DE202018102484U1 - Device for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure - Google Patents

Abstract

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 in that the operating device (4) is a touch-sensitive Display means (5) and the device (1) via the display means (5) is operable.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure according to the preamble of claim 1.

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 into a unique relationship to this gas pressure, e.g. proportional, electrical output to. For example, gas pressure sensors with a membrane of alumina ceramic are known. For 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 the operating device, the measured gas pressure of the apparatus is represented by a display means provided exclusively for conveying information. The user can thus on the one hand read off the current gas pressure in the apparatus via the display means of the operating device and on the other control and / or regulate the gas pressure via mechanical operating elements. 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 regulation processes, additional parameters, such as the duration of a process step and / or the speed of a vacuum pump, are set in addition to the gas pressure.

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, a transmission of the program code to the operating device being provided.

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 in succession, such as evacuation and ventilation cycles, are usually very difficult for the user 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 to improve the known from practice device for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure in terms of uses and / or handling. 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 the dependent claims.

The basic idea of the present invention is to provide a device which can be operated via a touch-sensitive display means of the operating device. 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 settings using the display means can be made available 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 display information such as parameters of the device and / or the apparatus, in particular the gas pressure, and on the other hand to ensure adjustment of the parameters of the apparatus and / or the apparatus by touching the display means. The user is not only given the opportunity to set different parameters, but also receives additional information for setting a parameter and / or for use the display means. The user can obtain this information, for example, by tapping and / or selecting a "Help button". Consequently, a direct interaction of the user with the operating device is preferably provided. In contrast, although in practice a specification of parameters for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure in the apparatus is possible, however, this can not be done directly via the display means and the operating device can not communicate with the user in such a way that the user information, error messages and / or suggestions are displayed.

Advantageously, the operation of the operating device without mechanical controls, in particular exclusively via the display means. However, this does not exclude the possibility that an external device can be connected to the device, which serves for the transmission of a previously created program code and / or for setting parameters of the device and / or the apparatus. 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 can transmit the information detected by the respective gas pressure measuring device, in particular the measured gas pressure, to the external device and 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, which has evacuation and ventilation cycles, for example, 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, a user-friendly option for individualizing the process flow can be created. Graphical symbols can be used to define the process flow. The advantage here is that the majority of users is 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, it is provided that at least one graphical operating element 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 or pointing motion 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. Finally, with the help of the display means, the adjustment variant that is the most comfortable for the user can be selected.

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 marking, for example to a region shown in the form of a circular ring, an adjustment of the parameter can be made. 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 mark along the range, the new setpoint value of the parameter can also be set.

A further marking may represent in the region the current measured parameter, preferably the actual value, of the apparatus.

Furthermore, the parameters to be set are the gas pressure, the pumping rate, the process times or the like.

Alternatively or in addition to a circular arc section-shaped and / or Circular segment-shaped representation of the area is / are in particular also a slider or a slider and / or step keys, in particular in conjunction with a slider and / or a circular arc segment-shaped and / or circular segment representation of the area formed to adjust the parameter. 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 designed for carrying out 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 ultimately specifies a process sequence, must be implemented, changed and / or called. 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 individual process steps can also be predefined in their entirety, although process sequences which have at least two process steps can already be stored in the device and can be retrieved from it. For a process flow and / or a process step, the user can be shown further information, which relates in particular to the effect of the process step and / or the setting options. 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, which can be called up or called up by means of operating elements, can also be programmed by an external device and transmitted to the device or to the operating device.

Furthermore, it is provided in a further and preferred embodiment of the inventive idea that for the creation of a process sequence, a plurality of graphical operating elements by means of the display means can be arranged graphically one above the other and / or side by side. 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. Visual syntax is understood to be a graphic notation of the basic symbols, wherein visual semantics refers to the running state of the visual objects, which can be visual in particular, whereas under dynamic signing the representation of transient phenomena, for example by the flashing of an operating element, the is changed, understood.

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

In the context of visual programming, the process flow is preferably defined by the arrangement, in particular by the order, of the graphical operating elements on the display means. For example, the graphical controls can be arranged with each other and / or next to each other. The device according to the invention will process the process steps assigned to the graphic operating elements 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 operating elements, the sequence can be visualized by numbering and / or a color gradient and / or a graphical highlighting of the operating elements to the user. In addition, further information can be displayed to the end user when setting the process flow or when calling up a created process flow. This can be done for example by so-called pop-up messages that flash briefly, and / or by clicking on a help icon. Thus, both for each process step, a description of the step as such as well as an information text for all parameters that can be set in the context of this process step, be called. The relevant parameters of the process step can be prioritized or highlighted by the graphical representation.

Advantageously, already created process flows are stored or stored in the device and / or in a device associated with the device and can be used by the end user be called 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 only the parameters relevant to the specific application or the process sequence can be displayed to the user or the end user, and the end user can only set these parameters. 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 malfunction of the device and / or the apparatus, such as an unintentional venting at the end of a process flow of a vacuum control and / or regulation process, severely restricted and / or avoided. When calling up 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.

If the process sequence has been started, it is in particular possible according to the invention that the end user can still intervene in the process sequence by selecting a control element, in particular stopping the process flow, changing the parameters of the individual process steps and / or inserting further process steps.

Incidentally, at least one parameter of one of the process steps of a created process sequence can be set by tapping on the associated graphical operating element by means of at least one further graphical operating 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 graphic control element representing the process step, further graphical operating elements, preferably for setting parameters, can accordingly be displayed to the end user.

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 is also possible to predefine a condition such that a certain number of process steps, which can be displayed to the end user by means of the graphical operating elements, are executed only 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 can be integrated into the process flow, whereby the instructions can be set by the end user via the display means. In principle, it is also conceivable to nest the loops or the control structures, which are deposited as graphical operating elements, into one another.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the arrangement, in particular the sequence, of the graphic operating elements assigned to the process steps of a created process sequence can be changed. 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 can be ensured in a already having several process steps process flow.

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 calling up an already created process sequence or when creating the process flow, possible, addable process steps can be displayed to the end user by means of graphical operating elements and / or the end user can to call 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 can be visually or graphically pushed back into the selection and / or deleting the control from the process flow can be done by another control element, which is stored in the control, for example by tapping a delete icon. In particular, after actuation of the deletion command, a security check or a check can take place, which questions whether this action should actually be carried out.

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 transferred to an external device and / or stored in a memory device of the device and, preferably, retrievable therefrom. In particular, process flows that have been created externally can be transmitted to the device, which can subsequently display these process flows as a selection to the user. However, it is also possible to transmit process sequences created by means of the display means to a further device or to an external device and / or a memory device and to recall them from the memory device, in particular. 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, multiple processes may be controlled and / or regulated in parallel by the device.

In particular, a plurality of apparatuses can be arranged on the apparatus in such a way that the apparatuses can be controlled and / or regulated via the apparatus. If several simultaneous process flows are displayed, it is also possible to pause and / or interrupt individual process flows. 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. Appropriate Help functions can be provided 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 is connected by wire to the gas pressure measuring device. 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 encrypted. An advantage of the wireless communication is that the operating device can be arranged spatially removed or detached from the apparatus.

It is particularly preferred that the operating device is coupled to at least one actuator. The actuator of the apparatus can be controlled and / or controlled via the operating device. As an actuator, for example, serve a vacuum control valve and / or a vacuum pump drive. About the vacuum pump or via the vacuum pump, for example, a pumping and holding or a constant gas pressure of the vacuum can be 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, venting, freeze drying, vacuum drying, boiling point detection, filtration and / or vacuum concentration can be provided as process sequences or process steps. 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 side of the operating device or of the front side of the entire device. Thus, the available area is purposefully and purposefully used to operate the device. Further required space for mechanical controls such as knobs or the like can be avoided.

The above object is also achieved by the method described below.

The method is used for controlling and / or regulating 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. It is provided that the device is operated via a touch-sensitive display means of an operating device.

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 described here. 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 is set by means of a graphical control element, in particular by means of a tap, wipe, push 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 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 is shifted within the range. The area can, as already be explained, circular arc section or circular ring section and / or be designed as a slider and / or 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 is created via the operating device by means of graphical operating elements. 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. When creating a process flow, multiple 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 graphical controls of the changeable process steps can be displayed as a selection. Thus, the order or the arrangement can be determined by corresponding touches of the touch-sensitive display means, 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, the end user can also display operating elements which can ultimately represent the individual process steps and, if appropriate, the parameters set in the operating elements in the corresponding arrangement of the process sequence, whereby further operating elements can be displayed by selecting a control element by means of which Parameters of the individual process steps can be adjusted individually for the particular 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, wherein a direct influence of the operating device can be made on the actuators. The control and / or regulation of the actuators can be effected as a function of the parameters detected by the gas pressure measuring device, in particular the gas pressure in the apparatus.

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. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination form the subject of the present invention, regardless of their Summary or its relationship.

• 1 schematisch in einer perspektivischen Ansicht eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Steuerung und/oder Regelung eines Gasdrucks;
• 2 schematisch in einer perspektivischen Rückansicht die Vorrichtung aus 1;
• 3 schematisch eine Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Anzeigemittels der Vorrichtung aus 1 in einem ersten Zustand;
• 4 schematisch eine Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Anzeigemittels der Vorrichtung aus 1 in einem zweiten Zustand;
• 5 schematisch eine Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Anzeigemittels der Vorrichtung aus 1 in einem dritten Zustand;
• 6 schematisch eine Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Anzeigemittels der Vorrichtung aus 1 in einem vierten Zustand;
• 7 schematisch eine Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Anzeigemittels der Vorrichtung aus 1 in einem fünften Zustand;
• 8 schematisch eine Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Anzeigemittels der Vorrichtung aus 1 in einem sechsten Zustand;
• 9 schematisch eine Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Anzeigemittels der Vorrichtung aus 1 in einem siebten Zustand;
• 10 schematisch eine Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Anzeigemittels der Vorrichtung aus 1 in einem achten Zustand;
• 11 schematisch eine Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Anzeigemittels der Vorrichtung aus 1 in einem neunten Zustand;
• 12 schematisch in einer Darstellung eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung und einer Apparatur;
• 13 schematisch in einer Darstellung die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 14 schematisch in einer Darstellung die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel; und
• 15 schematisch den Ablauf einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines Verfahrens zur Steuerung und/oder Regelung eines Gasdrucks.

In the drawing shows

• 1 schematically in a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure;
• 2 schematically in a perspective rear view of the device 1 ;
• 3 schematically a front view of a display means according to the invention of the device 1 in a first state;
• 4 schematically a front view of a display means according to the invention of the device 1 in a second state;
• 5 schematically a front view of a display means according to the invention of the device 1 in a third state;
• 6 schematically a front view of a display means according to the invention of the device 1 in a fourth state;
• 7 schematically a front view of a display means according to the invention of the device 1 in a fifth state;
• 8th schematically a front view of a display means according to the invention of the device 1 in a sixth state;
• 9 schematically a front view of a display means according to the invention of the device 1 in a seventh state;
• 10 schematically a front view of a display means according to the invention of the device 1 in an eighth condition;
• 11 schematically a front view of a display means according to the invention of the device 1 in a ninth state;
• 12 schematically in a representation of a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention and an apparatus;
• 13 schematically in a representation of the device according to the invention according to a further embodiment;
• 14 schematically in a representation of the device according to the invention according to a further embodiment; and
• 15 schematically the flow of a preferred embodiment of a method for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure.

1 shows schematically in a perspective view a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure. The device 1 includes a gas pressure measuring device 2 with a gas pressure sensor 3 and an operating device 4 ,

The 2 shows schematically in a perspective view the back of in 1 illustrated device 1 , At the operating device 4 is the gas pressure measuring device 2 into which the gas pressure sensor 3 is integrated, arranged.

Furthermore, the operating device 4 a touch-sensitive display means 5 on. The device 1 is about the display means 5 operable. The display means 5 is in the illustrated embodiment on the front side 16 the device 1 that also the front 16 the operating device 4 is provided.

Out 1 it can be seen that the display means 5 over at least 70% of a front 16 the device 1 extends. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the display means extends 5 over at least 80% of the front 16 ,

The 3 to 11 show schematically the front view of the display means 5 as well as various states of the display means 5 , which by operation of the display means 5 can be caused. Ultimately, the show 3 to 11 various control panels and screen layers of the display means 5 ,

In the in 3 illustrated first state of the display means 5 is at least one graphical control 6 . 6i provided for setting at least one parameter of a control and / or regulation process. As a parameter, for example, the target pressure in the apparatus having the gas pressure 14 serve. At the in 3 illustrated state of the display means 5 are two graphical controls 6 . 6i provided for setting the parameter, wherein in a display area 19 the set value of the parameter is displayed to the user. In another display area 20 can by the gas pressure measuring device 2 measured value of the parameter are displayed. Further operating symbols 21 can be used to operate the touch-sensitive display means 5 be provided, with over the other control icons 21 For example, returned to a main menu and more information or assistance or the like can be requested / can.

4 schematically shows in a second state of the display means 5 in that the parameter can be set via a sliding movement.

In the in 5 schematically illustrated third state of the display means 5 it can be seen that the parameter can also be adjusted by a jogging movement. In principle, wiping and / or pointing movements are also conceivable.

The 3 to 5 show that the graphical control 6 an area representing the value range of the parameter 7 and in the area 7 a mark representing a desired value of the parameter 8th having. The 4 and 5 show schematically that for setting the parameter, the mark 8th within the range 7 is movable, in particular displaceable, is. Furthermore, in the 3 to 5 another mark 22 provided that represents the measured value of the parameter.

One is the graphical control 6 in the states of the display means 5 according to the 3 to 5 as a circular segment-shaped area 7 educated. 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 another variant for setting the parameter is shown, this graphical control element 6i Has level keys. In further embodiments, not shown, the graphical control element 6 . 6i also be designed as a slider.

6 schematically shows a fourth state of the display means 5 in which a graphical operating element designed as a numerical keyboard 6ii is provided. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated and preferred here, the user is also provided with a display area 19 the set value of the parameter - ie the setpoint value - and another display range 20 the measured value of the parameter - ie the actual value - is displayed. Not shown is that when the value of the parameter entered via the numeric keypad is out of range 7 is, the user is displayed a warning message and this value is not used for controlling and / or regulating the gas pressure.

In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, it is provided that the device 1 designed for carrying out various process steps of a control and / or regulation process for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure. 7 schematically shows a fifth state of the display means 5 in which the display means 5 several graphical controls 6III or to display several graphical controls 6III is trained. At the in 7 illustrated and preferred embodiment is each of the graphical controls 6III assigned a process step.

After tapping one of the in 7 illustrated graphical controls 6III At least one parameter of this process step is adjustable, in particular wherein at least one default value of the at least one parameter is set and / or stored. At the in 8th illustrated and preferred embodiment is a sixth state of the display means 5 shown in which the at least one parameter of the process step, by a graphical control element 6III has been selected, is adjustable, by means of at least one further graphical control element 11 , Here are three other graphical controls 11 for example, three parameters adjustable. The other graphical controls 11 allow setting or changing the parameter, for example according to the in 4 to 6 variants shown.

Furthermore, the operating device 4 designed to create a process sequence having at least two process steps. The process flow may define a control and / or regulation process for controlling and / or regulating the gas pressure.

At the in 9 shown seventh state of the display means 5 a process flow is shown with two process steps, whereby the two process steps each by a graphical control element 6IV in a flow definition area 9 are represented. In addition, the display means 5 several graphical controls 6III in a selection area 10 on or is to display several graphical controls 6III in a selection area 10 educated. The selectable graphical controls 6III are arranged one above the other here.

To create a process flow can be a graphical controls 6III selected and from the selection area 10 in the flow definition area 9 be moved, in particular by a so-called "drag and drop" method. For example, a graphical control 6III be selected by longer marking, creating a graphical representation of the graphical control 6III is displayed, then from the selection area 10 in the flow definition area 9 can be pulled. Having the graphical representation of the graphical control 6III at a position flow definition area 9 "Dropped" becomes a first graphical control 6IV and indicated by a numeric display element ("1."). Now again, a graphical controls 6III selected and from the selection area 10 in the flow definition area 9 to be moved. The graphic representation of this graphical control element can be used here 6III at a position above or below the already displayed first graphical control 6IV in the flow definition area 9 Be "dropped". Then there will be a second graphical control 6IV and indicated by a numeric display element ("2.").

Not shown is that the graphical controls 6IV can also be arranged next to each other.

The process flow is due to the arrangement, in particular by the order of the graphical controls 6IV on the display means 5 Are defined. If the process is started, eg. B. by operating another control icon 21 , become the graphic controls 6IV assigned process steps executed, 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 graphic controls 6IV is changeable, here by tipping, wiping, pushing and / or pointing movements. In particular, the graphical controls 6iv are interchangeable and / or removable.

That's how it shows 10 in an eighth state of the display means 5 that a graphical control 6IV of the created process flow is removable, by the graphical control element 6IV or a graphical representation of the graphical control element 6IV from the flow definition area 9 in the 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 operating element is provided 6IV in the flow definition area 9 is shown.

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.

At the in 9 and 10 illustrated and preferred embodiment are in the graphical controls 6IV Parameters of the respective process step visualized and by means of other graphical controls 11 adjustable.

11 shows a ninth state of the display means 5 in which a created process sequence by means of a control symbol 12 is selectable. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the selection of the operating icon 12 by tapping on the operating symbol 12 respectively. In particular, a created process flow is by means of the operating symbol 12 can be displayed and / or activated. The created process flow can be called after calling the operating symbol 12 be changed, in particular where only relevant parameters of the process steps can be set.

Not shown is that the device 1 for the simultaneous execution of a plurality of process sequences and / or for representing a plurality of simultaneous process sequences and / or for selecting an active one of a plurality of simultaneous process sequences. A selection of active process flows and / or the representation of multiple simultaneous process flows may be analogous to those in 11 illustrated state of the display means 5 be provided or presentable. In addition to the operating symbols 12 In the case of an active process flow, relevant parameters and / or information about this process flow can also be displayed to the user.

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

12 shows schematically the apparatus 14 that with the device 1 communicated. The gas pressure measuring device 2 measures the gas pressure in the apparatus 14 , The apparatus 14 are in the illustrated and preferred embodiment of actuators 15 or at least one actuator 15 assigned. As an actuator 15 may be a vacuum control valve and / or a vacuum pump drive, in particular with the apparatus 14 coupled, be provided. At the in 11 illustrated embodiment is also shown that the actuators 15 with the operating device 4 are coupled such that the actuators 15 via the operating device 4 are controllable and / or controllable. For this purpose, the operating device 4 corresponding commands of a control and / or regulation process to the actuators 15 either in the apparatus 14 arranged and / or the apparatus 14 are assigned, transferred.

In 12 In addition, it can be seen that the gas pressure measuring device 2 Information, in particular measured parameters, preferably the desired pressure, to the operating device 4 transfers, then these, according to the in 3 illustrated embodiment, the user displays.

13 shows schematically a further preferred embodiment of the device 1 , wherein the operating device 4 a storage device 17 assigned. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, a created process flow is in the memory device 17 the device 1 storable. In addition, the device can 1 also a created process flow from the storage device 17 receive or retrieve from it.

14 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 , wherein the device 1 an external device 18 assigned. In the embodiment shown and preferred here is the external device 18 the gas pressure measuring device 2 assigned. From the external one device 18 can a process flow to the device 1 be transferred or the device 1 can from the external device 18 receive a created process flow. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated and preferred here, it is provided that after the transfer of a created process sequence from the storage device 17 and / or from the external device 18 this process flow from a user via operation of the display means 5 can be changed.

15 schematically shows a method for controlling and / or regulating a gas pressure. The gas pressure is measured using a gas pressure gauge 2 having device 1 measured. 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 it is provided that the device 1 via a touch-sensitive display means 5 an operating device 4 is served.

As already out 4 and 5 can be seen, in a preferred embodiment of the method, a parameter, in particular the target pressure of 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.

Next is at the in 4 illustrated state of the display means 5 shown that for setting a parameter, in particular the target pressure, a control and / or regulation process, a mark 8th a graphical control 6 within a range representing the value range of the parameter 7 is moved. By moving the mark 8th within the range 7 the parameter to be set - ultimately the target value - can be set.

From the in 9 and 10 shown state results in terms of the method described here that a process sequence having at least two process steps via the operating device 4 using graphical controls 6III . 6IV is created. At the same time, several graphical operating elements are created to create a process flow 6IV by means of the display means 5 arranged graphically one above the other. In a further, not shown embodiment, the controls 6IV arranged graphically next to each other. The arrangement may be by means of tapping, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movements - ultimately via the touch of the touch-sensitive display means 5 - be caused. The process flow is here by the arrangement, in particular the order of the graphical controls 6IV Are defined. The order of the controls 6IV can in addition to the arrangement via a numbering of the controls 6IV be displayed to the user. It is not shown that a ranking or sequence of the control elements representing the process steps by a color gradient or the like 6IV can be visualized.

10 schematically shows that the order or the arrangement of the 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 graphical controls 6IV a created process sequence swapped and / or removed and / or another process control associated with a graphical control element 6IV can be inserted in a created process flow.

A created process flow can - according to 11 - by means of an operating symbol 12 selected, displayed and / or activated. A selection of the operating symbol 12 For example, by tapping on it or marking the operating symbol 12 respectively.

Out 12 it becomes apparent that an actuator 15 a gas pressure having apparatus 14 via the operating device 4 controlled and / or regulated.

At the in 15 illustrated and preferred procedure is provided that in step A, a process flow by marking a control icon 12 is selected.

In step B, the process flow further process steps by means of graphical controls 6III . 6IV added. During this process or subsequently, the order of processing of the process steps is 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 parameters to be changed via selection of further operating elements 11 changed and thus adjusted.

Furthermore, in step D, the process flow created is selected by selecting another operating symbol 21 started.

Finally, in step E, the created process flow is stored in a memory device 17 saved. 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

operating element

7

Range of 6

8th

mark

9

Expiration domain

10

selection area

11

another operating element

12

operator symbol

14

apparatus

15

actuator

16

Front of 1

17

memory device

18

external device

19

display area

20

further display area

21

further operating symbols

22

further marking

Claims (14)

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 in that the operating device (4) is a touch-sensitive Display means (5) and the device (1) via the display means (5) is operable. Device after 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 setpoint pressure, of a control and / or regulation process and that for adjusting the parameter a tapping, wiping, sliding and / or pointing movement is provided. Device after Claim 2 , characterized in that the graphic control element (6) has a range representing the value range of the parameter (7) and in the region (7) has a desired value of the parameter representing mark (8) and that for setting the parameter, the mark ( 8) within the region (7) is movable, in particular displaceable. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that - the device (1) is designed for carrying out various process steps, - the display means (5) is designed to display a plurality of graphical operating elements (6iii, 6iv), - several of the graphical operating elements (6iii, 6iv) are assigned to different process steps are and - the operating device (4) is designed to create a process comprising at least two process steps. Device after Claim 4 , 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 tap, wiping, sliding and / or Zeigebewegungen is feasible. Device after Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the process flow is defined by the arrangement, in particular by the order, of the graphical operating elements (6iv) on the display means (5). 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 (11) is adjustable, in particular wherein at least one default value of the parameter is set and / or stored , 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 tap, wipe, slide and / or pointing movement, preferably wherein graphical controls (6iv ) of a created process flow interchangeable and / or can be removed and / or another graphical operating element (6iii, 6iv) assigned to a process step can be inserted into a created process sequence, in particular wherein the graphical operating elements (6iii) of the variable process steps can be displayed as a selection. Device according to one of Claims 4 to 8th , characterized in that a created process flow from the device (1) receivable and / or transferable to an external device (18) and / or stored in a memory device (17) of the device (1) and, preferably, is retrievable therefrom. Device according to one of Claims 4 to 9 , 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 activatable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is designed for simultaneously carrying out a plurality of process sequences and / or for displaying a plurality of simultaneous process sequences and / or for selecting an active one of a plurality of simultaneous process sequences. 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) wired and / or wireless with the gas pressure measuring device (2) and / or the apparatus (14) having the gas pressure can communicate. Device according to one of the preceding claims, 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) controllable and / or controllable. 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).

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