EP3096021B1 - Remote diagnosis of vacuum devices - Google Patents

Remote diagnosis of vacuum devices Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3096021B1
EP3096021B1 EP15168485.9A EP15168485A EP3096021B1 EP 3096021 B1 EP3096021 B1 EP 3096021B1 EP 15168485 A EP15168485 A EP 15168485A EP 3096021 B1 EP3096021 B1 EP 3096021B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
diagnostic data
totality
vacuum pump
data
display
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EP15168485.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3096021A1 (en
Inventor
Herbert Stammler
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Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH
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Pfeiffer Vacuum GmbH
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Priority to EP15168485.9A priority Critical patent/EP3096021B1/en
Priority to JP2016096837A priority patent/JP2017002898A/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D19/00—Axial-flow pumps
    • F04D19/02—Multi-stage pumps
    • F04D19/04—Multi-stage pumps specially adapted to the production of a high vacuum, e.g. molecular pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C25/00—Adaptations of pumps for special use of pumps for elastic fluids
    • F04C25/02—Adaptations of pumps for special use of pumps for elastic fluids for producing high vacuum
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D27/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04D27/001—Testing thereof; Determination or simulation of flow characteristics; Stall or surge detection, e.g. condition monitoring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C2270/00—Control; Monitoring or safety arrangements
    • F04C2270/80—Diagnostics
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04C—ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C2270/00—Control; Monitoring or safety arrangements
    • F04C2270/90—Remote control, e.g. wireless, via LAN, by radio, or by a wired connection from a central computer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
    • F05D2260/00—Function
    • F05D2260/80—Diagnostics

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a vacuum device and a remote diagnosis method for vacuum devices, the vacuum device being a vacuum pump.
  • Vacuum devices are used in different areas of technology to create the vacuum required for a particular process.
  • Vacuum devices typically have a relatively simple user interface and/or user interface provided for the user on site, which is only intended for limited data exchange with the user.
  • Such a user interface or user interface is usually only used to call up the data required for the current requirement or for normal operation on site, such as data for the on/off states, the speed, an error status or the like.
  • a vacuum device is from JP 2000 283056 A known.
  • the invention is based on the object of creating a vacuum pump and a remote diagnosis method with which the aforementioned problems are eliminated. It should be ensured in the simplest possible way that the diagnostic data required for a remote diagnosis can be provided completely and without falsification, even in environments in which a high level of data security is required.
  • the vacuum device according to the invention namely the vacuum pump (hereinafter also referred to as “vacuum device”) comprises a device for generating a set of diagnostic data of the vacuum device that is suitable for a remote analysis location, a retrieval device, by means of which the provision of all diagnostic data can be initiated, and a provisioning device configured to provide the entirety of diagnostic data for transmission as an entirety to the remote analysis site.
  • the vacuum device now has the ability to provide all the diagnostic data required for a remote analysis at once, it also being ensured that the diagnostic data are available in an unaltered form at the remote analysis location. There is no longer a need for a person on site to "obtain” the data and/or to "transmit” the data to the remote analyst. At most, the provision of the diagnostic data can still be arranged by a person on site. However, this does not require special knowledge, special equipment or excessive care. A reliable, comprehensive error analysis is thus possible at the remote analysis site using the invention.
  • the diagnostic data is different from the operating data of the vacuum device provided for normal operation on site.
  • the diagnostic data can have a content and/or amount of data that is meaningfully reduced or expanded with regard to the respective diagnostic purpose compared to the normal operating data. In principle, however, this is not mandatory.
  • the diagnostic data can also be identical to the normal operating data.
  • the provision of all of the diagnostic data can be initiated on request, in particular only once, or automatically. It can thus be provided, for example, that the retrieval device initiates the provision only when a corresponding command is issued, for example by a user by pressing a button or by another device using a control parameter. However, the provision can also be triggered automatically, for example each time the vacuum device is switched on. For example, provision can be made for the diagnostic data to be shown on a display after the vacuum device has been switched on until a specified period of time has elapsed, the user presses a specific or any button, or normal operation of the vacuum device is resumed in whatever defined manner vacuum device starts.
  • Automatic provision of the diagnostic data can also be triggered by an error occurring after switching on or off or during normal operation of the vacuum device or by a predetermined error condition, ie the retrieval device initiates the provision of the diagnostic data automatically in this variant if an error causes a diagnosis may be required.
  • embodiments are possible according to the invention in which the initiation of the provision of the diagnostic data, so to speak the initial act of starting the diagnosis, is based on the switching on or off of the vacuum device or its mains supply or, so to speak, on the timing of the right moment (e.g. when an error occurs ) is reduced. For example, triggering a command or setting a parameter is then no longer necessary.
  • such embodiments are possible in which no interaction with the vacuum device is necessary at all.
  • the invention can then also be used for such vacuum devices that have no buttons or other input means or that are not accessible due to their installation situation.
  • a vacuum device according to the invention can be arranged in a contaminated or hermetically protected area - and thus in an area that is not easily accessible - and transmission of the diagnostic data can still be possible without any problems, for example simply by photographing a display of the vacuum device showing the diagnostic data through a pane of glass .
  • the diagnostic data when the diagnostic data is provided by means of indications on a display, but also in other cases, provision can be made for the diagnostic data to be provided permanently or alternately, at least during a predefined or definable period of time.
  • the diagnostic data can thus be displayed permanently, for example, until a user ends the display by pressing a button or a control command.
  • the diagnostic data can be displayed alternately with the normal operating data, with such an alternating display then being able to be ended once the transmission of the diagnostic data has been completed.
  • the vacuum device “jumps” from a normal display mode to a diagnostic data display mode for a predetermined period of time when an error occurs, in order to inform the user to give the possibility to record the diagnostic data "at the right time” for transmission without further interaction with the vacuum device.
  • all of the diagnostic data can be made available on a display in optically encoded and compressed form. According to the invention, all of the diagnostic data can be provided in such a coded form that all of the diagnostic data can be transmitted to the remote analysis location independently of local functionalities provided for normal on-site operation, in particular independent of local character sets.
  • the vacuum device is already connected to another device owned by the user via an electronic user interface or user interface, so that the user has the option of using a defined manual readout command to obtain an extended data stream which, for example, not only gives a short answer or confirmation to a command, but delivers a data stream with multiple size (e.g. "Stream", "Dump") and contains the entirety of the diagnostic data.
  • a defined manual readout command to obtain an extended data stream which, for example, not only gives a short answer or confirmation to a command, but delivers a data stream with multiple size (e.g. "Stream", "Dump") and contains the entirety of the diagnostic data.
  • all of the diagnostic data can thus be output in the form of a data stream. If the user records the extended data stream obtained, for example, via a user interface or user interface connected to another device of the user and connected to the vacuum device, and if this is transmitted electronically, for example, to the remote analysis site via the communication link, the data stream can be transmitted at the remote analysis site optionally processed after appropriate decoding and/or decompression.
  • Base64 coding carrying along a CRC checksum and/or grouping data by means of headers or by means of bracketed head and end characters and/or features are conceivable for encoding the diagnostic data that can be output.
  • “Base64” describes a method for coding 8-bit binary data in a character string that consists only of readable code page-independent ASCII characters.
  • a checksum (CR-24) can also be appended, with this slightly modified procedure being called Radix-64.
  • Radix-64 In principle, however, other codings are also conceivable.
  • all of the diagnostic data can be provided in optically encoded form.
  • the provision device includes a display on which the diagnostic data can be displayed.
  • optically encoded diagnostic data can be photographed or filmed from the display for transmission to the remote analysis location.
  • the entire amount of diagnostic data can be recorded using devices typically present at the user's and transmitted to the remote analysis site via a communication link.
  • the display provided for displaying the diagnostic data can be integrated into the vacuum device or arranged separately from the vacuum device and connected to the vacuum device via a local data connection.
  • the display provided for displaying the diagnostic data can, for example, also be assigned to a number of vacuum devices.
  • switching means can be provided, for example, via which the display can be selectively connected to the various vacuum devices.
  • the respective connection can in particular be wired and/or established by radio.
  • all of the diagnostic data can be displayed consecutively in a number of images on the display. It is advantageous here if the parts of the totality of diagnostic data that correspond to the individual images each represent an inherently consistent subset of the totality of diagnostic data provided for transmission to the remote analysis location.
  • each part of the set of diagnostic data is encoded and/or encrypted and/or compressed.
  • the diagnostic data in question can thus be transmitted in several successive steps in the form of data parts, e.g. partial data streams or images, via the communication connection in question to the remote analysis location.
  • all of the diagnostic data can be divided into more or fewer images, for example, which can be photographed manually or filmed automatically one after the other from the display.
  • a display can be triggered, for example, by a corresponding control parameter within a user interface or user interface, whereupon the display changes accordingly for the period in which the diagnostic data or a data subset is displayed and, in deviation from the normal function, the corresponding diagnostic data can be read out and/or displayed and/or or spending represents.
  • the amount of data provided per display step or per individual unit of diagnostic data is limited, for example, by the number of information units that can be displayed, such as pixels, shades of gray, colors and/or the like.
  • a high-contrast dark/light bit pattern can be used in particular, which can be securely coded using known algorithms. Examples include the DataMatrix code and the PDF417 code, both of which are optoelectronically readable 2D codes consisting of bars or dots of different widths and gaps between them with the highest possible contrast.
  • the data is not only provided in one direction or one-dimensionally, but in the form of an area over two dimensions.
  • the data subsets to be transmitted via the communication connection to the remote analysis location each have an in represent a consistent subset of the entirety of diagnostic data to be transmitted. Partial handling, for example a partial view, of the data received at the remote analysis location is thus possible, particularly in the case of a piecemeal transmission of the entirety of diagnostic data, not according to the invention, for example in the form of partial data streams.
  • Partial handling for example a partial view, of the data received at the remote analysis location is thus possible, particularly in the case of a piecemeal transmission of the entirety of diagnostic data, not according to the invention, for example in the form of partial data streams.
  • an analysis unit with programming having a corresponding image recognition logic can be provided at the remote analysis location.
  • a suitable image recognition system can compensate for display errors and distortions caused by the user and encoded data can be extracted at least essentially automatically.
  • optical coding e.g. in the form of a two-dimensional bar or dot code, ensures maximum system security and data consistency, since no direct data connection to the vacuum device is required to transmit the data and there is also no return channel available, which would otherwise be used for a malicious attack could occur.
  • the integrity of a respective vacuum device is preserved to a much greater extent than in the previously known vacuum devices, for example, via a cable or radio-bound coupling with, for example, a Data carriers such as a USB stick, an analysis system such as a handheld device or any user device such as a tablet, mobile phone or PC must be connected, as these are already compromised and could therefore pose a threat to the vacuum device.
  • a Data carriers such as a USB stick
  • an analysis system such as a handheld device or any user device such as a tablet, mobile phone or PC must be connected, as these are already compromised and could therefore pose a threat to the vacuum device.
  • the invention can also be used by very data- and security-sensitive users who are forced to operate systems in a certified, secure manner and without external influences.
  • the invention also relates to a method for remote diagnosis of a vacuum device is, and a provision device, which is designed to provide the entirety of diagnostic data for transmission as a whole to the remote analysis site as a whole.
  • the method provides for the diagnostic data to be retrieved from the vacuum device by initiating the provision of the diagnostic data by means of the retrieval device, whereupon the diagnostic data are provided and transmitted to the remote analysis location as a whole, that the diagnostic data are analyzed at the remote analysis location, and that a diagnosis regarding the vacuum device is made.
  • the method provides for the diagnostic data to differ in terms of content and/or scope from operating data of the vacuum device provided for normal on-site operation.
  • the method can provide for the provision of all diagnostic data to be initiated upon request or automatically.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a conventional vacuum device 10 in the form of a vacuum pump according to the prior art, which is connected to a power supply 12 and includes an interface 14 to which a display 16 is connected and to which data can be analyzed on site or for a diagnosis of the vacuum device 10 on site via a service adapter 18 a service unit 20, here in the form of a portable computer, can be connected.
  • a conventional vacuum device 10 of this type as explained in the introductory part - the diagnostic data are displayed uncoded and must be queried individually and one after the other.
  • the diagnostic data is read by a user on site, e.g. visually with the eyes, photographed or filmed and then usually has to be noted on a piece of paper or the like so that it can then be discussed with the analyst who is sitting away or transmitted to the analyst based on the notes can become.
  • the problem here in practice is that the remote analyst does not have all the diagnostic data required for a reasonable error analysis, for example if the user on site only obtains the diagnostic data incompletely because he is overwhelmed with the situation, e.g. because he is not only familiar with the is not familiar with the data or functionalities of the vacuum device provided for normal operation on site or with obtaining the data required in the respective situation.
  • the 2 and 3 each show a schematic partial representation of exemplary embodiments of a vacuum device 22 according to the invention, which is a vacuum pump.
  • the vacuum device 22 comprises a device for generating a set of diagnostic data of the vacuum device 22, which are suitable for an analysis to be carried out at a remote analysis location and are different from operating data of the vacuum device 22 provided for normal operation on site. Furthermore, the vacuum device 22 comprises a retrieval device, by means of which provision of the entirety of diagnostic data can be initiated on a single request, and a provision device, which is designed to provide all of the diagnostic data for transmission to the remote analysis site.
  • the provision of the diagnostic data can be initiated, for example, by a user on site pressing a call-up button 34 provided on the vacuum device 22, here purely by way of example integrated into a row of a total of four control buttons, or applying a call-up signal to the vacuum device 22 via an interface, which e.g. can be done via a local system or machine control, in which the vacuum device 22 is integrated.
  • the button 34 or interface mentioned then represents the retrieval device or at least part of the retrieval device of the vacuum device 22 according to the invention.
  • a corresponding call symbol to be actuated by a user can also be provided on a display of the vacuum device 22, which is then designed as a touch screen.
  • the diagnostic data provided by a respective vacuum device 22 according to the invention can be transmitted via a communication link 24 to the remote analysis location, where they can be evaluated, for example, by means of an analysis unit 26 (cf. 3 ).
  • all of the diagnostic data is provided in optically encoded form, with the provision device in each case comprising a display 28 on which the diagnostic data are displayed in the form of a two-dimensional point code.
  • the display 28 can be integrated into the vacuum device 22 or arranged remotely and connected to the vacuum device 22 via a local data connection.
  • the display that is already provided in the vacuum pump can be used to display the diagnostic data.
  • the optically encoded diagnostic data shown on the display 28 can be transmitted by means of an optoelectronic unit 30 ( 3 ) are photographed or filmed from the display 28 and then transmitted via the communication link 24 to the remote analysis location or the analysis unit 26 provided there.
  • a conventional camera such as a digital camera integrated into a mobile phone can be used as the optoelectronic unit 30 .
  • the image or film recorded in this way can then be sent to the analysis location in a conventional manner, for example simply electronically via the Internet.
  • the remote analyst receives via email one or more images showing the display 28 of the vacuum tool 22 and the encoded diagnostic data displayed on the display 28, respectively. Encrypted transmission of the image or images is not necessary in this case, since each image already contains the diagnostic data in encoded form and thus in any form that can be securely encoded.
  • the entirety of the diagnostic data is stored consecutively in several images 32 1 - 32 n (cf. 3 ) can be displayed on the display 28. Is the totality of diagnostic data, as in 3 shown, can be displayed consecutively in a plurality of images 32 1 - 32 n on the display 28, the parts of the totality of diagnostic data corresponding to the individual images 32 1 - 32 n can each be a consistent subset of the totality of display diagnostic data.
  • the analysis unit 26 provided at the remote analysis location is provided with appropriate decoding and/or decompression means for decoding or decompression of the diagnostic data provided by the vacuum device 22 and transmitted via the communication link 24 .
  • switching means can be provided via which the display 28 can be selectively connected to the respectively desired vacuum device 22.
  • a corresponding sequential display of the individual images can be achieved, for example, by means of a corresponding control parameter of a user interface 32 1 - 32 n can be triggered and then the changeover to a normal playback function can be effected again.
  • the display 28 automatically reverts to the simple user or normal operating mode after a predefinable time, after the mains voltage has been switched off and on once or after any user input such as a keystroke or the like.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Compressors, Vaccum Pumps And Other Relevant Systems (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
  • Testing And Monitoring For Control Systems (AREA)
  • Non-Positive Displacement Air Blowers (AREA)
  • Control Of Positive-Displacement Pumps (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Vakuumgerät und ein Ferndiagnoseverfahren für Vakuumgeräte, wobei es sich bei dem Vakuumgerät um eine Vakuumpumpe handelt.The invention relates to a vacuum device and a remote diagnosis method for vacuum devices, the vacuum device being a vacuum pump.

Vakuumgeräte werden in unterschiedlichen Bereichen der Technik eingesetzt, um ein für einen jeweiligen Prozess notwendiges Vakuum zu schaffen.Vacuum devices are used in different areas of technology to create the vacuum required for a particular process.

Vakuumgeräte besitzen in der Regel eine für den Benutzer vor Ort vorgesehene, relativ einfache Benutzeroberfläche und/oder Benutzerschnittstelle, die lediglich für einen begrenzten Datenaustausch mit dem Benutzer vorgesehen ist. So dient eine solche Benutzeroberfläche bzw. Benutzerschnittstelle meistens nur dazu, die für den aktuellen Bedarf bzw. für den normalen Betrieb vor Ort notwendigen Daten wie beispielsweise Daten für die Zustände Ein/Aus, die Drehzahl, einen Fehlerstatus oder dergleichen abzurufen.Vacuum devices typically have a relatively simple user interface and/or user interface provided for the user on site, which is only intended for limited data exchange with the user. Such a user interface or user interface is usually only used to call up the data required for the current requirement or for normal operation on site, such as data for the on/off states, the speed, an error status or the like.

Zudem besteht zwar häufig entweder auf derselben oder auf zumindest einer weiteren Schnittstelle die Möglichkeit, Betriebsdaten und/oder Historien in größerem Umfang aus dem Vakuumgerät abzurufen. So können beispielsweise ein erweiterter Modus, ein Service-Modus oder ein Entwickler-Modus existieren. Solche über den normalen Bedarf vor Ort hinausgehenden Möglichkeiten eines erweiterten Datenabrufs können in der Regel jedoch nur mit Hilfe von komplexeren speziellen elektronischen und/oder programmierten Auslesesystemen oder Ausleseadaptern mit speziell dafür vorgesehenen PC-Programmen in vollem Umfang genutzt werden, die dem Anwender oder Benutzer vor Ort in der Regel nicht zur Verfügung stehen. Maßgeblich dafür sind neben Sicherheitsbedenken u.a. anfallende Kosten, notwendige Schulungen der Benutzer, eine vom Gerätehersteller auferlegte Geheimhaltung und vor allem der lediglich sporadische Bedarf im Fall eines auftretenden Fehlers.In addition, it is often possible either on the same interface or on at least one other interface to call up operating data and/or histories from the vacuum device to a greater extent. For example, an advanced mode, a service mode or a developer mode can exist. However, such options for extended data retrieval, which go beyond normal on-site requirements, can usually only be used to the full extent with the help of more complex, special electronic and/or programmed readout systems or readout adapters with specially designed PC programs that the user or user has in mind Place usually not available. In addition to security concerns, the costs incurred, necessary user training and secrecy imposed by the device manufacturer are decisive for this and above all the only sporadic need in the event of an error occurring.

Es ist auch bereits bekannt, einzelne Fehlermeldungen auf einem Display, das entweder in das Vakuumgerät integriert oder an das Vakuumgerät angeschlossen ist, sich jedoch noch vor Ort befindet, anzuzeigen. Dabei werden die Diagnosedaten üblicherweise uncodiert angezeigt und müssen einzeln und nacheinander abgefragt werden. Die Beschaffung der Daten erfolgt also Schritt für Schritt in Form eines umständlichen und fehleranfälligen Mensch-Maschine-Dialogs. Die Diagnosedaten werden entweder visuell vom Display abgelesen und notiert oder abfotografiert oder abgefilmt, damit sie anschließen mit einem entfernt sitzenden Analysten anhand der Notizen bzw. Aufnahmen besprochen werden können.It is also already known to display individual error messages on a display that is either integrated into the vacuum device or is connected to the vacuum device but is still on site. The diagnostic data is usually displayed uncoded and must be queried individually and one after the other. The data is thus obtained step by step in the form of a cumbersome and error-prone human-machine dialogue. The diagnostic data is either read visually from the display and noted or photographed or filmed so that it can then be discussed with a remote analyst based on the notes or recordings.

Mit den bisher üblichen Vakuumgeräten ergibt sich bei der bekannten Vorgehensweise somit das Problem, dass dem entfernt sitzenden Analysten häufig nicht alle für eine vernünftige Analyse benötigten Fehlermeldungen und Diagnosedaten zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Zudem besteht die Gefahr, dass die dem Analysten schließlich zur Verfügung gestellten Diagnosedaten aufgrund von Ablesefehlern oder dergleichen zumindest teilweise verfälscht sind. Ein Vakuumgerät gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 ist aus der JP 2000 283056 A bekannt.With the previously customary vacuum devices, the problem arises with the known procedure that the remote analyst is often not provided with all the error messages and diagnostic data required for a reasonable analysis. In addition, there is a risk that the diagnostic data finally made available to the analyst will be at least partially falsified due to reading errors or the like. A vacuum device according to the preamble of claim 1 is from JP 2000 283056 A known.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Vakuumpumpe und ein Ferndiagnoseverfahren zu schaffen, mit denen die zuvor genannten Probleme beseitigt sind. Dabei soll auf möglichst einfache Weise gewährleistet sein, dass die für eine Ferndiagnose erforderlichen Diagnosedaten vollständig und unverfälscht bereitstellbar sind, und zwar auch in Umgebungen, in denen eine hohe Datensicherheit gefordert wird.The invention is based on the object of creating a vacuum pump and a remote diagnosis method with which the aforementioned problems are eliminated. It should be ensured in the simplest possible way that the diagnostic data required for a remote diagnosis can be provided completely and without falsification, even in environments in which a high level of data security is required.

Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch eine Vakuumpumpe mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 und durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 6 gelöst. Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen, der vorliegenden Beschreibung sowie der Zeichnung.The object is achieved according to the invention by a vacuum pump having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 6 solved. Preferred embodiments of the invention result from the dependent claims, the present description and the drawing.

Das erfindungsgemäße Vakuumgerät, nämlich die Vakuumpumpe (im Folgenden auch als "Vakuumgerät" bezeichnet) umfasst eine Einrichtung zum Erzeugen einer für eine an einem entfernten Analyseort geeigneten Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten des Vakuumgeräts, eine Abrufeinrichtung, mittels der eine Bereitstellung der Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten initiierbar ist, und eine Bereitstellungseinrichtung, die dazu ausgebildet ist, die Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten zur Übertragung als Gesamtheit an den entfernten Analyseort als Gesamtheit bereitzustellen.The vacuum device according to the invention, namely the vacuum pump (hereinafter also referred to as "vacuum device") comprises a device for generating a set of diagnostic data of the vacuum device that is suitable for a remote analysis location, a retrieval device, by means of which the provision of all diagnostic data can be initiated, and a provisioning device configured to provide the entirety of diagnostic data for transmission as an entirety to the remote analysis site.

Aufgrund der erfindungsgemäßen Ausbildung besitzt das Vakuumgerät nunmehr die Befähigung, alle für eine entfernte Analyse nötigen Diagnosedaten auf einmal bereitzustellen, wobei zudem gewährleistet ist, dass die Diagnosedaten am entfernten Analyseort unverfälscht zur Verfügung stehen. Ein Mensch vor Ort als "Beschaffer" der Daten und/oder als "Übermittler" der Daten an den entfernten Analysten ist nicht mehr nötig. Allenfalls die Bereitstellung der Diagnosedaten kann noch von einem Menschen vor Ort zu veranlassen sein. Spezialkenntnisse, eine spezielle Ausrüstung oder eine übermäßige Sorgfalt sind hierfür aber nicht erforderlich. Damit ist durch die Erfindung am entfernten Analyseort eine zuverlässige umfassende Fehleranalyse möglich.Because of the design according to the invention, the vacuum device now has the ability to provide all the diagnostic data required for a remote analysis at once, it also being ensured that the diagnostic data are available in an unaltered form at the remote analysis location. There is no longer a need for a person on site to "obtain" the data and/or to "transmit" the data to the remote analyst. At most, the provision of the diagnostic data can still be arranged by a person on site. However, this does not require special knowledge, special equipment or excessive care. A reliable, comprehensive error analysis is thus possible at the remote analysis site using the invention.

Selbst dann, wenn wie gemäß der Erfindung definiert, die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten auf mehrere Einzel-Einheiten (also erfindungsgemäß bei optisch codierter Anzeige auf mehrere zu übertragende Bilder oder alternativ und nicht erfindungsgemäß bei Ausgabe bzw. Übertragung auf mehrere Teil-Datenströme) aufgeteilt sein sollte, stellt dies immer noch eine Bereitstellung und Übertragung aller jeweils für die Analyse geeigneten Diagnosedaten "auf einmal" oder "auf einen Rutsch" oder "auf einen Schlag" im Sinne der Erfindung dar. Insbesondere erfolgen Bereitstellung und Übertragung der Diagnosedaten selbst bei einer solchen Aufteilung in mehrere Einzel-Einheiten nicht umständlich und fehleranfällig "Schritt für Schritt" oder in Form eines "Mensch-Maschine"-Dialogs wie im Stand der Technik.Even if, as defined according to the invention, all of the diagnostic data should be divided into several individual units (i.e. according to the invention in the case of an optically coded display into several images to be transmitted or alternatively and not according to the invention into several partial data streams in the case of output or transmission). , this still represents a provision and transmission of all diagnostic data suitable for the analysis "at once" or "in one go" or "all at once" within the meaning of the invention. In particular, the diagnostic data are provided and transmitted even with such a division into several individual units is not cumbersome and error-prone "step by step" or in the form of a "man-machine" dialogue as in the prior art.

Insbesondere sind die Diagnosedaten von für den normalen Betrieb vor Ort vorgesehenen Betriebsdaten des Vakuumgeräts verschieden. Beispielsweise können die Diagnosedaten einen sinnvoll im Hinblick auf den jeweiligen Diagnosezweck reduzierten oder erweiterten inhaltlichen und/oder datenmengenmäßigen Umfang gegenüber den normalen Betriebsdaten aufweisen. Prinzipiell ist dies aber nicht zwingend. Die Diagnosedaten können mit den normalen Betriebsdaten auch identisch sein.In particular, the diagnostic data is different from the operating data of the vacuum device provided for normal operation on site. For example, the diagnostic data can have a content and/or amount of data that is meaningfully reduced or expanded with regard to the respective diagnostic purpose compared to the normal operating data. In principle, however, this is not mandatory. The diagnostic data can also be identical to the normal operating data.

Die Bereitstellung der Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten kann auf, insbesondere lediglich einmalige, Anforderung oder automatisch initiierbar sein. So kann also z.B. vorgesehen sein, dass die Abrufeinrichtung die Bereitstellung nur dann initiiert, wenn ein entsprechender Befehl erteilt wird, z.B. von einem Benutzer durch einen Tastendruck oder von einer anderen Einrichtung durch einen Steuerparameter. Die Bereitstellung kann aber z.B. auch automatisch ausgelöst werden, beispielsweise bei jedem Einschalten des Vakuumgerätes. So kann beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, dass nach dem Einschalten des Vakuumgerätes die Diagnosedaten solange auf einem Display angezeigt werden, bis eine vorgegebene Zeitspanne abgelaufen, vom Benutzer eine bestimmte oder eine beliebige Taste gedrückt wird oder in wie auch immer gearteter, definierter Weise ein normaler Betreib des Vakuumgerätes beginnt. Eine automatische Bereitstellung der Diagnosedaten kann auch durch einen nach dem Einschalten oder Ausschalten oder während des normalen Betriebs des Vakuumgerätes auftretenden Fehler bzw. einen vorgegebenen Fehlerzustand ausgelöst werden, d.h. die Abrufeinrichtung initiiert in dieser Variante die Bereitstellung der Diagnosedaten automatisch dann, wenn aufgrund eines Fehlers eine Diagnose erforderlich werden könnte.The provision of all of the diagnostic data can be initiated on request, in particular only once, or automatically. It can thus be provided, for example, that the retrieval device initiates the provision only when a corresponding command is issued, for example by a user by pressing a button or by another device using a control parameter. However, the provision can also be triggered automatically, for example each time the vacuum device is switched on. For example, provision can be made for the diagnostic data to be shown on a display after the vacuum device has been switched on until a specified period of time has elapsed, the user presses a specific or any button, or normal operation of the vacuum device is resumed in whatever defined manner vacuum device starts. Automatic provision of the diagnostic data can also be triggered by an error occurring after switching on or off or during normal operation of the vacuum device or by a predetermined error condition, ie the retrieval device initiates the provision of the diagnostic data automatically in this variant if an error causes a diagnosis may be required.

Generell sind also erfindungsgemäß Ausführungsformen möglich, in denen das Initiieren der Bereitstellung der Diagnosedaten, also gewissermaßen der initiale Akt des Diagnosestarts, auf das Einschalten oder das Ausschalten des Vakuumgerätes bzw. dessen Netzversorgung oder sozusagen auf das Abpassen des richtigen Moments (z.B. bei Auftreten eines Fehlers) reduziert ist. Beispielsweise das Auslösen eines Befehls oder das Setzen eines Parameters ist dann nicht mehr erforderlich. Insbesondere sind solche Ausführungsformen möglich, bei denen überhaupt keine Interaktion mit dem Vakuumgerät mehr notwendig ist. Die Erfindung ist dann auch für solche Vakuumgeräte einsetzbar, die keine Tasten oder andere Eingabemittel aufweisen oder die aufgrund ihrer Einbausituation nicht zugänglich sind. So kann z.B. ein erfindungsgemäßes Vakuumgerät in einem kontaminierten bzw. hermetisch geschützten - und somit in einem nicht ohne weiteres zugänglichen - Bereich angeordnet und trotzdem eine Übertragung der Diagnosedaten problemlos möglich sein, beispielsweise einfach durch Abfotografieren eines die Diagnosedaten anzeigenden Displays des Vakuumgerätes durch eine Glasscheibe hindurch.In general, embodiments are possible according to the invention in which the initiation of the provision of the diagnostic data, so to speak the initial act of starting the diagnosis, is based on the switching on or off of the vacuum device or its mains supply or, so to speak, on the timing of the right moment (e.g. when an error occurs ) is reduced. For example, triggering a command or setting a parameter is then no longer necessary. In particular, such embodiments are possible in which no interaction with the vacuum device is necessary at all. The invention can then also be used for such vacuum devices that have no buttons or other input means or that are not accessible due to their installation situation. For example, a vacuum device according to the invention can be arranged in a contaminated or hermetically protected area - and thus in an area that is not easily accessible - and transmission of the diagnostic data can still be possible without any problems, for example simply by photographing a display of the vacuum device showing the diagnostic data through a pane of glass .

Insbesondere im Fall einer Bereitstellung der Diagnosedaten durch Anzeigen auf einem Display, aber auch in anderen Fällen, kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Diagnosedaten - zumindest während einer vorgegebenen oder vorgebbaren Zeitspanne - dauerhaft oder alternierend bereitgestellt werden. Die Diagnosedaten können also z.B. solange permanent angezeigt werden, bis ein Benutzer das Anzeigen durch einen Tastendruck oder einen Steuerbefehl beendet. Alternativ können die Diagnosedaten im Wechsel mit den normalen Betriebsdaten angezeigt werden, wobei eine solche alternierende Anzeige dann wiederum beendet werden kann, wenn die Übertragung der Diagnosedaten abgeschlossen ist.In particular when the diagnostic data is provided by means of indications on a display, but also in other cases, provision can be made for the diagnostic data to be provided permanently or alternately, at least during a predefined or definable period of time. The diagnostic data can thus be displayed permanently, for example, until a user ends the display by pressing a button or a control command. Alternatively, the diagnostic data can be displayed alternately with the normal operating data, with such an alternating display then being able to be ended once the transmission of the diagnostic data has been completed.

In einem Ausführungsbeispiel kann vorgesehen sein, dass das Vakuumgerät bei Auftreten eines Fehlers für eine vorgegebene Zeitspanne von einem Normalanzeigemodus in einen Diagnosedaten-Anzeigemodus "springt", um dem Benutzer die Möglichkeit zu geben, ohne weitere Interaktion mit dem Vakuumgerät die Diagnosedaten "zur rechten Zeit" zur Übertragung aufzuzeichnen.In one exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that the vacuum device “jumps” from a normal display mode to a diagnostic data display mode for a predetermined period of time when an error occurs, in order to inform the user to give the possibility to record the diagnostic data "at the right time" for transmission without further interaction with the vacuum device.

Erfindungsgemäß ist die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten in optisch codierter und komprimierter Form auf einem Display bereitstellbar. Erfindungsgemäß ist die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten in einer solchen codierten Form bereitstellbar, dass die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten unabhängig von lokalen, für den normalen Betrieb vor Ort vorgesehenen Funktionalitäten, insbesondere unabhängig von lokalen Zeichensätzen, des Vakuumgerätes an den entfernten Analyseort übertragbar ist.According to the invention, all of the diagnostic data can be made available on a display in optically encoded and compressed form. According to the invention, all of the diagnostic data can be provided in such a coded form that all of the diagnostic data can be transmitted to the remote analysis location independently of local functionalities provided for normal on-site operation, in particular independent of local character sets.

In einem einfachen Fall eines nicht erfindungsgemäßen Vakuumgeräts ist das Vakuumgerät beispielsweise bereits über eine elektronische Benutzerschnittstelle oder Benutzeroberfläche mit einem anderen Gerät des Benutzers verbunden, so dass der Benutzer die Möglichkeit besitzt, mit einem definierten händischen Auslesebefehl einen erweiterten Datenstrom zu erhalten, der z.B. nicht nur eine kurze Antwort oder Bestätigung auf einen Befehl gibt, sondern der einen Datenstrom mit vielfacher Größe (z.B. "Stream", "Dump") liefert und die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten enthält.In a simple case of a vacuum device not according to the invention, the vacuum device is already connected to another device owned by the user via an electronic user interface or user interface, so that the user has the option of using a defined manual readout command to obtain an extended data stream which, for example, not only gives a short answer or confirmation to a command, but delivers a data stream with multiple size (e.g. "Stream", "Dump") and contains the entirety of the diagnostic data.

Gemäß einer Ausführungsform eines nicht erfindungsgemäßen Vakuumgeräts ist die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten somit in Form eines Datenstroms ausgebbar. Zeichnet der Benutzer den beispielsweise über eine mit einem anderen Gerät des Benutzers verbundene, an das Vakuumgerät angeschlossene Benutzerschnittstelle bzw. Benutzeroberfläche gewonnenen erweiterten Datenstrom auf und wird dieser über die Kommunikationsverbindung beispielsweise elektronisch zu dem entfernten Analyseort übertragen, so kann der Datenstrom am entfernten Analyseort gegebenenfalls nach einer entsprechenden Decodierung und/oder Dekompression bearbeitet werden.According to one embodiment of a vacuum device not according to the invention, all of the diagnostic data can thus be output in the form of a data stream. If the user records the extended data stream obtained, for example, via a user interface or user interface connected to another device of the user and connected to the vacuum device, and if this is transmitted electronically, for example, to the remote analysis site via the communication link, the data stream can be transmitted at the remote analysis site optionally processed after appropriate decoding and/or decompression.

Zur Codierung der ausgebbaren Diagnosedaten ist u.a. beispielsweise eine Base64-Codierung, das Mitführen einer CRC-Prüfsumme und/oder das Gruppieren von Daten mittels Headern bzw. mittels einklammernden Kopf- und Endzeichen und/oder -merkmalen denkbar. Dabei beschreibt "Base64" ein Verfahren zur Codierung von 8-Bit-Binärdaten in einer Zeichenfolge, die nur aus lesbaren Codepage-unabhängigen ASCII-Zeichen besteht. Insbesondere im Zusammenhang mit OpenPGP kann noch eine Prüfsumme (CR-24) angehängt werden, wobei dieses leicht modifizierte Verfahren den Namen Radix-64 trägt. Grundsätzlich sind jedoch auch andere Codierungen denkbar.For example, Base64 coding, carrying along a CRC checksum and/or grouping data by means of headers or by means of bracketed head and end characters and/or features are conceivable for encoding the diagnostic data that can be output. "Base64" describes a method for coding 8-bit binary data in a character string that consists only of readable code page-independent ASCII characters. In connection with OpenPGP in particular, a checksum (CR-24) can also be appended, with this slightly modified procedure being called Radix-64. In principle, however, other codings are also conceivable.

Erfindungsgemäß ist die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten in optisch codierter Form bereitstellbar.According to the invention, all of the diagnostic data can be provided in optically encoded form.

Erfindungsgemäß umfasst die Bereitstellungseinrichtung ein Display, auf dem die Diagnosedaten anzeigbar sind.According to the invention, the provision device includes a display on which the diagnostic data can be displayed.

Dabei können beispielsweise optisch codierte Diagnosedaten zur Übertragung an den entfernten Analyseort von dem Display abfotografiert oder abgefilmt werden.In this case, for example, optically encoded diagnostic data can be photographed or filmed from the display for transmission to the remote analysis location.

Mit dem Abfilmen bzw. Abfotografieren der Anzeige kann die gesamte Diagnosedatenmenge mit typischerweise beim Benutzer vorhandenen Geräten erfasst und über eine Kommunikationsverbindung an den entfernten Analyseort übertragen werden.With the filming or photographing of the display, the entire amount of diagnostic data can be recorded using devices typically present at the user's and transmitted to the remote analysis site via a communication link.

Dabei kann das zur Wiedergabe der Diagnosedaten vorgesehene Display in das Vakuumgerät integriert oder von dem Vakuumgerät abgesetzt angeordnet und über eine lokale Datenverbindung an das Vakuumgerät angeschlossen sein.The display provided for displaying the diagnostic data can be integrated into the vacuum device or arranged separately from the vacuum device and connected to the vacuum device via a local data connection.

Das zur Wiedergabe der Diagnosedaten vorgesehene Display kann beispielsweise auch mehreren Vakuumgeräten zugeordnet sein. In diesem Fall können z.B. Umschaltmittel vorgesehen sein, über die das Display wahlweise mit den verschiedenen Vakuumgeräten verbindbar ist. Die jeweilige Verbindung kann insbesondere jeweils kabelgebunden sein und/oder per Funk hergestellt werden.The display provided for displaying the diagnostic data can, for example, also be assigned to a number of vacuum devices. In this case, switching means can be provided, for example, via which the display can be selectively connected to the various vacuum devices. The respective connection can in particular be wired and/or established by radio.

Erfindungsgemäß ist die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten aufeinanderfolgend in mehreren Bildern auf dem Display anzeigbar. Hierbei ist von Vorteil, wenn die den einzelnen Bildern entsprechenden Teile der Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten jeweils eine in sich konsistente Untermenge der zur Übertragung an den entfernten Analyseort bereitgestellten Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten darstellen. Insbesondere ist jeder Teil der Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten codiert und/oder verschlüsselt und/oder komprimiert. Die betreffende Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten kann somit in mehreren aufeinanderfolgenden Schritten in Form von Datenteilen, z.B. Datenteilströmen oder Bildern, über die betreffende Kommunikationsverbindung zu dem entfernten Analyseort übertragen werden.According to the invention, all of the diagnostic data can be displayed consecutively in a number of images on the display. It is advantageous here if the parts of the totality of diagnostic data that correspond to the individual images each represent an inherently consistent subset of the totality of diagnostic data provided for transmission to the remote analysis location. In particular, each part of the set of diagnostic data is encoded and/or encrypted and/or compressed. The diagnostic data in question can thus be transmitted in several successive steps in the form of data parts, e.g. partial data streams or images, via the communication connection in question to the remote analysis location.

Dabei kann die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten je nach Umfang der Daten und Größe des Displays z.B. in mehr oder weniger Bilder aufgeteilt werden, die beispielsweise manuell abfotografiert oder automatisch hintereinander vom Display abgefilmt werden. Ausgelöst werden kann eine solche Darstellung beispielsweise durch einen entsprechenden Steuerparameter innerhalb einer Benutzeroberfläche oder Benutzerschnittstelle, woraufhin die Anzeige für den Zeitraum der Darstellung der Diagnosedaten oder einer Datenteilmenge sich entsprechend umstellt und abweichend von der normalen Funktion die entsprechenden Diagnosedaten zum Auslesen und/oder Abbilden und/oder Ausgeben darstellt.Depending on the scope of the data and the size of the display, all of the diagnostic data can be divided into more or fewer images, for example, which can be photographed manually or filmed automatically one after the other from the display. Such a display can be triggered, for example, by a corresponding control parameter within a user interface or user interface, whereupon the display changes accordingly for the period in which the diagnostic data or a data subset is displayed and, in deviation from the normal function, the corresponding diagnostic data can be read out and/or displayed and/or or spending represents.

Um die Handhabung für den Benutzer möglichst einfach zu halten, ist beispielsweise eine solche Ausführung des Vakuumgeräts denkbar, bei der nach einer vorgebbaren Zeit, nach einem einmaligen Aus- und Einschalten der Netzspannung oder nach einer beliebigen Benutzereingabe wie z.B. einem Tastendruck und/oder einer Signalbeaufschlagung ein automatisches Rückfallen der Anzeige in den normalen Betriebs- oder Benutzermodus bewirkt wird.In order to keep the handling as simple as possible for the user, such an embodiment of the vacuum device is conceivable, for example, in which after a predeterminable time, after a one-time switching off and on of the mains voltage or after any user input such as a keystroke and / or a signal application, an automatic return of the display to the normal operating or user mode is effected.

Die Menge der je Darstellungsschritt bzw. je Einzel-Einheit von Diagnosedaten bereitgestellten Daten ist z.B. durch die Anzahl der darstellbaren Informationseinheiten wie z.B. Pixel, Graustufen, Farben und/oder dergleichen beschränkt. Im Fall einer optischen Codierung kann insbesondere ein kontrastreiches Dunkel-Hell-Bitmuster Verwendung finden, das mittels bekannter Algorithmen sicher codiert werden kann. Dabei seien beispielsweise der DataMatrix-Code und der PDF417-Code genannt, bei denen es sich jeweils um einen optoelektronisch lesbaren 2D-Code handelt, der aus verschieden breiten Strichen oder Punkten und dazwischenliegenden Lücken mit möglichst hohem Kontrast besteht. Dabei sind die Daten im Gegensatz zu den eindimensionalen Strichcodes nicht nur in eine Richtung bzw. eindimensional, sondern in Form einer Fläche über zwei Dimensionen vorgesehen.The amount of data provided per display step or per individual unit of diagnostic data is limited, for example, by the number of information units that can be displayed, such as pixels, shades of gray, colors and/or the like. In the case of optical coding, a high-contrast dark/light bit pattern can be used in particular, which can be securely coded using known algorithms. Examples include the DataMatrix code and the PDF417 code, both of which are optoelectronically readable 2D codes consisting of bars or dots of different widths and gaps between them with the highest possible contrast. In contrast to the one-dimensional bar codes, the data is not only provided in one direction or one-dimensionally, but in the form of an area over two dimensions.

Je komplexer die Codierung ausgeführt ist bzw. je mehr die darstellbare Datenmenge z.B. durch Farben je Pixel vervielfacht wird, desto mehr steigen auch die Anforderungen an die sichere und möglichst verfälschungsfreie Abbildung, Aufzeichnung oder Speicherung und Übertragung der Bilddaten an den entfernten Analyseort. Dem kann ohne größeren Aufwand durch die bereits genannte mehrfache, schrittweise Darstellung und Aufteilung der Datenmenge in einzelne Bilder Rechnung getragen werden, die dann sicher über die betreffende Kommunikationsverbindung zu dem entfernten Analyseort übertragen werden können.The more complex the coding is, or the more the amount of data that can be displayed is multiplied, e.g. by colors per pixel, the more the requirements for reliable and, as far as possible, distortion-free imaging, recording or storage and transmission of the image data to the remote analysis location increase. This can be taken into account without great effort by the already mentioned multiple, step-by-step representation and division of the data quantity into individual images, which can then be transmitted securely via the relevant communication link to the remote analysis location.

Dabei ist insbesondere von Vorteil, wenn die über die Kommunikationsverbindung zu dem entfernten Analyseort zu übertragenden Datenteilmengen jeweils eine in sich konsistente Untermenge des insgesamt zu übertragenden Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten darstellen. Damit ist insbesondere auch bei einer stückweisen Übertragung der Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten, nicht erfindungsgemäß z.B. in Form von Datenteilströmen jeweils eine Teil-Handhabung, z.B. Teilansicht, der an dem entfernten Analyseort empfangenen Daten möglich. Bei der Aufteilung der Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten in Datenteilmengen ist jeweils ein Kompromiss zwischen Redundanz und Übertragungssicherheit einerseits und Menge der Daten in den einzelnen Teilen andererseits zu schließen.It is particularly advantageous if the data subsets to be transmitted via the communication connection to the remote analysis location each have an in represent a consistent subset of the entirety of diagnostic data to be transmitted. Partial handling, for example a partial view, of the data received at the remote analysis location is thus possible, particularly in the case of a piecemeal transmission of the entirety of diagnostic data, not according to the invention, for example in the form of partial data streams. When dividing all diagnostic data into data subsets, a compromise must be made between redundancy and transmission security on the one hand and the amount of data in the individual parts on the other.

Zur Unterstützung einer Decodierung der über die Kommunikationsverbindung zu übertragenen Diagnosedaten kann am entfernten Analyseort z.B. eine Analyseeinheit mit einer eine entsprechende Bilderkennungslogik aufweisenden Programmierung vorgesehen sein. Durch ein geeignetes Bilderkennungssystem können durch den Benutzer verursachte Darstellungsfehler und -verzerrungen ausgeglichen und codierte Daten zumindest im Wesentlichen automatisch extrahiert werden.To support a decoding of the diagnostic data to be transmitted via the communication link, an analysis unit with programming having a corresponding image recognition logic can be provided at the remote analysis location. A suitable image recognition system can compensate for display errors and distortions caused by the user and encoded data can be extracted at least essentially automatically.

Auch im Zusammenhang mit einer optischen Codierung ist eine entsprechende Verschlüsselung und/oder Komprimierung des Datenstroms möglich. Diese kann bzw. können durch eine entsprechende Programmierung einer am entfernten Analyseort vorgesehenen Analyseeinheit wieder umgekehrt werden. Insbesondere eine optische Codierung z.B. in Form eines zweidimensionalen Strich- oder Punkt-Codes sorgt für ein maximales Maß an Systemsicherheit und Datenkonsistenz, da zur Übermittlung der Daten keinerlei direkte Datenverbindung zum Vakuumgerät mehr erforderlich ist und auch kein Rückkanal zur Verfügung steht, über den sonst ein bösartiger Angriff erfolgen könnte.Corresponding encryption and/or compression of the data stream is also possible in connection with optical coding. This can be reversed again by appropriate programming of an analysis unit provided at the remote analysis location. In particular, optical coding, e.g. in the form of a two-dimensional bar or dot code, ensures maximum system security and data consistency, since no direct data connection to the vacuum device is required to transmit the data and there is also no return channel available, which would otherwise be used for a malicious attack could occur.

Durch die Erfindung ist die Unversehrtheit eines jeweiligen Vakuumgeräts in deutlich höherem Maße gewahrt als bei den bisher bekannten Vakuumgeräten, die z.B. über eine kabel- oder funkgebundene Kopplung mit beispielsweise einem Datenträger wie z.B. einem USB-Stick, einem Analysesystem wie beispielsweise einem Handheldgerät bzw. mit einem beliebigen Anwendergerät wie z.B. einem Tablet, Handy oder PC, verbunden werden müssen, da diese per se vorab kompromittiert sein und damit eine Gefährdung des Vakuumgeräts darstellen könnten.With the invention, the integrity of a respective vacuum device is preserved to a much greater extent than in the previously known vacuum devices, for example, via a cable or radio-bound coupling with, for example, a Data carriers such as a USB stick, an analysis system such as a handheld device or any user device such as a tablet, mobile phone or PC must be connected, as these are already compromised and could therefore pose a threat to the vacuum device.

Folglich kann die Erfindung auch bei sehr daten- und sicherheitssensitiven Anwendern zum Einsatz kommen, die gezwungen sind, Systeme zertifiziert sicher und ohne äußere Einflüsse zu betreiben.Consequently, the invention can also be used by very data- and security-sensitive users who are forced to operate systems in a certified, secure manner and without external influences.

Die Erfindung betrifft auch ein Verfahren zur Ferndiagnose eines Vakuumgerätes gemäß dem Anspruch 6. Das Vakuumgerät umfasst eine Einrichtung zum Erzeugen einer für eine an einem entfernten Analyseort durchzuführende Analyse geeigneten Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten des Vakuumgeräts, eine Abrufeinrichtung, mittels der eine Bereitstellung der Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten initiierbar ist, und eine Bereitstellungseinrichtung, die dazu ausgebildet ist, die Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten zur Übertragung als Gesamtheit an den entfernten Analyseort als Gesamtheit bereitzustellen. Bei dem Verfahren ist vorgesehen, dass die Diagnosedaten von dem Vakuumgerät abgerufen werden, indem mittels der Abrufeinrichtung die Bereitstellung der Diagnosedaten initiiert wird, woraufhin die Diagnosedaten bereitgestellt und an den entfernten Analyseort als Gesamtheit übertragen werden, dass die Diagnosedaten an dem entfernten Analyseort analysiert werden, und dass eine Diagnose das Vakuumgerät betreffend getroffen wird. Insbesondere ist bei dem Verfahren vorgesehen, dass die Diagnosedaten von für den normalen Betrieb vor Ort vorgesehenen Betriebsdaten des Vakuumgeräts inhaltlich und/oder hinsichtlich des Umfangs verschieden sind.The invention also relates to a method for remote diagnosis of a vacuum device is, and a provision device, which is designed to provide the entirety of diagnostic data for transmission as a whole to the remote analysis site as a whole. The method provides for the diagnostic data to be retrieved from the vacuum device by initiating the provision of the diagnostic data by means of the retrieval device, whereupon the diagnostic data are provided and transmitted to the remote analysis location as a whole, that the diagnostic data are analyzed at the remote analysis location, and that a diagnosis regarding the vacuum device is made. In particular, the method provides for the diagnostic data to differ in terms of content and/or scope from operating data of the vacuum device provided for normal on-site operation.

Des Weiteren kann bei dem Verfahren vorgesehen sein, dass die Bereitstellung der Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten auf Anforderung oder automatisch initiiert wird.Furthermore, the method can provide for the provision of all diagnostic data to be initiated upon request or automatically.

Hinsichtlich dieser und anderer möglicher Ausgestaltungen des Verfahrens wird auch auf die entsprechenden vorstehenden Ausführungen zu der erfindungsgemäßen Vakuumpumpe verwiesen, die analog auch für das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren gelten.With regard to this and other possible configurations of the method, reference is also made to the corresponding above statements on the vacuum pump according to the invention, which also apply analogously to the method according to the invention.

Mit der erfindungsgemäßen Lösung ist nunmehr auch eine Datenerfassung bei in hohem Maße daten- bzw. sicherheitssensitiven Anwendern oder Benutzern möglich, die gezwungen sind, Systeme zertifiziert sicher und ohne äußere Einflüsse zu betreiben.With the solution according to the invention, data acquisition is now also possible for users who are highly data-sensitive or security-sensitive, or users who are forced to operate systems in a certified, secure manner and without external influences.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnung näher erläutert; in dieser zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Darstellung eines herkömmlichen Vakuumgeräts gemäß dem Stand der Technik,
Fig. 2
eine schematische Darstellung eines Teils einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Vakuumgeräts, bei dem die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten in optisch codierter Form ausgebbar und auf einem Display anzeigbar ist, und
Fig. 3
eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren beispielhaften Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Vakuumgeräts, bei dem die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten in Form von optisch codierten Datenteilen ausgebbar ist und die optisch codierten Datenteile nacheinander auf einem Display anzeigbar sind.
The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing; in this show:
1
a schematic representation of a conventional vacuum device according to the prior art,
2
a schematic representation of part of an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum device according to the invention, in which all of the diagnostic data can be output in optically coded form and can be displayed on a display, and
3
a schematic representation of a further exemplary embodiment of a vacuum device according to the invention, in which all of the diagnostic data can be output in the form of optically encoded data parts and the optically encoded data parts can be displayed one after the other on a display.

Fig. 1 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung ein herkömmliches Vakuumgerät 10 in Form einer Vakuumpumpe gemäß dem Stand der Technik, die an eine Spannungsversorgung 12 angeschlossen ist und eine Schnittstelle 14 umfasst, an die ein Display 16 angeschlossen ist und an die für eine Analyse von Daten vor Ort bzw. für eine Diagnose des Vakuumgerätes 10 vor Ort über einen Serviceadapter 18 eine Serviceeinheit 20, hier in Form eines tragbaren Computers, anschließbar ist. 1 shows a schematic representation of a conventional vacuum device 10 in the form of a vacuum pump according to the prior art, which is connected to a power supply 12 and includes an interface 14 to which a display 16 is connected and to which data can be analyzed on site or for a diagnosis of the vacuum device 10 on site via a service adapter 18 a service unit 20, here in the form of a portable computer, can be connected.

Bei einem herkömmlichen Vakuumgerät 10 dieser Art werden - wie im Einleitungsteil erläutert - die Diagnosedaten uncodiert angezeigt und müssen einzeln und nacheinander abgefragt werden. Die Diagnosedaten werden vor Ort von einem Benutzer z.B. visuell mit den Augen abgelesen, abfotografiert oder abgefilmt und müssen dann in der Regel auf einem Zettel oder dergleichen notiert werden, damit sie anschließend mit dem entfernt sitzenden Analysten besprochen bzw. an den Analysten anhand der Notizen übermittelt werden können.In a conventional vacuum device 10 of this type - as explained in the introductory part - the diagnostic data are displayed uncoded and must be queried individually and one after the other. The diagnostic data is read by a user on site, e.g. visually with the eyes, photographed or filmed and then usually has to be noted on a piece of paper or the like so that it can then be discussed with the analyst who is sitting away or transmitted to the analyst based on the notes can become.

Problematisch ist hierbei in der Praxis, dass dem entfernt sitzenden Analysten nicht alle für eine vernünftige Fehleranalyse erforderlichen Diagnosedaten vorliegen, wenn beispielsweise der Benutzer vor Ort die Diagnosedaten nur unvollständig beschafft, weil er mit der Situation überfordert ist, z.B. weil er mit nicht lediglich für den normalen Betrieb vor Ort vorgesehenen Daten oder Funktionalitäten des Vakuumgeräts oder mit der Beschaffung der in der jeweiligen Situation benötigten Daten nicht vertraut ist.The problem here in practice is that the remote analyst does not have all the diagnostic data required for a reasonable error analysis, for example if the user on site only obtains the diagnostic data incompletely because he is overwhelmed with the situation, e.g. because he is not only familiar with the is not familiar with the data or functionalities of the vacuum device provided for normal operation on site or with obtaining the data required in the respective situation.

Zudem besteht die Gefahr, dass die dem Analysten vorgelegten Diagnosedaten aufgrund von Ablesefehlern oder dergleichen zumindest teilweise verfälscht sind.There is also the risk that the diagnostic data presented to the analyst will be at least partially falsified due to reading errors or the like.

Die Fig. 2 und 3 zeigen jeweils in schematischer Teildarstellung beispielhafte Ausführungsformen eines erfindungsgemäßen Vakuumgeräts 22, bei dem es sich um eine Vakuumpumpe handelt.the 2 and 3 each show a schematic partial representation of exemplary embodiments of a vacuum device 22 according to the invention, which is a vacuum pump.

Das erfindungsgemäße Vakuumgerät 22 umfasst jeweils eine Einrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten des Vakuumgeräts 22, die für eine an einem entfernten Analyseort durchzuführende Analyse geeignet und von für den normalen Betrieb vor Ort vorgesehenen Betriebsdaten des Vakuumgeräts 22 verschieden sind. Ferner umfasst das Vakuumgerät 22 jeweils eine Abrufeinrichtung, mittels der eine Bereitstellung der Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten auf einmalige Anforderung initiierbar ist, und eine Bereitstellungseinrichtung, die dazu ausgebildet ist, die Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten zur Übertragung an den entfernten Analyseort bereitzustellen.The vacuum device 22 according to the invention comprises a device for generating a set of diagnostic data of the vacuum device 22, which are suitable for an analysis to be carried out at a remote analysis location and are different from operating data of the vacuum device 22 provided for normal operation on site. Furthermore, the vacuum device 22 comprises a retrieval device, by means of which provision of the entirety of diagnostic data can be initiated on a single request, and a provision device, which is designed to provide all of the diagnostic data for transmission to the remote analysis site.

Die Bereitstellung der Diagnosedaten kann z.B. dadurch initiiert werden, dass ein Benutzer vor Ort eine an dem Vakuumgerät 22 vorgesehene, hier rein beispielhaft in eine Reihe von insgesamt vier Bedientasten integrierte Abruftaste 34 betätigt oder das Vakuumgerät 22 über eine Schnittstelle mit einem Abrufsignal beaufschlagt, was z.B. über eine lokale System- oder Maschinensteuerung erfolgen kann, in welche das Vakuumgerät 22 integriert ist. Die erwähnte Taste 34 bzw. Schnittstelle stellt dann die Abrufeinrichtung oder zumindest einen Teil der Abrufeinrichtung des erfindungsgemäßen Vakuumgerätes 22 dar.The provision of the diagnostic data can be initiated, for example, by a user on site pressing a call-up button 34 provided on the vacuum device 22, here purely by way of example integrated into a row of a total of four control buttons, or applying a call-up signal to the vacuum device 22 via an interface, which e.g. can be done via a local system or machine control, in which the vacuum device 22 is integrated. The button 34 or interface mentioned then represents the retrieval device or at least part of the retrieval device of the vacuum device 22 according to the invention.

Anstelle einer Abruftaste 34 kann auch ein entsprechendes, von einem Benutzer zu betätigendes Abrufsymbol auf einem dann als Touchscreen ausgebildeten Display des Vakuumgerätes 22 vorgesehen sein.Instead of a call button 34, a corresponding call symbol to be actuated by a user can also be provided on a display of the vacuum device 22, which is then designed as a touch screen.

Die von einem jeweiligen erfindungsgemäßen Vakuumgerät 22 bereitgestellten Diagnosedaten sind über eine Kommunikationsverbindung 24 an den entfernten Analyseort übertragbar, an dem sie beispielsweise mittels einer Analyseeinheit 26 ausgewertet werden können (vgl. Fig. 3).The diagnostic data provided by a respective vacuum device 22 according to the invention can be transmitted via a communication link 24 to the remote analysis location, where they can be evaluated, for example, by means of an analysis unit 26 (cf. 3 ).

Bei den in den Fig. 2 und 3 gezeigten Ausführungsformen der Erfindung wird die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten jeweils in optisch codierter Form bereitgestellt, wobei die Bereitstellungseinrichtung jeweils ein Display 28 umfasst, auf dem die Diagnosedaten in Form eines zweidimensionalen Punkt-Codes angezeigt werden.At the in the 2 and 3 In the embodiments of the invention shown, all of the diagnostic data is provided in optically encoded form, with the provision device in each case comprising a display 28 on which the diagnostic data are displayed in the form of a two-dimensional point code.

Das Display 28 kann z.B. in das Vakuumgerät 22 integriert oder abgesetzt angeordnet und über eine lokale Datenverbindung an das Vakuumgerät 22 angeschlossen sein. Beispielsweise kann das in der Vakuumpumpe ohnehin vorgesehene Display zur Anzeige der Diagnosedaten verwendet werden.For example, the display 28 can be integrated into the vacuum device 22 or arranged remotely and connected to the vacuum device 22 via a local data connection. For example, the display that is already provided in the vacuum pump can be used to display the diagnostic data.

Die auf dem Display 28 angezeigten optisch codierten Diagnosedaten können mittels einer optoelektronischen Einheit 30 (Fig. 3) vom Display 28 abfotografiert oder abgefilmt und anschließend über die Kommunikationsverbindung 24 an den entfernten Analyseort bzw. die dort vorgesehene Analyseeinheit 26 übertragen werden. Als optoelektronische Einheit 30 kann eine herkömmliche Kamera wie z.B. eine in ein Mobiltelefon integrierte Digitalkamera verwendet werden. Das damit aufgenommene Bild bzw. der aufgenommene Film kann dann in herkömmlicher Weise z.B. einfach auf elektronischem Wege über das Internet an den Analyseort geschickt werden.The optically encoded diagnostic data shown on the display 28 can be transmitted by means of an optoelectronic unit 30 ( 3 ) are photographed or filmed from the display 28 and then transmitted via the communication link 24 to the remote analysis location or the analysis unit 26 provided there. A conventional camera such as a digital camera integrated into a mobile phone can be used as the optoelectronic unit 30 . The image or film recorded in this way can then be sent to the analysis location in a conventional manner, for example simply electronically via the Internet.

So empfängt beispielsweise der entfernt sitzende Analyst per E-Mail ein oder mehrere Bilder, die jeweils das Display 28 des Vakuumgeräts 22 bzw. die auf dem Display 28 angezeigten, codierten Diagnosedaten zeigen. Eine verschlüsselte Übermittelung des Bildes bzw. der Bilder ist dabei nicht notwendig, da jedes Bild die Diagnosedaten bereits in codierter und somit in beliebig sicher verschlüsselbarer Form enthält.For example, the remote analyst receives via email one or more images showing the display 28 of the vacuum tool 22 and the encoded diagnostic data displayed on the display 28, respectively. Encrypted transmission of the image or images is not necessary in this case, since each image already contains the diagnostic data in encoded form and thus in any form that can be securely encoded.

Dabei ist die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten aufeinanderfolgend in mehreren Bildern 321 - 32n (vgl. Fig. 3) auf dem Display 28 anzeigbar. Ist die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten, wie in Fig. 3 dargestellt, aufeinanderfolgend in mehreren Bildern 321 - 32n auf dem Display 28 anzeigbar, so können die den einzelnen Bildern 321 - 32n entsprechenden Teile der Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten jeweils eine in sich konsistente Untermenge der zur Übertragung an den entfernten Analyseort bereitgestellten Gesamtheit von Diagnosedaten darstellen.The entirety of the diagnostic data is stored consecutively in several images 32 1 - 32 n (cf. 3 ) can be displayed on the display 28. Is the totality of diagnostic data, as in 3 shown, can be displayed consecutively in a plurality of images 32 1 - 32 n on the display 28, the parts of the totality of diagnostic data corresponding to the individual images 32 1 - 32 n can each be a consistent subset of the totality of display diagnostic data.

Selbst dann, wenn die Gesamtheit der Diagnosedaten z.B. auf mehrere Bilder (Fig. 3) aufgeteilt ist, stellt dies immer noch eine Bereitstellung und Übertragung aller jeweils für die Analyse geeigneten Diagnosedaten "auf einmal" oder "auf einen Rutsch" oder "auf einen Schlag" im Sinne der Erfindung dar. Insbesondere erfolgen Bereitstellung und Übertragung der Diagnosedaten nicht umständlich und fehleranfällig "Schritt für Schritt" oder in Form eines "Mensch-Maschine"-Dialogs wie im Stand der Technik.Even if the diagnostic data as a whole is spread over several images ( 3 ) is divided, this still represents a provision and transmission of all diagnostic data suitable for the analysis "at once" or "in one go" or "in one fell swoop" within the meaning of the invention. In particular, the provision and transmission of the diagnostic data are not cumbersome and error-prone "step by step" or in the form of a "man-machine" dialogue as in the prior art.

Die an dem entfernten Analyseort vorgesehene Analyseeinheit 26 ist mit entsprechenden Decodier- und/oder Dekompressionsmitteln zur Decodierung bzw. Dekompression der vom Vakuumgerät 22 bereitgestellten, über die Kommunikationsverbindung 24 übertragenen Diagnosedaten versehen.The analysis unit 26 provided at the remote analysis location is provided with appropriate decoding and/or decompression means for decoding or decompression of the diagnostic data provided by the vacuum device 22 and transmitted via the communication link 24 .

Ist das Display 28 mehreren Vakuumgeräten 22 zugeordnet, so können Umschaltmittel vorgesehen sein, über die das Display 28 wahlweise mit dem jeweils gewünschten Vakuumgerät 22 verbindbar ist.If the display 28 is assigned to several vacuum devices 22, switching means can be provided via which the display 28 can be selectively connected to the respectively desired vacuum device 22.

Sollen aufeinanderfolgend mehrere Bilder 321 - 32n auf dem Display 28 angezeigt und die einzelnen Bilder 321 - 32n beispielsweise manuell abfotografiert oder automatisch hintereinander abgefilmt werden, so kann beispielsweise durch einen entsprechenden Steuerparameter einer Benutzeroberfläche oder Benutzerschnittstelle eine entsprechende aufeinanderfolgende Darstellung der einzelnen Bilder 321 - 32n ausgelöst und anschließend wieder die Umstellung auf eine normale Wiedergabefunktion bewirkt werden.If several images 32 1 - 32 n are to be displayed consecutively on the display 28 and the individual images 32 1 - 32 n are to be photographed manually, for example, or filmed automatically one after the other, a corresponding sequential display of the individual images can be achieved, for example, by means of a corresponding control parameter of a user interface 32 1 - 32 n can be triggered and then the changeover to a normal playback function can be effected again.

Dabei ist beispielsweise eine Ausführung denkbar, bei der das Display 28 automatisch nach einer vorgebbaren Zeit, nach einem einmaligen Aus- und Einschalten der Netzspannung oder nach beliebigen Benutzereingaben wie beispielsweise einem Tastendruck oder dergleichen in den einfachen Benutzer- oder Normalbetriebsmodus zurückfällt.For example, an embodiment is conceivable in which the display 28 automatically reverts to the simple user or normal operating mode after a predefinable time, after the mains voltage has been switched off and on once or after any user input such as a keystroke or the like.

Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Vakuumgerät 22 können nunmehr auf, insbesondere einmalige, Anforderung alle für eine entfernte Analyse nötigen Diagnosedaten auf einmal bereitgestellt und beispielsweise auf einem Display angezeigt oder als Datenstrom ausgegeben werden. Dabei ist insbesondere auch gewährleistet, dass die Diagnosedaten am entfernten Analyseort vollständig und unverfälscht zur Verfügung stehen. Am entfernten Analyseort ist somit eine zuverlässige umfassende Fehleranalyse und Gerätdiagnose möglich. Spezialkenntnisse oder -ausrüstung vor Ort sind dafür nicht erforderlich. Die Erfindung ist auch und besonders für sehr daten- und sicherheitssensitive Anwender interessant.With the vacuum device 22 according to the invention, all diagnostic data required for a remote analysis can now be provided at once, particularly once, and displayed, for example, on a display or output as a data stream. In particular, it is also ensured that the diagnostic data are available completely and unaltered at the remote analysis location. Reliable, comprehensive error analysis and device diagnostics are thus possible at the remote analysis location. No special knowledge or equipment is required on site. The invention is also and particularly interesting for users who are very sensitive to data and security.

BezugszeichenlisteReference List

1010
Vakuumgerätvacuum device
1212
Spannungsversorgungpower supply
1414
Schnittstelleinterface
1616
Displayscreen
1818
Serviceadapterservice adapter
2020
ServiceeinheitService unit
2222
Vakuumgerätvacuum device
2424
Kommunikationsverbindungcommunication link
2626
Analyseeinheitanalysis unit
2828
Displayscreen
3030
optoelektronische Einheitoptoelectronic unit
3232
Bildpicture
321 - 32n321 - 32n
Bildpicture
3434
Abruftasteretrieval button

Claims (8)

  1. A vacuum pump comprising
    a device for generating a totality of diagnostic data of the vacuum pump (22) suitable for an analysis to be performed at a remote analysis location; a retrieval device by means of which a provision of the totality of diagnostic data can be initiated on request; and
    a provision device which is configured to provide, as a totality, the totality of diagnostic data for transmission as a totality to the remote analysis location, wherein the provision device comprises a display (28) on which the diagnostic data can be displayed, wherein the display (28) is integrated into the vacuum pump (22) or is arranged offset from the vacuum pump (22) and is connected via a local data link to the vacuum pump (22), characterized in that
    the totality of the diagnostic data can be provided in an optically coded and compressed form on the display (28),
    wherein the totality of the diagnostic data can be provided in such a coded form that the totality of the diagnostic data can be acquired independently of local functionalities of the vacuum pump (22), which are provided for the normal operation on site, and can be transmitted to the remote analysis location via a communication link (24) which does not have a direct wired or radio-based data link to the vacuum pump (22), and wherein the totality of the diagnostic data can be consecutively displayed in a plurality of images (321 - 32n) on a display (28) of the vacuum pump (22), wherein in particular the portions of the totality of the diagnostic data which correspond to the individual images (321 - 32n) each represent a self-consistent subset of the totality of diagnostic data provided for the transmission to the remote analysis location.
  2. A vacuum pump (22) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the diagnostic data differ in content and/or with respect to the scope from operating data of the vacuum pump (22) provided for the normal operation on site.
  3. A vacuum pump (22) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the provision of the totality of diagnostic data can be initiated on request or automatically.
  4. A vacuum pump (22) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the provision device comprises storage means for buffering the provided diagnostic data to be transmitted to the remote analysis location.
  5. A vacuum pump (22) in accordance with at least one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the retrieval device comprises an actuation device (34), which is to be manually actuated by a user, at the vacuum device (22) and/or at at least one part of an interface of the vacuum pump (22) which can be controlled or acted on by means of an external device.
  6. A method of remotely diagnosing a vacuum pump (22), wherein the vacuum pump (22) comprises:
    - a device for generating a totality of diagnostic data of the vacuum pump (22) suitable for an analysis to be performed at a remote analysis location;
    - a retrieval device by means of which a provision of the totality of diagnostic data can be initiated; and
    - a provision device which is configured to provide, as a totality, the totality of diagnostic data for transmission as a totality to the remote analysis location and which comprises a display (28) on which the diagnostic data are displayed, wherein the display (28) is integrated into the vacuum pump (22) or is arranged offset from the vacuum pump (22) and is connected via a local data link to the vacuum pump (22),
    wherein, in the method,
    - the diagnostic data are retrieved from the vacuum pump (22) by initiating the provision of the diagnostic data by means of the retrieval device, whereupon
    - the totality of the diagnostic data is provided in an optically coded and compressed form on the display (28),
    - the totality of the diagnostic data is provided in such a coded form that the totality of the diagnostic data can be acquired independently of local functionalities of the vacuum pump (22), which are provided for the normal operation on site, and can be transmitted to the remote analysis location, wherein the totality of the diagnostic data is consecutively displayed in a plurality of images (321 - 32n) on a display (28) of the vacuum pump (22), wherein in particular the portions of the totality of the diagnostic data which correspond to the individual images (321 - 32n) each represent a self-consistent subset of the totality of diagnostic data provided for the transmission to the remote analysis location,
    - the totality of the diagnostic data is acquired, in particular by means of an optoelectronic unit (30), and is transmitted to the remote analysis location via a communication link (24) which does not have a direct wired or radio-based data link to the vacuum pump (22),
    - the diagnostic data are analyzed at the remote analysis location, and
    - a diagnosis relating to the vacuum pump (22) is made.
  7. A method in accordance with claim 6,
    characterized in that
    the diagnostic data differ in content and/or with respect to the scope from operating data of the vacuum pump (22) provided for the normal operation on site.
  8. A method in accordance with claim 6 or claim 7,
    characterized in that
    the provision of the totality of diagnostic data is initiated on request or automatically.
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