EP3951738B1 - Apparatus and method for communication with a vacuum device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for communicating with a vacuum device.

Devices for communicating with industrial components, such as vacuum devices, are well known.

From the publication EP 3 620 661 A1 For example, a connection device for a vacuum device is known. The publication EP 1 903 529 A1 discloses an arrangement with a vacuum device. COVAL Vacuum Managers, “Quick Start Guide Lemcom Module” describes IP configuration instructions. The publication US 2020 / 0 221 912 A1 discloses a configuration device for a system with a vacuum cleaner. In print EP 1 903 530 A2 An arrangement with a vacuum device and a method for its operation are described.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for communicating with a vacuum device.

This task is solved by the objects according to the independent claims.

A vacuum device is a device or device that is used in connection with a vacuum application, especially a vacuum generating device which can also be called a vacuum pump. For example, a vacuum device is a component of a vacuum pump, in particular a rotary vane pump, a membrane pump, a scroll pump, a screw pump, a Roots pump or a turbomolecular pump.

The device according to the invention comprises a first interface element. The first interface element is used for communication with a communication device, in particular via a first communication protocol. A communication device is a device or device that is designed separately from the device according to the invention. The communication device can be, for example, a standard PC or laptop, a smartphone or a tablet that has a communication interface.

The device according to the invention further comprises a second interface element. The second interface element is used for communication with the vacuum device, in particular via a second communication protocol. The second communication protocol under which the device according to the invention communicates via the second interface element can be the same communication protocol as the first communication protocol. In particular, however, the second communication protocol is different from the first communication protocol.

The device according to the invention further comprises a storage element. The memory element comprises a memory, in particular a non-volatile memory, which can also be called persistent memory or permanent memory, such as a flash memory, in particular a NAND memory, an EEPROM memory and/or an SSD memory. Alternatively or additionally, the memory element can also comprise a volatile memory, such as a RAM memory, in particular a DRAM memory or an SRAM memory.

The device according to the invention also includes a processor element. The processor element can be designed to provide data from the communication device to the memory element via the first interface element and to provide data from the memory element to the vacuum device via the second interface element. This type of provision can be referred to in particular as a send channel, forward channel or upload channel.

The processor element can alternatively or additionally be designed to provide data from the vacuum device to the memory element via the second interface element and to provide data from the memory element to the communication device via the first interface element. This type of provision can be referred to in particular as a receive channel, return channel or download channel.

In the present case, data means in particular a data stream, for example one or more files or information. In its simplest form, data in the generic plural means a logical one or a logical zero.

In this case, providing means in particular copying, cutting and/or pasting data, especially files. The provision can take place on the initiative of the communication device, the vacuum device and/or the device according to the invention itself.

Providing includes, for example, reading data from the communication device and writing data to the storage element. Likewise, providing includes reading data from the storage element and writing data to the vacuum device.

Alternatively or additionally, providing includes reading data from the vacuum device and writing data to the storage element. Providing also includes reading data from the storage element and writing data to the communication device.

For example, the provision of the data from the communication device to the storage element of the device according to the invention and the provision of the data from the storage element of the device according to the invention to the vacuum device can be initiated by the communication device, the device according to the invention itself or the vacuum device.

Again, for example, the provision of the data from the vacuum device to the storage element of the device according to the invention and the provision of the data from the storage element of the device according to the invention to the communication device can be initiated by the communication device, the device according to the invention itself or the vacuum device.

Deploying can also be called a deployment operation.

The storage element serves in particular as a buffer in order to temporarily store the data from the communication device and/or the data from the vacuum device for further provision to the other device. The memory element may also serve to store the code that the processor executes to perform its functions.

Files that are provided to the vacuum device in particular by the communication device via the device according to the invention are, for example, updates, in particular software or firmware updates, function activations or parameter information to be used for the vacuum device.

Files that are provided in particular by the vacuum device to the communication device via the device according to the invention are, for example, information about the vacuum device, for example a software, hardware and / or firmware version, a device type installed in the vacuum device, an accessory used or a currently used Parameter information set in the vacuum device.

The device according to the invention enables particularly simple communication between a communication device and a vacuum device. In particular, with the device according to the invention, information can be played on the vacuum device and/or information can be retrieved from the vacuum device. In particular, the device according to the invention makes it possible to dispense with a special configuration device, the installation of special drivers and/or the provision of special interfaces on a commercially available laptop or smartphone. The device according to the invention thus makes it possible to connect to vacuum devices using commercially available components.

In one embodiment, the device is designed separately from the vacuum device.

In this embodiment, the device according to the invention is an independent device that is designed to be separate from both the communication device and the vacuum device. In the present case, separate means that the device does not have any common components with the communication device or the vacuum device and/or is not spatially connected to the communication device or the vacuum device.

This enables a mobile device that can be handled in a simple manner and, in particular, can be carried by a person.

In an alternative embodiment, the device is integrated into the vacuum device.

In the present case, integrated means that the device according to the invention has common components, such as a housing, with the vacuum device.

This results in a particularly compact arrangement consisting of a vacuum device and a device according to the invention.

The invention therefore also relates to a vacuum device with an integrated device according to the invention.

In one embodiment, the first interface element comprises a wired interface.

In this case, wired means wired. The first interface element has a wired interface that matches the communication device.

The fact that the first interface element is wired makes particularly trouble-free and fast communication with the communication device possible.

In one embodiment, the first interface element is designed to communicate with the communication device under the USB standard.

Alternatively or additionally, the first interface element is designed to communicate with the communication device under the Ethernet standard.

In this case, standard means the connector shape and/or the transmission protocol. For example, the first interface element is designed as a USB-A, USB-B and/or USB-C plug. Again, for example, the first interface element is designed as an RJ-45 plug. For example, the first interface element serves a USB 1.1, USB 2.0 and/or USB 3.2 protocol. Again, for example, the first interface element serves 10 Mbit Ethernet, 100 Mbit Ethernet and/or Gigabit Ethernet.

The first interface element can also have or operate two or more identical or different plug shapes and/or protocols. For example, the first interface element can have both a USB-C plug and an RJ-45 plug and/or be subject to its transmission protocol.

The fact that the first interface element is subject to a USB and/or Ethernet standard enables a particularly high level of connectivity with widely used standards, protocols and/or connector types of communication devices. The device according to the invention can easily communicate with a particularly large number of different communication devices in a wired manner.

In one embodiment, the first interface element comprises a wireless interface.

In this case, wireless means wireless and not wired. The first interface element has a wireless interface that matches the communication device.

The first interface element can have a wireless, a wired or a wireless and a wired interface.

The fact that the first interface element is designed to be wireless enables particularly flexible communication with the communication device.

In one embodiment, the first interface element is designed to communicate with the communication device under the Bluetooth standard.

Alternatively or additionally, the first interface element is designed to communicate with the communication device under the WiFi standard.

For example, the first interface element serves a Bluetooth 3.0, Bluetooth 4.0 and/or Bluetooth 5.0 protocol. Again, for example, the first interface element serves 10 Mbit Ethernet, 100 Mbit Ethernet and/or Gigabit Ethernet.

The fact that the first interface element is subject to a Bluetooth and/or WiFi standard enables a particularly high level of connectivity with widely used standards or protocols of communication devices. The device according to the invention can easily communicate wirelessly with a particularly large number of different communication devices.

In one embodiment, the second interface element comprises a wired interface. In this case, wired means wired. The second interface element has a wired interface that matches the vacuum device.

The fact that the second interface element is wired makes particularly trouble-free and fast communication with the vacuum device possible.

In one embodiment, the second interface element comprises a screw thread.

The screw thread can be designed as either an internal thread or an external thread. In particular, the second interface element can be an M5, M8 or M12 plug with a screw thread.

The fact that the second interface element includes a screw thread enables particularly tensile and secure communication with the vacuum device.

In one embodiment, the second interface element is designed to communicate with the vacuum device under the CAN bus standard. In the present case, the CAN bus standard includes in particular standards under the ISO 11898 and/or the SAE J2284 standard.

Alternatively or additionally, the second interface element is designed to communicate with the vacuum device under the EIA-485 standard.

The fact that the second interface element is subject to a CAN bus and/or EIA-485 standard enables a particularly high level of connectivity with widely used standards, protocols and/or connector types of vacuum devices. The device according to the invention can thus easily communicate with a particularly large number of different vacuum devices.

In one embodiment, the second interface element is designed to communicate with the vacuum device under the Ethernet standard.

In this case, standard means the connector shape and/or the transmission protocol. For example, the second interface element is designed as an RJ-45 plug.

For example, the second interface element serves 10 Mbit Ethernet, 100 Mbit Ethernet and/or Gigabit Ethernet.

The fact that the second interface element is subject to an Ethernet standard enables a particularly high level of connectivity with widely used standards, protocols and/or connector types with vacuum devices. The device according to the invention can easily communicate with a particularly large number of different vacuum devices via cable.

In one embodiment, the second interface element comprises a wireless interface.

In this case, wireless means wireless and not wired. The first interface element has a wireless interface that matches the vacuum device.

The second interface element can have a wireless, a wired or a wireless and a wired interface.

The fact that the second interface element is designed to be wireless enables particularly flexible communication with the vacuum device.

In one embodiment, the second interface element is designed to communicate with the vacuum device using the Bluetooth standard.

Alternatively or additionally, the second interface element is designed to communicate with the vacuum device under the WiFi standard.

For example, the second interface element operates a Bluetooth 3.0, Bluetooth 4.0 and/or Bluetooth 5.0 protocol. Again, for example, this serves first interface element 10 Mbit Ethernet, 100 Mbit Ethernet and/or Gigabit Ethernet.

The fact that the second interface element is subject to a Bluetooth and/or WiFi standard enables a particularly high level of connectivity with widely used standards or protocols with vacuum devices. The device according to the invention can easily communicate wirelessly with a particularly large number of different vacuum devices.

In one embodiment, the processor element is further configured to provide the data from the communication device to the storage element via the first interface element after the first interface element has been connected to the communication device, and to provide the data from the storage element to the vacuum device via the second interface element after that first interface element has been separated from the communication device.

In the present case, connected means that a communication connection, wireless and/or wired, exists. In return, separate means that a communication connection, wireless and/or wired, does not exist.

For example, the device according to the invention is first connected to the communication device, for example by inserting a plug into the device according to the invention and into the communication device or by wireless connection, and, after establishing the wired or wireless connection, data is then sent from the communication device via the first interface element the storage element of the device according to the invention is provided. For example, this can be done in a room where the vacuum device is not located, such as an office or a server room.

In a next step, in particular as soon as the provision of the data from the communication device to the storage element has been completed, the device according to the invention can be separated from the communication device, for example by removing the plug or by removing it from outside the range of the wireless connection and brought to the vacuum device become. There, the device according to the invention can then be connected to the vacuum device via the second interface element and data can be transmitted from the storage element to the vacuum device.

The processor element may also be further configured to provide the data from the vacuum device to the storage element via the second interface element after the second interface element has been connected to the vacuum device, and to provide the data from the storage element to the communication device via the first interface element after the second Interface element has been separated from the vacuum device.

It is thus possible for the device according to the invention to first be connected to the vacuum device by inserting a plug into the device according to the invention and into the vacuum device, and after the wired connection has been established, data from the vacuum device is then provided to the storage element of the device according to the invention via the second interface element become. This can be done, for example, in a room in which the communication device is not arranged, such as a work or machine room in which a respective vacuum application involving the vacuum device is carried out.

In a next step, in particular as soon as the provision of the data from the vacuum device to the storage element has been completed, the device according to the invention can be separated from the vacuum device, for example by removing the plug, and brought to the communication device become. There, the device according to the invention can then be connected to the communication device via the first interface element and data can be provided from the storage element to the communication device.

It is therefore possible to transfer data from the communication device to the vacuum device and/or from the vacuum device to the communication device without the communication device and the vacuum device having to be directly connected to one another or in proximity to one another. A particularly flexible device is thus achieved.

According to the invention, the processor element is further designed to create a file based on the data stored on the storage element and to provide data based on the created file or the file itself to the communication device via the first interface element.

Alternatively or additionally, according to the invention, the processor element is further designed to provide data based on the created file or the file itself to the vacuum device via the second interface element.

The processor element is designed to create a file based both on data that was previously provided by the communication device on the storage element and based on data that was previously provided by the communication device on the storage element.

For example, the processor element is designed to create a parameter set for the vacuum device based on data provided by the vacuum device and with the addition of data provided by the communication device. For example, the processor element can first retrieve the current parameter status from the vacuum device and based on this to adapt to new parameter information that it has retrieved from the communication device. This new parameter status can then be provided to the vacuum device to replace the parameter status stored there. In return, the processor element can report the successfully adjusted parameter status back to the communication device.

This makes a particularly self-sufficient device according to the invention possible. In particular, this makes it possible to forego manual file creation and backup on the communication device.

In one embodiment, the processor element is further configured to create a file on the storage element, change the file based on data stored on the storage element, and send data based on the changed file or the changed file itself via the first interface element To provide communication device.

Alternatively or additionally, the processor element is further designed to provide data based on the changed file or the changed file itself to the vacuum device via the second interface element.

For example, the processor element is designed to create a raw file, for example in the correct or readable format for the vacuum device, and then to fill it with data that was previously provided to the storage element by the communication device and/or by the vacuum device. This filled file can then be provided to the vacuum device and optionally also to the communication device, for example for backup and/or verification purposes.

Alternatively or additionally, the processor element is further designed to provide the changed file to the vacuum device via the second interface element.

For example, the processor element is designed to create a raw file, for example in the correct or readable format for the communication device, and then to fill it with data that was previously provided to the storage element by the communication device and/or by the vacuum device. This filled file can then be provided to the communication device.

This makes a particularly self-sufficient device according to the invention possible. In particular, it is possible to have files for the vacuum device and/or the communication device created and adapted directly by the processor element.

In one embodiment, the processor element is further designed to create an evaluation based on the data stored on the storage element and to provide data based on the evaluation or the evaluation itself to the communication device via the first interface element.

Alternatively or additionally, the processor element is further designed to provide data based on the evaluation or the evaluation itself to the vacuum device via the second interface element.

For example, the processor element is designed to retrieve raw data such as operating indicators from the vacuum device and to evaluate them statistically in order to provide this evaluation to the communication device.

This makes a particularly self-sufficient device according to the invention possible. In particular, it is possible to have evaluations of the vacuum device created directly by the processor element.

In one embodiment, the processor element is further designed to record a number of delivery operations from the storage element to the vacuum device and to prevent further delivery operations if a predetermined number is exceeded.

Alternatively or additionally, the processor element is further designed to record a number of provisioning processes from the communication device to the storage element and to prevent further provisioning processes if a predetermined number is exceeded.

For example, it is specified on the storage element that certain data, such as updates, may only be copied a limited number of times, for example five times, from a communication device and/or to a vacuum device. This can be the case, for example, if the user or operator of several vacuum devices has only purchased a limited number of updates, again for example five updates. The predetermined number can in particular be encrypted on the storage element so that a user or operator cannot view it. The predetermined number can, in particular, be read-only and/or persistent on the storage element so that a user or operator cannot change it.

A particularly integrity-based device is thus provided. In particular, this can prevent the user or operator from playing or installing more than the paid number of updates on vacuum pumps.

In one embodiment, the processor element is further configured to compare a key of the device with a key present in one of the data and to prevent a provision process from the storage element to the vacuum device if the key of the device does not match the key present in one of the data .

In this case, a key means in particular a combination of numbers and/or letters. The key of the device and the key of the vacuum device must match so that a provision process can be initiated or carried out.

The key of the device can be provided by the communication device to the storage element of the device or can be stored in the device, in particular persistently. The key of the vacuum device can be provided by the vacuum device to the storage element of the device and can thus be compared with the key of the device.

This makes a particularly integrity-enhancing device possible. In particular, this makes it possible for data to only be provided to the vacuum device if it is approved for this purpose.

In one embodiment, the processor element is further designed to detect a property of the vacuum device and to only carry out a provision process from the storage element to the vacuum device if the property deviates from a predetermined property.

A property of the vacuum device is, for example, a software, hardware and/or firmware version, a device type installed in the vacuum device, an accessory used or parameter information currently set in the vacuum device. This can then be compared to a predetermined property become. The predetermined property can be provided by the communication device to the memory element of the device or can be stored, in particular persistently, in the device.

This makes a particularly integrity-enhancing device possible. In particular, this makes it possible for an update to only be installed if an installed version, an installed device type or parameter information currently set in the vacuum device is also compatible or suitable for this update.

In one embodiment, the processor element is further designed to provide data from the storage element via a third interface element of the communication device to an evaluation device remote from the communication device.

For this purpose, the communication device has a further interface element that is designed to communicate with an evaluation device. The evaluation device is removed from the communication device and in particular also from the device according to the invention and/or the vacuum device.

In this context, distant means spatially distant, in particular at least several meters, in particular further away, kilometers. The evaluation device is, for example, a remote server located in a data center.

The processor element is designed to gain access to the third interface element of the communication device, in particular via the first interface element, further in particular after the first interface element has been connected to the communication device, and to use this third interface element for communication with the remote evaluation device.

For this purpose, the processor element is designed to provide data that is stored on the storage element of the device according to the invention to the remote evaluation device. The data can be data that was provided by the vacuum device to the storage element and/or data that was provided by the communication device to the storage element. The data can also be a file and/or evaluation created by the processor element on the storage element and/or a file modified by the processor element on the storage element. The communication element acts in particular as a proxy.

This makes a particularly communicative device possible. In particular, it is possible to maintain the vacuum device remotely and to provide evaluations to the manufacturer of the vacuum device, in particular without the operator of the vacuum device being able to intervene.

In one embodiment, the processor element is further designed to provide data from the evaluation device to the memory element via the third interface element.

For example, the data can be data that was created at the remote location on the evaluation device, in particular taking into account, for example, data previously provided by the processor element to the evaluation device, such as in particular a property of the vacuum device, and thus prepared for the vacuum device are.

This makes a particularly communicative device possible. In particular, it is possible to maintain the vacuum device remotely and, for example, to provide parameter sets from the manufacturer of the vacuum device to the vacuum device, in particular without the operator of the vacuum device being able to intervene.

In particular, the processor element is designed to carry out or control the previously described functions automatically, without user input. For example, the processor element can be designed to carry out the functions without an input on the communication device, without an input on the device according to the invention and/or without an input on the vacuum device.

The functions that the processor element can carry out without further user input can in particular be all of the properties or functions previously described in the context of the processor element, both individually and collectively.

For example, the processor element can be designed to provide data from the communication device to the storage element via the first interface element, to provide data from the storage element to the vacuum device via the second interface element, to provide data from the vacuum device to the storage element via the second interface element and/or data from to provide the storage element to the communication device via the first interface element without receiving user input.

Further, for example, the processor element can be designed to create a file based on the data stored on the storage element and/or to provide the file to the communication device via the first interface element and/or to the vacuum device via the second interface element, without one Receive user input.

Further, for example, the processor element may be configured to pre-modify the created file based on the data stored on the storage element without receiving user input.

Further, for example, the processor element can be designed to create an evaluation based on the data stored on the storage element and/or to provide the evaluation via the first interface element to the communication device and/or via the second interface element to the vacuum device, without one Receive user input.

Further, for example, the processor element can be designed to record a number of provisioning processes from the storage element to the vacuum device and/or from the communication device to the storage element and/or to prevent further provisioning processes if a predetermined number is exceeded without receiving user input.

Further, for example, the processor element can be designed to compare a key of the device with a key present in one of the data and/or to prevent a provision process from the storage element to the vacuum device if the key of the device does not match the key present in one of the data matches without receiving any user input.

Further, for example, the processor element may be configured to detect a characteristic of the vacuum device and/or to prevent a provisioning process from the storage element to the vacuum device if the characteristic deviates from a predetermined characteristic without receiving user input.

Further, for example, the processor element can be designed to provide data from the storage element via a third interface element of the communication device to an evaluation device remote from the communication device and/or data from the evaluation device via the third interface element to provide the storage element without receiving user input.

This makes a particularly self-sufficient device possible. In particular, it is possible for a person who is not familiar with the technology of the device and/or the communication device and in particular not with the technology of the vacuum device to still be able to use the device. In particular, a non-specialist can successfully update the vacuum device and/or retrieve and, in particular, update parameter information without having any knowledge of the vacuum device or the technology behind it.

The processor element can also be designed to recognize when the device or the first and/or second interface element is connected to the communication device and/or the vacuum device or when a connection has been successfully established.

In particular, the processor element can be designed to create a diagnostic file in response to the fact that a connection to the communication device and/or the vacuum device has been successfully established and to store it in the memory element.

Alternatively or additionally, the processor element can be designed to recognize when the device or the first and/or second interface element is disconnected from the communication device and/or the vacuum device or when a connection has been terminated.

In particular, the processor element can be designed to create an error file in response to a connection to the communication device and/or the vacuum device having been lost and to store it in the storage element.

This makes a particularly self-sufficient device possible, particularly in connection with the previously described automatic control of one or more functions of the processor element. In particular, functions can be carried out that would otherwise have required user input because the device itself can recognize a communication status.

In one embodiment, the device according to the invention has a status indication element.

The status indication element can include, for example, one or more LEDs. The status indication element is designed to display a status of the device. For example, the status indication element can be a multicolored LED or comprise several different colored LEDs.

A status of the device here particularly includes a state such as, for example, performing a function described above and/or completing a function described above. For example, the status indication element can be designed to indicate the completion of a provisioning process, for example by flashing an LED several times, and to indicate the completion of a provisioning process, for example by permanently switching an LED on or off.

In particular, the status indication element can also be designed to indicate a successful connection of the device or the first and/or second interface element with the communication device and/or the vacuum device and/or a separation, in particular a secure separation of the device or the first and/or second Display interface element from the communication device and / or the vacuum device.

This further development also supports the self-sufficiency of the device. It is therefore possible for a person who is not familiar with the technology of the device and/or the communication device and in particular not with the technology of the vacuum device to use the device correctly and safely, in particular only then connecting the device to the vacuum device manually disconnects again when a certain function is finished, for example an update process is completed.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises an operating element that is designed to control one of the functions of the processor element.

A control element is, for example, an input element, such as one or more buttons or buttons, which can be actuated by a user and thus can receive user input. Further, for example, the control element can be designed as or include a touchscreen on which a user can enter touch input. In this case, the device according to the invention can also simultaneously display to the user information about the data present on the storage element, the vacuum device and/or the communication device. In this case, the touchscreen can also be designed to display a status of the device and thus also include a previously described status indication element.

By operating one or more operating elements of the device, a user can be able to initiate or terminate individual or all functions of the processor element.

This provides a particularly interactive device according to the invention. In particular, a user can thus actively control and influence the provision process from the communication device to the vacuum device and/or from the vacuum device to the communication device.

The task mentioned at the beginning is also solved by a method for communicating with a vacuum device with the features of claim 13.

In one embodiment, the method includes connecting the first interface element to the communication device before providing data from the communication device via the first interface element to the storage element and disconnecting the first interface element from the communication device before providing data from the storage element via the second interface element to the Vacuum device.

With regard to the embodiments of the method according to the invention and the associated advantages, reference is also made to the previously mentioned embodiments and their advantages of the device.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zur Kommunikation mit einem Vakuumgerät;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zur Kommunikation mit einem Vakuumgerät gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

ein Ablaufdiagramm einer Ausführungsform eines Verfahrens zur Kommunikation mit einem Vakuumgerät; und

Fig. 4

ein Ablaufdiagramm einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Verfahrens zur Kommunikation mit einem Vakuumgerät.

Embodiments of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic view of an embodiment of a device for communicating with a vacuum device;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of an embodiment of a device for communicating with a vacuum device according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for communicating with a vacuum device; and

Fig. 4

a flowchart of a further embodiment of a method for communicating with a vacuum device.

The same reference numbers designate the same or similar features.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a device 100 for communicating with a vacuum device 200. The vacuum device can be, for example, a vacuum pump.

The device 100 initially has a first interface element 110, which is designed to communicate with a communication device 300 that is designed separately from the device 100. For this purpose, the communication device 300 has an interface element 310 corresponding to the first interface element 110. The communication device 300 can be, for example, a commercially available laptop or smartphone.

The device 100 further has a second interface element 120, which is designed to communicate with the vacuum device 200. For this purpose, the vacuum device has an interface element 220 corresponding to the second interface element 120.

The device 100 also includes a memory element 130 and a processor element 140. The processor element 140 is designed to provide data from the communication device 300 to the memory element 130 via the first interface element 110, to provide data from the memory element 130 to the vacuum device 200 via the second interface element 120, and to provide data from the vacuum device 200 via the second interface element 120 to provide the storage element 130 and to provide data from the storage element 130 to the communication device 300 via the first interface element 110.

The processor element 140 is further configured to create a file based on the data stored on the storage element 130 and the To provide data based on the file via the first interface element 110 to the communication device 300 and/or via the second interface element 120 to the vacuum device 200.

The processor element 140 is also further configured to modify the previously created file based on the data stored on the storage element 130.

The processor element 140 is also further designed to create an evaluation based on the data stored on the storage element 130 and to send data based on this evaluation via the first interface element 110 to the communication device 300 and/or via the second interface element 120 to that To provide vacuum device 200.

The processor element 140 is also further designed to record a number of provisioning processes from the storage element 130 to the vacuum device 200 and/or from the communication device 300 to the storage element 130 and to prevent further provisioning processes if a predetermined number is exceeded.

The processor element 140 is also further designed to compare a key of the device 100 with a key present in one of the data to prevent a provision process from the storage element 130 to the vacuum device 200 if the key of the device 100 does not match the key present in one of the data Key matches.

The processor element 140 is also further configured to detect a characteristic of the vacuum device 200 and to prevent a provision operation from the storage element 130 to the vacuum device 200 if the characteristic deviates from a predetermined characteristic.

This is in the in Fig. 1 In the embodiment shown, the device 100 is designed separately from the vacuum device 200. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the device is integrated into the vacuum device 200.

The first interface element 110 and the second interface element 120 are in Fig. 1 shown as an example as wired interfaces. In an embodiment not shown, the first interface element 110 and/or the second interface element 120 is designed to be wireless.

The first interface element 110 is in Fig. 1 shown as an example as a USB 2.0 plug and can communicate with the communication device 300 under the USB standard. In particular, the first interface element 110 is designed, for example, as a male USB plug and the corresponding interface element 310 of the communication device 300 as a female USB plug receptacle.

The second interface element 120 is in Fig. 1 shown as an example as an external screw thread and can communicate with the vacuum device 200 under the CAN bus standard. For this purpose, the corresponding interface element 220 of the vacuum device 200 has an internal screw thread corresponding to the external screw thread, which is also on an internal screw thread Fig. 1 Cable not shown can be formed.

The device 100 further has a power element 150, via which the processor element 140, the memory element 130 and other components of the device 100 are supplied with current or voltage. The power element 150 can include a voltage source, such as a battery or an accumulator. Alternatively or additionally, the power element 150 can also be made from a wired power supply with the vacuum device 200 and/or the communication device 300.

The device 100 also has a status indication element 160, which is designed to display a status of the device 100.

The device 100 further has an operating element 170, which is designed to control one of the functions of the processor element.

The device 100 can also have other, in Fig. 1 include elements not shown, such as one or more interface controls and/or further storage elements.

The processor element 140 is also further designed to provide data from the storage element 130 via a third interface element 320 of the communication device 300 to an evaluation device 400 remote from the communication device 300. For this purpose, the remote evaluation device has an interface element 420 corresponding to the third interface element 320.

The processor element 140 is also further designed to provide data from the evaluation device 400 to the storage element 130 via the third interface element 320.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective external view of an embodiment of a device 100 for communicating with a vacuum device, as in Fig. 1 shown.

The device 100 has, as in this Fig. 2 can be seen, a housing element 180, in which the first interface element 110 and the second interface element 120 are integrated.

The status indication element 160 and the control element 170 are also integrated into the housing element 180.

The others, in Fig. 1 Elements shown, in particular the processor element, the memory element and the power element, are arranged inside the housing element 180.

As in Fig. 2 can be seen, the device 100 has particularly compact dimensions, for example the device 100 is less than 10 cm long, less than 5 cm high and less than 5 cm wide. In particular, the device 100 is less than 5 cm long, less than 2 cm high and less than 2 cm wide. This results in particularly good mobility of the device 100.

Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1000 for communicating with a vacuum device.

The method 1000 begins with step 1100, in which a device for communicating with a vacuum device is provided. This is in particular a device as in the Fig. 1 and/or 2 shown. The device has a first interface element, a second interface element, a memory element and a processor element.

In a further step 1200, the device is connected to a communication device, either wirelessly or wired.

In a further step 1300, data from the communication device is provided to the storage element via the first interface element.

In a further step 1400, the device is separated from the communication device.

In a further step 1500, the device is connected to the vacuum device, either wirelessly or by wire.

In a further step 1600, data from the storage element is provided to the vacuum device via the second interface element.

After this step 1600, the method ends and can begin again at step 1100.

The method 2000 begins with step 2100, in which a device for communicating with a vacuum device is provided. This is in particular a device as in the Fig. 1 and/or 2 shown. The device has a first interface element, a second interface element, a memory element and a processor element.

In a further step 2200, the device is connected to the vacuum device, either wirelessly or by wire.

In a further step 2300, data from the vacuum device is provided to the storage element via the second interface element.

In a further step 2400, the device is separated from the vacuum device.

In a further step 2500, the device is connected to a communication device, either wirelessly or wired.

In a further step 2600, data from the storage element is provided to the communication device via the first interface element.

After this step 2600, the method ends and can begin again at step 2100.

It is understood that the procedure as in Fig. 3 also shown using the procedure as in Fig. 4 shown can be combined. In particular, step 2600 can be carried out before, after or simultaneously with step 1300. Likewise, step 2300 can be carried out before, after or simultaneously with step 1600.

Reference symbol list

100

contraption

110

first interface element of the device

120

second interface element of the device

130

Storage element

140

Processor element

150

Performance element

160

Status indication element

170

Control element

180

Housing element

200

Vacuum device

220

corresponding interface element of the vacuum device

300

Communication device

310

corresponding interface element of the communication device

320

third interface element

400

remote evaluation device

420

corresponding interface element of the remote evaluation device

1000

Proceedings

1100

Procedural step

1200

Procedural step

1300

Procedural step

1400

Procedural step

1500

Procedural step

1600

Procedural step

2000

Proceedings

2100

Procedural step

2200

Procedural step

2300

Procedural step

2400

Procedural step

2500

Procedural step

2600

Procedural step

Claims (14)

1. A apparatus (100) for communication with a vacuum device (200), comprising:

   a first interface element (110) which is configured to communicate with a communication device (300) formed separately from the apparatus;

   a second interface element (120) which is configured to communicate with the vacuum device (200);

   a memory element (130); and

   a processor element (140) which is configured to perform the following functions:

   - providing data from the communication device (300) to the memory element (130) via the first interface element (110); and

   - providing data from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120); and/or

   - providing data from the vacuum device (200) to the memory element (130) via the second interface element (120); and

   - providing data from the memory element (130) to the communication device (300) via the first interface element (110),

   characterized in that the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions:

   - creating a file based on the data stored on the memory element (130); and

   - providing data based on the file or the file itself to the communication device (300) via the first interface element (110) and/or providing data based on the file or the file itself to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120).
2. An apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim,
   wherein the apparatus (100) is formed separately from the vacuum device (200).
3. An apparatus (100) according to one any of the preceding claims,
   wherein the first interface element (110) is configured to communicate with the communication device (300) under the USB standard and/or the Ethernet standard and/or the Bluetooth standard and/or the WiFi standard.
4. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the second interface element (120) is configured to communicate with the vacuum device (200) under the CAN bus standard and/or the EIA-485 standard and/or the Bluetooth standard and/or the WiFi standard and/or the Ethernet standard.
5. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the processor element (140) is configured to provide the data from the communication device (300) to the memory element (130) via the first interface element (110) after the first interface element (110) has been connected to the communication device (300), and to provide the data from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120) after the first interface element (110) has been disconnected from the communication device (300).
6. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions:

   - creating a file on the memory element (130);

   - modifying the file based on the data stored on the memory element (130); and

   - providing data based on the file to the communication device (300) via the first interface element (110) and/or providing data based on the file to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120).
7. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions:

   - generating an evaluation based on the data stored on the memory element (130); and

   - providing data based on the evaluation to the communication device (300) via the first interface element (110) and/or providing data based on the evaluation to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120).
8. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions:

   - detecting the number of provision processes from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) and/or from the communication device (300) to the memory element (130); and

   - preventing further provision processes when a predetermined number is exceeded.
9. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
   wherein the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions:

   - comparing a key of the apparatus (100) with a key present in one part of the data; and

   - preventing a provision process from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) if the key of the apparatus (100) does not match the key present in one part of the data.
10. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,
    wherein the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions:

    - detecting a property of the vacuum device (200); and

    - preventing a provision process from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) when the property deviates from a predetermined property.
11. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,

    wherein the processor element (140) is further configured to perform the following functions:

    - providing data from the memory element (130) via a third interface element (320) of the communication device (300) to an evaluation device (400) remote from the communication device (300),

    wherein the processor element (140) is in particular further configured to perform the following functions:

    - providing data from the evaluation device (400) to the memory element (130) via the third interface element (320).
12. An apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control element (170) which is configured to control one of the functions of the processor element (140).
13. A method of communicating with a vacuum device (200), comprising the steps:

    - providing an apparatus (100) according to any one of the claims 1 to 12,

    - providing data from the communication device (300) to the memory element (130) via the first interface element (110); and

    - providing data from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120),
    wherein a file is created based on the data stored on the memory element (130), and wherein the provision of the data from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120) comprises providing data based on the file or the file itself;
    and/or

    - providing data from the vacuum device (200) to the memory element (130) via the second interface element (120); and

    - providing data from the memory element (130) to the communication device (300) via the first interface element (110),

    wherein a file is created based on the data stored on the memory element (130), and wherein the provision of the data from the memory element (130) to the communication device (300) via the first interface element (110) comprises providing data based on the file or the file itself.
14. A method according to the preceding claim 13, further comprising the steps:

    - connecting the first interface element (110) to the communication device (300) prior to providing data from the communication device (300) to the memory element (130) via the first interface element (110); and

    - disconnecting the first interface element (110) from the communication device (300) prior to providing data from the memory element (130) to the vacuum device (200) via the second interface element (120).

Images