great one technical and surprising progress.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the operator is guided interactively. Is an advantage the fact that the operator does not have to read or leaf through many pages for free, but immediately his information is displayed and / or the action he requested is offered or is performed.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the converter establishes a connection via telephone and / or Internet to a computer or there will be such a connection to the converter built up, the converter on the touch screen information from transmitted to this computer. The advantage here is that no separate means for Entry is required and therefore the storage costs during production decrease. In addition, the Entire converter can be dimensioned smaller, since less space is required on its surface. Under the screen there is also an LCD display or similar display elements understand.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the second program uses a larger one non-volatile memory as the first program. The advantage here is that an enormous number Information can be saved and extensive programs can also be saved. Non-volatile data memories are, for example, EEPROM, EPROM, disk memory, CD, Memory cards or the like. Volatile data memories are, for example, RAM, DRAM or SDRAM modules.  

In a further advantageous embodiment, the sequence of the information displayed by affects the entered data. The advantage here is that effective operation of the Converter is executable. In particular, solving a problem is quick, easy and to find effectively or the question of an operator, for example about the technical data of the Converter or the type of cabling to be connected, quickly, easily and effectively answer.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the converter determines measured values which are the Influence the sequence of the information displayed. The advantage here is that one more answering questions faster and more effectively, and even faster and more effectively It is possible to find the cause of an error.

Essential features of the invention in the converter are that the converter has means for Data entry and means for graphically displaying information includes, and that the Converter has a larger storage space than for performing control and Control method for the converter and / or connected devices is required. Is an advantage that not only text is displayed, but graphics that allow the operator to Recognizes the meaning of what is displayed, especially suggestively. The larger storage space has a slightly higher space requirement and also causes costs. The cost advantage by saving paper versions and the advantage of faster access to the However, operating information significantly reduces the overall costs and brings additionally an environmental protection advantage.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the means for the graphic display are as Touch-sensitive screen are formed, the touch-sensitive screen for Data entry is usable. The advantage here is that there are no separate means for input are necessary and therefore the storage costs during production decrease. Besides, the whole Converter can be dimensioned smaller, since less space is required for its surface.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the screen has more than 50,000 pixels. Of The advantage here is that graphic elements can be displayed with higher or even high resolution. There are even pages with video clips that can be used to display explanations for the operator are.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the touch-sensitive screen and the Program sequence designed in such a way that only the operator's fingers are used to operate the converter suffice. The advantage here is that no further aids are required.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the touch-sensitive screen and the Program sequence designed in such a way that another means is required to operate the converter is. The advantage here is that, in contrast to finger data entry, smaller areas of the Screen can be used for data entry. Thus, more options can be offered with the same large screen.

In a further advantageous embodiment, this means is a pin and / or with the Converter electrically connectable means. The advantage here is that the pen is especially for the Data entry is executable and thus an error-free detection of the data entry is made possible.  

In a further advantageous embodiment, the converter comprises at least 10 times Larger storage space than for carrying out control and regulation procedures for the converter and / or connected devices is required. The advantage here is that while Operation of the converter available without displaying information of unused data storage However, questions and solutions are available to an operator quickly, effectively and comfortably stand, especially in interaction with the touch-sensitive screen. This Reduces the overall cost of the system because of the operator's working hours and productivity is significantly increased.

Further advantageous embodiments result from the subclaims.  

The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of an illustration:

A converter according to the invention is schematically outlined in FIG. 1.

It is supplied by a mains voltage 1 , which is rectified by a rectifier 2 to generate a unipolar intermediate circuit voltage. This intermediate circuit voltage feeds the inverter 3 , which supplies electronic power switches, such as IGBT. The inverter 3 is electrically connected to the electric motor 4 . The control unit 5 comprises a microcontroller to which measured values for the intermediate circuit voltage and motor current are fed and which comprises a non-volatile and a volatile data memory. The microcontroller calculates output values that are used to generate control signals for the inverter 3 .

FIG. 2 shows an inverter 21 which has a touch-sensitive screen 22 . The operator is guided interactively during commissioning, maintenance and optimization. This means that selection menus are displayed that allow the operator to enter one or more possible answers. Depending on the type of answer, the converter then responds with a new question, a new menu, an action such as writing, reading and / or displaying parameters or other information. In particular, the entire extensive information in the usual operating instructions can be called up interactively.

In a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention, the operator can use a help function call that includes extensive documentation. The usual manuals and Documentation is therefore superfluous.

In particular, in a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention, it is advantageously possible to display scanned pages of manuals and / or operating instructions on the touch-intensive screen 22 , which the operator can then even browse electronically.

In a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention, a connection to a Calculator manufactured. In one case, this is done using a modem. In another In this case, the converter has a radio or infrared interface, via which data with a Mobile phones are interchangeable, which also has such a radio or infrared interface.

In both cases, a modem or cell phone connects to a remote site, which in turn is connected to a suitable computer for data exchange. In particular, an Internet connection from the cell phone can also be used. Particularly suitable include WAP (wireless application protocol) cell phones. It is advantageous that the suitable computer with large data storage and high computing power is executable, whereby the converter has a smaller but still a sufficiently large data storage and one lower, but still sufficient computing power. Overall are on this way the space requirement and the costs can be reduced.

After establishing one of the connections described from the converter to the suitable computer are information such as scanned pages of an instruction manual or a manual or the like, transferable to the converter.  

In further exemplary embodiments according to the invention, the sequence of the displayed Information is determined not only by the data entries and responses of the operator, but also also of recorded measurement data.

For example, an error is displayed, which means that the actual value, for example for Voltage deviates too much from a specified or predefinable setpoint and is therefore on undesirable condition has occurred. On the one hand, the operator is then offered the value to display the actual value, its history, statistical values of its history Course or the like. On the other hand, the operator is offered information on Display troubleshooting, such as checking the wiring. After selecting the The latter becomes a warning about dangerous high voltage on the connection elements of the converter and requests that the mains voltage be switched off first. The The converter then repeatedly measures the line voltage or a corresponding value and takes it the warning notice only after its disappearance. However, if there is no mains voltage from The above warning is omitted.

In this interactive way, the operator's data entry and measurements or calculated values of the converter are taken into account, the information is displayed.

The converter has a sufficiently large non-volatile and volatile data memory Mistake. These data memories are larger than a data memory for a converter according to the state of the technique. Information on operation, operating instructions and / or documentation can be stored on the non-volatile data memory in such a way that switched off converter remain intact.

In further exemplary embodiments according to the invention, further data memories such as Disk storage or the like used.

In further exemplary embodiments according to the invention, the converter goes before the Information or a critical amount of information in one safe state, such as switching off or keeping the Output voltage, so that as much computing power and as much storage space as possible Program to display the information is available.

In further exemplary embodiments according to the invention, the converter allocates the program Display of the information only so much computing power and storage space that the Control method and the determination of the values for the control signals in pulse width modulation undisturbed and can be maintained with the same control quality. The operator may have to then because of the lower priority of the information display program Accept time delays. In terms of programming, this is done within the regular Time intervals, for example 250 µs, first the next value for the control signals at the Pulse width modulation determines what, for example, requires 150 µs. Then stand still 100 µs available to the program for displaying the information, which at the end of the Time interval, ie approximately at 250 µs, is interrupted in good time in such a way that it starts at next time interval can be continued. There are different types of interruptions from the Invention includes. For example, the pause is under execution of the last Machine cycles and / or storage of the data and / or intermediate storage of the last  Arithmetic steps are carried out or the interruption is caused by total and immediate freezing of the Data and even special buffers executed.

In further exemplary embodiments according to the invention, the converter has a microcontroller and at the same time a microprocessor with associated data memories, i.e. memories. Consequently the costs are increased, but it is an undisturbed and even simultaneous operation of one first program for executing pulse width modulation, comprising a control method, and a second program for executing the display of the information.  

Reference list

1

Mains voltage

2

rectifier

3

Inverter

4

Electric motor

5

control unit

21

Converter

22

touch sensitive screen

Claims (17)

1. Procedure for operation with a converter,
comprising at least one microcontroller with at least one data memory,
wherein the microcontroller comprises one or more A / D inputs and is comprised of the generation of control signals for actuation for electronic circuit breakers of the converter, the electronic circuit breakers being controllable by pulse width modulation and being electrically connectable to an electric motor, characterized in that
Information on operation, operating instructions and / or documentation is displayed graphically,
and that data can be entered,
and that the converter can execute at least one first program for executing pulse width modulation, comprising at least one control method, and at least one second program for executing the display of the information,
and that the second program uses a larger storage space than the first program,
and that the first program executes at least one real-time application and / or values for generating the control signals are determined at regular intervals. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second program uses a larger non-volatile memory than the first Program. 3. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the operator is guided interactively. 4. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sequence of the information displayed is influenced by the entered data. 5. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Measured values are determined by the inverter, the sequence of the information displayed influence. 6. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display of the information is carried out on at least one touch-sensitive screen on which data can also be entered. 7. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the converter connects using cellular, radio, infrared, phone and / or Internet to a computer or such a connection to the converter is established, on the touch-sensitive screen of the converter, information from this computer transferred, displayed. 8. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the converter displays the information before processing the second program, in particular with a critical amount of information to be displayed, in a safe State, especially using the first program, goes on to increase the for the processing of the second program of usable computing power and / or storage space. 9. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the converter only allocates so much computing power and storage space to the second program that the first program without impairing the functions or reducing the control quality remains workable.   10. converter for performing a method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the converter comprises means for data input and means for the graphic display of information,
and that the converter has a larger data memory than is required for the mere implementation of control and regulating methods for the converter and / or connected devices. 11. Converter according to claim 10, characterized in that the converter has at least 10 times more storage space than for the implementation of Control and regulation procedures for the converter and / or connected devices is required. 12. Converter according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for graphic display are designed as a touch-sensitive screen, the Touch-sensitive screen can be used for data entry. 13. Converter according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screen has more than 50,000 pixels. 14. Converter according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the touch-sensitive screen and the program flow are designed in such a way that only the Sufficient fingers of the operator to operate the converter. 15. Converter according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the touch-sensitive screen and the program flow is designed in such a way that Another means is necessary to operate the converter. 16. Converter according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that this means is a pin and / or a means which can be electrically connected to the converter. 17. Converter according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the converter includes other non-volatile data memories.