WO2024068741A1 - Method for computer-supported testing and documenting of an installation operation of a user for the installation of spatially decentralised components of a machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for computer-supported testing and documenting of an installation operation of a user for the installation of spatially decentralised electrical components (4) of a machine (1), in particular a system (1), wherein a complete formation of an electrical and/or mechanical connection of an installation element (10), in particular a cable and/or a plug connector, to one of the electrical components (4), in particular a module and/or device, is tested and documented, wherein the method comprises the following steps: receiving (101) at least one measurement value from a test device, in particular a torque wrench and/or a piezoelectric sensor, wherein the at least one measurement value is the result of obtaining a measurement variable, which is specific to the installation operation, in particular for a proper screw fastening and/or power connection and/or data connection and/or contacting between the installation element (10) and the electrical component (4); validating (102) the installation operation of the user in terms of the complete formation of the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the installation element (10), in particular a proper screw connection and/or power connection and/or data connection and/or contacting, on the basis of a comparison between the at least one received measurement value and at least one measurement value specification, preferably in order to determine whether a conformity of the at least one received measurement value with the at least one measurement value specification is ensured; and documenting (103) the validated installation operation based on the validation process (102) so that an identification is carried out for the connection in an installation specification, in particular in a circuit plan.

Description

A method for computer-aided testing and documentation of a user's installation action for installing spatially decentralized components of a machine

Technical area

The present invention relates generally to the field of planning and assembly of machines such as automation systems, and in particular to a computer-aided installation of spatially decentralized electrical components of a machine.

background

The complexity and variety of automation systems that need to be developed, planned, installed, maintained and repaired is increasing. In all phases of the life cycle of such a system, such as development/planning, production, commissioning, operation and maintenance, efficient and effective support for an installer or planner through extensive and, above all, complete documentation becomes more important.

During installation it may be necessary that certain electrical installation requirements are met. For example, it is necessary for a connection to be dustproof or waterproof. To ensure these requirements, a screw connection must be made with a specified tightening torque. Checking this screw connection can be very time-consuming even with just a few connections to be checked or requires special technical expertise that is often difficult to obtain.

The use of test equipment to record measured values is known in the prior art. For example, DE 19849293 A1 discloses a system for recording measured values at a large number of measuring points of a measurement object in a test device. A torque wrench is provided as a measuring device for measuring a measured variable, which has a transmitting device for sending the measurement result and an identifier assigned to the measuring point to an evaluation device. The evaluation device evaluates the received measurement results with regard to the presence of a predetermined state of the measurement object. The disadvantage of the known solutions is that such tests are time-consuming and the verification of certain technical requirements during installation can often be incorrect.

It is therefore an object on which the invention is based to provide a computer-aided method and a system in order to enable a simpler, faster, safer and error-free installation of electrical components and thereby at least partially overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art overcome.

Description of the invention

The above task is solved by a method, system, computer program and a device for data processing according to the independent patent claims. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description and the drawings.

The subject matter of the invention is in particular a method for computer-aided testing and documentation of an installation action by a user for installing, preferably spatially decentrally arranged, preferably electrical, components of a machine, in particular a system, wherein a complete establishment of an electrical and/or mechanical connection of an installation element, in particular a cable and/or a connector, with one of the components, in particular a module and/or device and/or further installation element, is tested and documented.

The machine can be designed as at least one of the following machines:

An automation system,

A production facility,

A logistics facility,

A production line,

A machining center,

An industrial robot,

A manufacturing facility,

An aggregate,

An electrical appliance. In particular, the machine can be designed as a machine with a modular character or as a mobile or movable machine in which individual parts of the machine are installed modularly according to an installation specification. This installation is carried out at least partially manually by a user such as a worker.

The components can be modules and in particular connection modules, which enable a decentralized and modular connection of installation elements. Decentralized can refer to the fact that the modules or connection modules at least partially replace a central control cabinet in that the modules or connection modules only provide a part of the connections for the machine, but enable these connections in a decentralized manner in the field. In the case of a central topology, for example a centralized control cabinet concept, we speak in particular of a point-to-point connection, i.e. the starting point, the connection and the end point are clearly defined. In contrast, with decentralized applications it is possible, or may even often be necessary, to arrange or connect several components between the starting point and the end point. In this case, e.g. B. we can speak of a module-module or module-hub-point connection.

In principle, the following components can also be provided for a machine, for example: devices such as actuators and/or sensors, connection modules and installation elements, e.g. for cabling. Preferably, the complete establishment of the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the installation element with the component in the form of a module such as a connection module, but also in the form of another installation element such as a connector, can thus be tested, validated and documented. The connection can, for example, be a connection of the installation element in the form of a connector with the other installation element in the form of a connector or T-piece or the like. The components and/or the installation elements can be designed as electrical, decentralized components, since decentralized interconnection is provided by means of the connection modules.

The method according to the invention can comprise the following steps, which are preferably carried out one after the other or in any order, whereby the steps can also be carried out automatically and/or repeatedly:

Receiving at least one measured value from a testing device, in particular a torque wrench and/or a piezoelectric sensor, wherein the at least one measured value results from a detection of a measured variable which is specific to the installation action, in particular for a proper one Screw connection and/or power connection and/or data connection and/or signal connection and/or hybrid connection and/or contacting between the installation element and the component,

Validating the installation action of the user with regard to the complete establishment of the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the installation element, in particular a proper screw connection and/or power connection and/or data connection and/or signal connection and/or hybrid connection and/or contacting, based on a comparison of the at least one received measured value with at least one measured value specification, preferably in order to determine whether conformity of the at least one received measured value with the at least one measured value specification is ensured; and documenting the validated installation action based on the validation by marking the connection in an installation specification, in particular in a circuit diagram and/or electrical connection plan.

The method therefore enables faster and error-free installation and can provide significant support to a user when installing a machine and improve the quality of the process. It also enables easier and more efficient testing of the installation process with regard to the applicable or necessary requirements for the materials used or the connection, for example with regard to specifications from standards or norms. This also has the advantage that possible safety risks during the installation process carried out when installing machines are significantly reduced. Furthermore, the requirements for the specialist expertise previously required for the inspection are significantly reduced. The specified measurement variable can be a reference value or limit value, which is compared with the transmitted measurement variable as the current measurement value. The establishment of the connection can, for example, be considered correct and/or complete if the transmitted measurement variable meets a predefined condition such as exceeding the reference value or limit value.

In addition, this enables the user to be directly informed about the installation process through the stored information of the installation specification, for example an electrical connection plan as installation documentation, that the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the installation element is completely established. Furthermore, documenting the installation action and/or the information of the installation element and/or the component advantageously enables the documented and/or stored information to be constantly and permanently available to the user even after the installation action has been carried out. This also has the further advantage that an installation element can be automatically recognized and documented after a successful installation.

Furthermore, in this way a system for the installation, in particular for cabling the installation element with the component, can be provided for guided qualitative support of the user, in which a data processing device can carry out the method steps automatically. The data processing device, in particular a data processing device according to the invention, can advantageously communicate with individual components and thus enable the installation information to be output. For this purpose, the data processing device can have at least one interface for communication.

A user can, for example, be an installer and/or system mechanic and/or electrician and/or worker and/or planner and/or mechanical designer or developer and/or electrical designer or developer and/or PLC programmer and/or commissioning engineer and/or Be a maintenance worker and/or machine operator. It is possible for the user to use the method according to the invention by making the method available to the user via a computer. For this purpose, a computer program can be at least partially executed by the computer and/or another computer in order to carry out the method steps according to the invention.

In the context of the invention, a hybrid connection is understood to be a connection that is established using a hybrid cable. The hybrid connection enables electrical current such as a supply voltage to be transmitted together with other signals. These cables can be shielded or unshielded.

It may also be possible for the validating step to include the following steps:

- evaluating the comparison of the at least one received measured value with the at least one measured value specification; and

Defining a result of validation based on the evaluation of the comparison, the result being the complete establishment or an incomplete establishment of the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the Installation element and/or incorrect and/or non-specific execution of the installation action is indicated and/or quantified, whereby when documenting the validated installation action, the marking for the connection in the installation specification is made based on the result of the validation.

This has the advantage that compliance with the measurement specifications of the installation procedure is ensured by evaluating the measurement value in relation to the applicable or required requirements. In addition, the corresponding labeling enables the user to be informed directly about the quality of the installation procedure for establishing the connection in the installation specification.

In a further possibility, it can be provided that when documenting the validated installation act, the identification is defined depending on a result of the validation, and preferably the presence and/or extent of the establishment of the electrical and/or mechanical connection and/or a faulty one and/or the implementation of the installation procedure deviates from a specification.

This makes it possible to ensure more flexible, more comprehensive and improved information regarding the validated installation procedure. Furthermore, this has the advantage of enabling simpler and more efficient support of the user's installation with regard to documentation.

Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that documenting the validated installation action includes the following steps, which are preferably only carried out if the result of the validation is the complete establishment of the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the installation element and/or proper implementation of the Installation action indexed:

Identifying, in the installation specification, a connection point through which the electrical and/or mechanical connection was established by the installation action;

Depositing the identification as an identification of the identified and properly connected connection point in the installation specification, preferably based on an installation parameter recorded by the user, in particular an occasion or reason for the identification, wherein information on the occasion or reason for the identification is preferably also stored.

Advantageously, validation can be carried out on the basis of the installation action. The validation thus enables the assessment of whether the user Installation action has been carried out correctly. The result of the validation can be used to store the marking in the installation specification. The installation specification can thus be used at a later point in time to check whether specified reference or limit values in the installation specification have been followed. The user can be given the option of entering a corresponding installation parameter, in particular a reason for the marking, for example via the user interface and/or an input device such as voice input and/or a keyboard and/or a mouse and/or a touchscreen.

According to a further possibility, it can be provided that the documentation of the validated installation act includes the following steps, which are carried out if a result of the validation indicates incomplete production and/or incorrect and/or implementation of the installation act that deviates from a specification:

Identifying, in the installation specification, a connection point through which the connection was established by the installation action;

Depositing the identification of the connection point as requiring control in the installation specification, preferably based on an installation parameter recorded by the user, in particular a complaint, an occasion or reason for the identification, whereby information on the occasion or reason for the identification is preferably also stored.

This has the advantage that the result of the validation as incomplete production and/or incorrect and/or deviating from the specification of the installation action can be used to store the corresponding marking in the installation specification. The installation specification can therefore be used at a later point in time for a check to check whether and/or why the installation action deviated from the specification. If a user deviates from specified reference or limit values during the installation action, this often happens for a relevant reason or occasion. The user can therefore be provided with the option of entering a corresponding installation parameter, for example via the user interface and/or an input device such as voice input and/or a keyboard and/or a mouse and/or a touchscreen.

It is also conceivable that a further comparison takes place between the at least one received measured value and at least two further measured value specifications, preferably a tightening torque and/or pressure, as an additional test condition determine whether conformity of the at least one received measured value with a specification is guaranteed taking into account the additional test condition, wherein the identification for the connection in the installation specification is preferably carried out based on the further comparison. This enables a much more flexible and precise evaluation of the installation process based on two measured value specifications. This enables a better assessment of whether the received measured value is within or outside the range of the two measured value specifications and is stored as an identifier in the installation specification.

Furthermore, it is conceivable within the scope of the invention that the documentation of the validated installation act includes at least a deposit of information at the time of the proper installation act with regard to the establishment of the connection, in particular a plug-in connection, with a connection point, to an identifier of the installation element, in particular an equipment identification, and / or to an identifier of the user. This has the advantage that the allocation of installation actions when installing a machine is significantly improved by the comprehensive documentation in the installation specification. Furthermore, this enables better and faster analysis and/or evaluation of installation processes based on the documented installation actions.

In addition, it can be advantageous within the scope of the invention that the testing means is a torque wrench, preferably an electronic torque wrench, in order to provide the measurement value, preferably a tightening torque, by the installation act, in particular screwing.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the test device is a piezoelectric sensor, wherein the piezoelectric sensor is arranged integrated as part of a plug connection in order to provide the detection of the measured value, preferably a pressure, by the installation action, in particular screwing.

A further advantage within the scope of the invention can be achieved if the validation and/or documentation of the validated installation action is initiated by receiving the at least one measured value and/or by the test device. This enables a secure and automatic initialization of the validation of the installation action.

Furthermore, it is optionally provided that the validation and/or documentation of the validated installation action is initiated by a user action, preferably by an input in a mobile data processing device such as a mobile computer. This enables a secure and controlled initialization of the validation of the installation action. According to an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the test device is a tool with which the installation action is carried out by the user in order to establish the mechanical and/or electrical connection or wherein the test device is an additional tool which is used in addition to the installation action to test the installation action. It is thus conceivable that a tool is used for the installation action, e.g. for assembly, and the additional tool is not used for the installation action but for testing as a test device. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the same tool is used for the installation action but also as a test device. This enables the test device to ensure simple and quick recording of the measured value.

It may also be possible for the steps for several installation procedures to be carried out repeatedly in order to successively document the entire installation of the machine. This has the advantage that effective and error-free overall documentation for all required installation procedures can be provided much more quickly.

Optionally, the machine can be designed as an electrical engineering machine, preferably a system, preferably an automation system, particularly preferably an industrial automation system. The computer-aided implementation of the testing and documentation can in particular refer to the fact that during the installation of the (real) machine, a computer program, in particular according to the invention, and/or a device, in particular according to the invention, automatically support the testing and documentation of this installation. Documenting can e.g. B. can be done by storing documentation in a non-volatile manner or even at least partially physically outputting it, e.g. B. in paper form.

Optionally, the machine, in particular in the form of an automation system, can be intended and/or operated to automatically control and/or monitor processes, preferably in industrial applications and/or in a production or manufacturing line, and/or

To read out sensors and/or to control actuators such as motors, preferably by means of a fieldbus and/or by means of connection modules, and/or to control and/or monitor production processes, to regulate devices and/or in a production or production line. The invention also relates to a device for data processing, comprising means for carrying out the steps of the method according to the invention. The device according to the invention therefore brings with it the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention. The device can be part of at least or exactly one of the at least one machine.

The invention also relates to a computer program, in particular a computer program product, comprising commands which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause it to carry out the method according to the invention. The computer program according to the invention thus brings with it the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

A data processing device, for example the device according to the invention, which executes the computer program can be provided as the computer. The computer can have at least one processor for executing the computer program. A non-volatile data memory can also be provided in which the computer program is stored and from which the computer program can be read out by the processor for execution.

It is also conceivable that the computer comprises at least one integrated circuit such as a microprocessor or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or an application-specific standard product (ASSP) or a digital signal processor (DSP) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or the like. The computer can also have at least one interface for data exchange, e.g. B. have an Ethernet interface or an interface for LAN (Local Area Network) or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) or System-on-a-Chip (SoC) or another radio interface such as Bluetooth or near field communication (NFC). Furthermore, the computer can be used as one or more control devices, i.e. H. also be designed as a system of control devices. The computer can, for example, also be provided in a cloud and/or as a server in order to provide data processing for a local application via the interface. It is also possible for the computer to be designed as a mobile device, such as a smartphone.

The invention may also include a computer-readable storage medium which includes the computer program according to the invention. The storage medium is designed, for example, as a data storage such as a hard drive and/or a non-volatile memory and/or a memory card. The storage medium can e.g. B. be integrated into the computer. In addition, the method according to the invention can also be implemented as a computer-implemented method.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

Short description of the drawings

For a better understanding of the disclosure, reference is made to the following drawings:

Fig. 1: A central connection in a machine using a control cabinet.

Fig. 2: A decentralized interconnection according to embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 3 A schematic representation of parts of a system according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 4 A schematic representation of details of a method according to embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 5 A schematic representation of steps of a method according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Description of the embodiments

Planning, installing and setting up machines and electronic automation technology is a complex task. This applies to centralized control cabinet systems as well as to decentralized systems in which control modules are attached directly to the systems. The corresponding processes are carried out by different people, such as system planners, electrical planners, installers, system programmers, etc. A special feature of decentralized systems is the distribution of the modules at different points on a machine compared to centralized control cabinet systems. Especially with larger machines, simultaneous installation, i.e. installation carried out by several users at the same time, can be advantageous for time and logistical reasons. In order to enable a smooth installation process, the work status should be automatic, user-specific. and documented digitally in real time. For various reasons (such as maintenance planning, system diagnostics) it is important to have complete documentation of all relevant information throughout the entire system life cycle.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a central interconnection using a control cabinet 9 in order to compare this with a decentralized interconnection using spatially decentralized electrical components 4 of a machine 1 in Fig. 2. Instead of connecting all devices 5 such as sensors and actuators directly to the control cabinet 9 as shown in Fig. 1, several components 4, in particular connection modules, can be used in the decentralized interconnection in Fig. 2. Like the control cabinet 9, these enable the devices 5 to be coupled to a control device 8 such as a PLC. However, the connection modules 4 can be provided in a decentralized manner and distributed close to the devices 5. The connection modules 4 thus only partially interconnect the devices 5, with the connection modules 4 together or, for example, one and/or several connection modules 4 via one and/or several hubs 6 each carrying out the entire interconnection. In order to enable the configuration and/or control of the connection modules 4 centrally, a master module 3 can be connected upstream of several of the individual connection modules 4. It is also possible for the interconnection to be further subdivided by means of at least one hub 6.

In Fig. 3, parts of a system 2 according to embodiments of the invention are shown, which can be provided for a computer-aided installation of spatially decentrally arranged electrical components 4 of a machine 1. The system 2 can comprise a detection device 22, in particular a scanner 22 or a camera 22, for providing an identifier 11 of an installation element 10, preferably a cable 11 or a component 11. Furthermore, the system 2 can have at least one electrical component 4, preferably in the form of a connection module 4 for connection to the installation element 10 and other installation elements 10. A device 30 for data processing can also be part of the system 2, wherein this data processing device 30 can comprise means for carrying out the steps of a method 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The identifier

11 can be encoded in a machine-readable code 12 associated with the installation element 10, in particular arranged on it, wherein the machine-readable code

12 is designed to be machine-readable by means of the detection device 22. This makes it possible for a user to scan the code 12 by means of the detection device 22 and thus transmit the identifier 11 to the data processing device 30. Furthermore, the components 4 and at least one computer 30, 31 and/or a control device 8 can each be connected to one another via a bus system 21 for bidirectional communication, wherein the bidirectional communication can be provided on the basis of a communication protocol for a field bus system, in particular on the basis of a ProfiNet, Ethernet/IP or 802.3 standard, and/or the bidirectional communication can be provided wired via a bus system 21 or wirelessly using Bluetooth or WLAN, on the basis of a standard according to IEEE 802.11 or on the basis of a mobile radio telecommunications standard. In order to enable operation of the component 4, the component 4 can also be connected to a power supply 13.

Furthermore, a computer program 20 is shown, which comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer 30, cause the computer 30 to carry out the steps of the method 100 according to embodiments of the invention.

4 and 5 visualize method steps of the method 100, in which a complete establishment of an electrical and/or mechanical connection of an installation element, in particular a cable and/or a connector, with one of the electrical components, in particular a module and/or device, is checked and documented. According to a first method step 101 shown in Fig. 5, receiving at least one measured value from a test device, in particular a torque wrench and/or a piezoelectric sensor, can be provided. The at least one measured value results from a detection of a measured variable which is specific to the installation action, in particular for a proper screw connection and/or power connection and/or data connection and/or signal connection and/or hybrid connection and/or contact between the installation element and the electrical component. Subsequently, according to a second method step 102, the user's installation action can be validated with regard to the complete establishment of the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the installation element, in particular a proper screw connection and/or power connection and/or data connection and/or signal connection and/or hybrid connection and/or contacting, based on a comparison of the at least one received measured value with at least one measured value specification. Preferably, this can be used to determine whether conformity of the at least one received measured value with the at least one measured value specification is ensured. Then, according to a third method step 103, the validated installation action can be documented based on the validation This can be done by identifying the connection in an installation specification, in particular in a circuit diagram and/or electrical connection plan.

The installation documentation can, for example, B. at least one of the following information can be documented: work steps of the user with additional information about the work steps such as a processing time, which machine is being worked on, which user, for example which installer or mechanic, carried out the work and when, which component is wired and/or has been wired, the assembly step has been completed, which port/connection point was used, are there open cables and what are the properties of the open cable, e.g. length, environmental parameters, e.g. temperature, humidity, current project status, protection class, e.g. IP67. The user, in particular the worker, can also enter the occasion, reason or complaint in the event of deviations from the validated installation actions. The installation documentation can, for example, be stored in a database. If necessary, a user can trigger the documentation with physical actions (keystroke, screen, double click). Storing the installation documentation allows the user to optionally check already installed installation elements 10 or components 4 using the method 100 according to the invention. It is possible for the installation elements 10 or components 4 to also be tested with regard to suitability and/or changed environmental conditions and/or environmental influences and/or technical requirements and/or the like.

In Fig. 4, a method 100 according to exemplary embodiments of the invention is visualized with further details. Using a computer 31 shown in FIG. 3, such as a tablet or laptop, a user can first carry out a user registration 301. For this purpose, the user can use a graphical user interface 32, which is provided by the computer 31. A project selection 302 can also be made via the user interface 32, through which, for example, an installation specification 200 is loaded for a desired project. This makes it possible to initiate a start 303 for checking whether an electrical and/or mechanical connection of the installation element 10 has been completely established.

To create the connection, especially for screwing, an electronic torque wrench can optionally be used as an external test device. To prepare for the test, a required tightening torque can be set as a reference value or limit value on the torque wrench according to method step 304. This means that what is necessary to achieve standard conformity Tightening torque can be adjusted. A standard can, for example, include requirements regarding compliance with certain protection classes in electrical installations. For example, in order to establish a complete connection, conformity with or compliance with protection class IP 67 can be specified, which includes, among other things, that a determination of a power and/or data transmission and documentation of compliance with or conformity to a previously specified tightening torque is required .

Optionally, a piezoelectric sensor can be integrated and used in a plug connection between the installation element 10 and a device 5 or a module 4, which enables the detection 305 of a pressure that can be generated by a screw connection.

When establishing the connection, the installation element 10, e.g. the cable 10, is connected to a module 4 or device 5 by the user during the installation process. In process step 305, a measured value for a tightening torque or a pressure is recorded by the test equipment used in each case.

When recording the measured value, the test device can optionally generate a signal in method step 306 that informs the user that the reference value previously set in method step 304 has been reached. However, this does not yet mean that a system-side check has been carried out to determine whether the received measured value conforms to the measured value specification. When using a torque wrench, such a signal can optionally be generated as an acoustic signal and/or an electronic signal and/or as a mechanical signal such as a vibration when the previously defined tightening torque is reached. When using a piezoelectric sensor, a specific electrical charge can optionally be generated for signaling when the specified pressure is reached.

Then, also in accordance with method step 306, system 2 receives the measured value sent by the test equipment via an information interface. In method step 307, system 2 compares the received measured value with the measured value specification of the relevant measured variable, which is optionally stored in a data memory 33, in order to determine whether the received measured value conforms to the measured value specification. This means that in comparison 307, system 2 analyzes the comparison data for decision-making with regard to a match between the received measured value for the established connection and the specified measured value specification. In the event of a match, system 2 documents the installation action as a complete connection by means of a marking in the Circuit diagram, e.g. the circuit diagram and/or electrical connection plan. In the event of a deviation or discrepancy between the received measured value and the measured value specification, which can be determined by system 2 to be different from the signaled result of the test equipment, system 2 also documents a marking for the corresponding connection in method step 308 that the connection requires inspection. The documentation can also include a notification to the user, e.g. as an acoustic signal and/or an electronic signal and/or as a mechanical signal, which indicates whether the received measured value and the specified measured value match and/or whether the connection requires inspection. Optionally, the user has the option of leaving a comment or complaint. Likewise, if a connection is manually marked on the user interface by the user, a check by another user, for example the supervisor or plant manager, can preferably be entered and/or requested. A corresponding connection is thus marked as requiring inspection.

Although some aspects have been described in connection with a device, it is clear that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, where an element or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Analogously, aspects that are described in connection with a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or element or feature of a corresponding device.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented on a computer system. The computer system may be a local computing device (e.g., personal computer, laptop, tablet computer, or mobile phone) having one or more processors and one or more storage devices, or a distributed computing system (e.g., a cloud computing system having one or more processors and one or more storage devices distributed at different locations, e.g., at a local client and/or one or more remote server farms and/or data centers). The computer system may include any circuit or combination of circuits. In one embodiment, the computer system may include one or more processors of any type. As used herein, the term "processor" may refer to any type of computing circuit, e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a graphics processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a multi-core processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other type of processor or processing circuit. Other types of circuitry that may be included in the computer system may be a custom circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like, such as one or more circuits (e.g., a communications circuit) for use in wireless devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, two-way radios, and similar electronic systems. The computer system may include one or more storage devices, which may include one or more storage elements suitable for the particular application, such as main memory in the form of random access memory (RAM), one or more hard disks, and/or one or more drives that handle removable storage media such as compact disks (CDs), flash memory cards, digital video disks (DVDs), and the like. The computer system may also include a display device, one or more speakers, and a keyboard and/or a controller, which may include a mouse, a trackball, a touch screen, a voice recognition device, or other device that enables a system user to input information into and receive information from the computer system.

Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as: B. a processor, a microprocessor, a programmable computer or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some or more of the key process steps may be performed by such a device.

Depending on particular implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware or in software. The implementation may be made using a non-transferable storage medium such as a digital storage medium, for example a floppy disk, a DVD, a Blu-Ray, a CD, a ROM, a PROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM or a FLASH memory, on which electronically readable control signals are stored that interact (or can interact) with a programmable computer system so that the respective method is carried out. Therefore, the digital storage medium may be computer readable.

Some embodiments of the invention include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals capable of interoperating with a programmable computer system to perform one of the methods described herein. In general, embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a computer program product with program code, the program code being used to perform one of the methods when the computer program product is running on a computer. The program code can, for example, be stored on a machine-readable medium.

Other embodiments include the computer program for performing one of the methods described herein stored on a machine-readable medium.

In other words, one embodiment of the present invention is therefore a computer program having program code for performing one of the methods described herein when the computer program runs on a computer.

A further embodiment of the present invention is therefore a storage medium (or a data carrier or a computer-readable medium) on which the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein is stored when executed by a processor. The data carrier, digital storage medium or recorded medium is typically tangible and/or non-transferable. Another embodiment of the present invention is a device as described herein, including a processor and the storage medium.

A further embodiment of the invention is therefore a data stream or a sequence of signals that represent the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein. The data stream or the signal sequence can, for example, be designed so that it can be transmitted via a data communication connection, for example via the Internet.

Another embodiment includes a processing agent, e.g. B. a computer or programmable logic device configured or adapted to perform any of the methods described herein.

Another embodiment includes a computer on which the computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein is installed.

A further embodiment of the invention comprises a device or a system configured to transmit a computer program for carrying out one of the methods described herein to a recipient (e.g., electronically or optically). The recipient may, for example, be a computer, a mobile device, a storage device or the like. The device or system may, for example, comprise a file server for transmitting the computer program to the recipient. In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field programmable gate array) may be used to perform some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, a field programmable gate array may cooperate with a microprocessor to perform any of the methods described herein. In general, the methods are preferably performed by any hardware device.

List of reference symbols

1 machine, plant

2 Systems

3 master module

4 module, switch, component, connection module

5 device, sensor, actuator

6 stroke

8 control device, PLC

9 control cabinet

10 Installation element

11 identifier

12 means of identification, machine-readable code

13 Energy supply

20 Computer program

21 Bus system

22 detection device

30 device

31 computers

32 User Interface

33 Data storage

41 Display element

42 connection point, slot

100 procedures

101 first procedural step

102 second procedural step

103 third procedural step

200 Installation specification User login Project selection Start Setting Reference value (tightening torque, pressure) Acquisition of measured value Receiving measured value Comparison of measured value with specification Documenting

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A method (100) for computer-aided testing and documentation of a user's installation action for installing spatially decentralized electrical components (4) of a machine (1), in particular a system (1), whereby a complete production of an electrical and /or mechanical connection of an installation element (10), in particular a cable and/or a plug connector, with one of the electrical components (4), in particular a module (4) and/or device (5) and/or further installation element (10), is checked and documented, the method (100) comprising the following steps: Receiving (101) at least one measured value from a test device, in particular a torque wrench and/or a piezoelectric sensor, wherein the at least one measured value results from a detection of a measured variable which is specific to the installation action, in particular for a proper screw connection and/or power connection and/or data connection and/or signal connection and/or hybrid connection and/or contact between the installation element (10) and the electrical component (4), Validating (102) the user's installation action with regard to the complete establishment of the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the installation element (10), in particular a proper screw connection and/or power connection and/or data connection and/or signal connection and/or hybrid connection and/or contacting, based on a comparison of the at least one received measured value with at least one measured value specification, preferably in order to determine whether conformity of the at least one received measured value with the at least one measured value specification is guaranteed; and Documenting (103) the validated installation action based on the validation by marking the connection in an installation specification (200), in particular in a circuit diagram. 2. The method (100) of claim 1, wherein the step of validating (102) comprises the following steps: Evaluating the comparison of the at least one received measured value with the at least one measured value specification; and Defining a result of the validation (102) based on the evaluation of the comparison, wherein the result indicates and/or quantifies the complete establishment or an incomplete establishment of the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the installation element (10) and/or an incorrect and/or deviating from a specification execution of the installation action; wherein, during the documentation (103) of the validated installation action, the marking for the connection in the installation specification (200) is made based on the result of the validation (102). 3. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the documentation (103) of the validated installation action, the marking is defined depending on a result of the validation (102), and preferably indicates a presence and/or an extent of the establishment of the electrical and/or mechanical connection and/or an incorrect and/or deviating from a specification implementation of the installation action. 4. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the documentation (103) of the validated installation action comprises the following steps, which are preferably only carried out if the result of the validation (102) indicates the complete establishment of the electrical and/or mechanical connection of the installation element (10) and/or a proper execution of the installation action: Identifying a connection point (42) through which the electrical and/or mechanical connection was established by the installation action in the installation specification (200); Storing the marking as a marking of the identified and properly connected connection point (42) in the installation specification (200), preferably based on an installation parameter recorded by the user, in particular a reason or cause for the marking, wherein preferably an indication of the reason or cause for the marking is also stored. 5. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein documenting (103) the validated installation action comprises the following steps, which are carried out if a result of the validation is an incomplete production and / or faulty and / or deviating from a specification Carrying out the installation procedure indicated: identifying in the installation specification (200) a connection point (42) through which the connection was established by the installation action; Depositing the identification of the connection point (42) as requiring control in the installation specification (200), preferably based on an installation parameter recorded by the user, in particular a complaint, an occasion or reason for the identification, wherein information on the occasion or reason for the identification is preferably also stored . 6. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a further comparison between the at least one received measured value and at least two further measured value specifications, preferably a tightening torque and/or pressure, takes place as an additional test condition in order to determine whether conformity of the at least one received measured value with a specification is ensured taking into account the additional test condition, wherein preferably the identification for the connection in the installation specification (200) is made based on the further comparison. 7. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the documentation (103) of the validated installation action comprises at least one deposit of an indication at the time of the proper installation action with regard to the establishment of the connection, in particular plug connection, with a connection point (42), to an identifier (11) of the installation element (10), in particular an equipment identification, and/or to an identifier of the user. 8. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the testing means is a torque wrench, preferably an electronic torque wrench, to provide the detection of the measured value, preferably a tightening torque, by the installation action, in particular screwing. 9. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the testing means is a piezoelectric sensor, the piezoelectric sensor being integrated as part of a plug connection in order to detect the measured value, preferably a pressure, through the installation act, in particular screwing, to provide. 10. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the validation (102) and/or the documentation (103) of the validated installation action is initiated by the reception (101) of the at least one measured value and/or by the test means. 11. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the validation (102) and/or the documentation (103) of the validated installation action is initiated by a user action, preferably by an input in a mobile data processing device. 12. The method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the testing means is a tool with which the installation action is carried out by the user to establish the mechanical and/or electrical connection, or wherein the testing means is an additional tool which is used in addition to the installation action to test the installation action. 13. The method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the steps are carried out repeatedly for several installation actions in order to successively document the entire installation of the machine (1). 14. A computer program (20) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (20) is executed by a computer (31), cause the computer (31) to carry out the method (100) according to one of the preceding claims. 15. A device (30) for data processing which is configured to carry out the method (100) according to one of claims 1 to 13.