PROCESS FOR SENSORLESS DETECTION OF STROKE EXECUTION IN A MAGNETIC PUMP

Abstract

A process for operating a pump, the pump having a conveying chamber for conveying a fluid, the pump having a displacement element, the displacement element delimiting the conveying chamber at least in sections, so that a change in the position or location of the displacement element causes a change in the volume of the conveying chamber, the pump having a drive, the drive having a coil through which an electric current is conductible, the coil having an ohmic resistance value RDC and an inductance Lcoil, the drive includes a pressure element and a coupling device, the pressure element and the coil being configured and arranged such that a magnetic field, generated by an electric current flowing in the coil causes a stroke movement of the pressure element along a longitudinal axis from an initial position P1 to an end position P2.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for operating a pump, the pump having a conveying chamber for conveying a fluid, the pump having a displacement element, the displacement element delimiting the conveying chamber at least in sections, so that a change in the position or location of the displacement element causes a change in the volume of the conveying chamber, the pump having a drive, the drive having a coil through which an electric current is conductible, the coil having an ohmic resistance value R_DC and an inductance L_coil, the drive comprising a pressure element and a coupling device, the pressure element and the coil being configured and arranged such that a magnetic field, generated by an electric current flowing in the coil causes a stroke movement of the pressure element along a longitudinal axis from a starting position P1 to an end position P2, wherein the coupling device couples the pressure element to the displacement element such that a caused stroke movement of the pressure element causes a change of the position or the position of the displacement element, wherein the displacement element, the coupling device and the pressure element are configured and arranged such that the conveying chamber comprises a first volume when the pressure element is in the initial position P1 and the conveying chamber comprises a second volume when the pressure element is in the final position P2, the first volume being larger than the second volume.

Such pumps are also called magnetic pumps because the stroke movement of the pressure element is driven by magnetic forces generated in the coil.

When operating a magnetic pump, it is important to know the position of the pressure element and to be able to control this position. This ensures that the pressure element only moves within a stroke distance interval that is low in wear for the pump.

With diaphragm pumps, especially diaphragm dosing pumps, the monitoring and control of the stroke interval is particularly relevant. Since the pressure in the conveying chamber, which is also referred to as the dosing chamber in a dosing pump, can vary greatly, the force acting on the surface of the diaphragm located in the pressure chamber consequently also varies and is opposite to the force transmitted to the diaphragm by the pressure element during a stroke movement. A pressure variation in the dosing chamber can therefore cause the diaphragm to be deflected more than intended, namely if the force transmitted to the diaphragm by the pressure element is kept constant while the force acting on the diaphragm in the dosing chamber is particularly low.

Against this background, it is desirable to monitor and control the stroke movement of the pressure element in such a way that the force transmitted to the diaphragm via the pressure element is adjusted in order to prevent an excessive force imbalance from occurring, which can lead to an unintended excessive deflection of the diaphragm.

Such monitoring and control can be made possible by the use of displacement sensors. These measure the position of the pressure element, enabling control of the movement of the pressure element in relation to the targeted stroke movement, i.e. the targeted stroke interval. However, the use of displacement sensors always requires additional electronic components. This increases the production costs of the pump as well as its susceptibility to errors. Also, additional consumption of electronic components is less sustainable for the environment.

Against this background, it is therefore a task of the present invention to provide a method as well as a pump which enable a cost-effective, safe and resource-saving monitoring and control of the stroke movement of a pressure element of a magnetically driven pump.

This task is solved by a method for operating a pump and by a pump as described in the claims.

In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in detail. The advantages of the embodiments are described in particular with reference to the diaphragm dosing pumps mentioned at the beginning. However, the advantages can also be transferred to other types of pumps with magnetic drive.

According to one embodiment of the method of operating a pump according to the invention, the pump has a conveying chamber for conveying a fluid, for example a dosing chamber, the pump having a displacement element, for example a diaphragm, the displacement element delimiting the conveying chamber at least in sections, so that a change in the position or position of the displacement element causes a change in the volume of the conveying chamber, the pump having a drive, the drive comprising a coil through which an electric current is conductible, the coil having an ohmic resistance value R_DC and an inductance L_coil, the drive comprising a pressure element and a coupling device, the pressure element and the coil being configured and arranged in such a manner that a magnetic field generated by an electric current flowing in the coil causes a stroke movement of the pressure element along a longitudinal axis from an initial position P1 to an end position P2, wherein the coupling device couples the pressure element to the displacement element such that an effected stroke movement of the pressure element causes a change in the position or the location of the displacement element, wherein the displacement element, the coupling device and the pressure element are configured and arranged such that the conveying chamber comprises a first volume when the pressure element is in the initial position P1 and the conveying chamber comprises a second volume when the pressure element is in the final position P2, the first volume being larger than the second volume. Thereby, the method comprises a first cycle, wherein the first cycle according to a first alternative comprises the following steps:

• • A) Establishing a desired current value I_SOLL for the current flowing in the coil,
  • B) applying a voltage U_IN to the coil,
  • C) determining a current value I_IST of the current flowing in the coil,
  • D) comparing the measured current value I_IST with the desired current value I_SOLL, wherein, following step D), a case discrimination is performed with the following steps:
  • E) Maintaining the applied voltage U_IN and repeating steps C) and D) if the comparison made in step D) shows that I_IST is less than I_SOLL,
  • F) regulating the voltage UN applied to the coil so that the current value I_IST of the current flowing in the coil does not substantially increase further if the comparison made in step
  • D) shows that I_IST is greater than or equal to I_SOLL.

The desired current value I_SOLL may be initially set based on experience sets so that I_SOLL is equal to an experience value I_SOLL^experience. The value I_SOLL^experience can, for example, be set in such a way that when it is reached, the start of the stroke movement of the pressure element can always be expected with a high degree of probability. However, the desired current value I_SOLL can also have been determined on the basis of data through process steps that were carried out during an earlier operation or in cycles that took place before the first cycle.

According to a second alternative, the first cycle comprises the following steps:

• • A) Establishing a target time t_SOLL,
  • B) applying a voltage U_IN to the coil,
  • C) determining the time t_IST that has elapsed since the application of the voltage U_IN,
  • D) comparing the measured time t_IST with the target time t_SOLL,
    • wherein, following step D), a case discrimination is performed with the following steps:
  • E) Maintaining the applied voltage UN and repeating steps C) and D) if the comparison made in step D) shows that t_IST is less than t_SOLL,
  • F) regulating the voltage U_IN applied to the coil so that the current value IIST of the current flowing in the coil does not substantially increase further if the comparison made in step
  • D) shows that t_IST is greater than or equal to t_SOLL.

The target time may be initially set based on experience sets so that t_SOLL is equal to an experience value t_SOLL^experience. The value t_SOLL^experience can, for example, be set in such a way that—if a correspondingly strong voltage is applied—when it is reached, the start of the stroke movement of the pressure element can always be expected with an overwhelming probability. However, the target time t_SOLL can also be determined on the basis of data from process steps that were carried out during an earlier operation or in cycles that took place before the first cycle.

The control in step F) ensures that the current does not increase further after the desired current value or target time has been reached and thus the magnetic force acting on the pressure element is not increased further. This makes it possible to limit the force transmitted from the pressure element to the diaphragm, for example to prevent overstretching of the diaphragm, but also to operate the pump as efficiently and energy-savingly as possible.

As soon as the voltage U_IN is applied to the coil in step B), there is a substantially linear increase in the current value of the current flowing in the coil due to self-induction within the coil. The desired current value is preferably set such that it is reached during the phase of the linear increase caused by the self-induction. The target time is also preferably set accordingly in the second alternative.

According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the pump comprises a current measuring resistor with ohmic resistance value R_S connected in series with the coil, the first cycle being configured according to the first alternative or according to the second alternative, the first cycle of the method comprising the following further steps:

• • G) Determining the current value I_IST of the current flowing in the coil as a function of time t,
  • H) determining a voltage U_S dropping across the current measuring resistor as a function of time t,
  • I) determining a voltage U_C dropping across the coil as a function of time t,
  • J) calculating the differential inductance LD as a function of time t on the basis of the current value I_IST(t) determined in step G), the voltage U_S(t) determined in step H) and the voltage U_C(t) determined in step I), preferably according to the following formula:

$L_D\left(t\right)=\frac{{\int }_0^t\left(U_C-\frac{U_S}{R_S}·R_{DC}\right)dt}{di},$

where dt is an infinitesimal time interval and where di represents an infinitesimal current value step which is preferably calculated for a time to as follows:

di(t₀)=I_IST(t₀+dt)−I_IST(t₀).

The calculation of the differential inductance LD makes it possible to determine the point in time at which the stroke movement of the pressure element is used without a sensor. This is because the differential inductance exhibits a prominent peak at this point in time, which is easily visible and detectable in a time series representation of the differential inductance.

In other words, the differential inductance rises sharply shortly before the onset of the stroke movement and falls sharply shortly after the onset of the stroke movement. At the time of the onset of the stroke movement, the differential inductance has its maximum value.

The above formulae for calculating the differential inductance and the infinitesimal current value step are analytical formulae. According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, these analytical formulae are solved numerically by means of a computer-implemented method.

According to one embodiment, according to a further first alternative, a new desired current value I_SOLL,neu is determined for a second cycle of the method following the first cycle as a function of the differential inductance determined in step J), or according to a further second alternative, a new target time is determined for a second cycle of the method following the first cycle as a function of the differential inductance determined in step J). In this way, the desired current value or the target time can be determined on the basis of data, which ultimately enables detection of the stroke movement of the pressure element without a sensor system.

According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises the following further steps:

• • K) Determining a limit value L_D^LIMIT for the differential inductance,
  • L) comparing the differential inductance LID calculated in step J) with the limit value L_D^LIMIT,
  • M) if the comparison made in step L) shows that the differential inductance LD exceeded the limit value L_D^LIMIT for the first time during the first cycle at a time t^LIMIT that has elapsed since the voltage UN was applied:
    • setting a new desired current value I_SOLL,neu for a second cycle of the method following the first cycle, the new desired current value I_SOLL,neu being set as a function of the current value I_IST(t^LIMIT), which has been measured at time t^LIMIT during the first cycle, wherein the new desired current value I_SOLL,neu preferably corresponds to the current value I_IST(t^LIMIT) measured at time t^LIMIT during the first cycle; or determining a new target time t_SOLL,neu for a second cycle of the method following the first cycle, wherein the new target time t_SOLL,neu is determined in dependence on time value t^LIMIT, wherein the new target time t_SOLL,neu preferably corresponds to the time t^LIMIT.

This represents a first possibility of how the time of the start of the stroke movement and/or an updated value for the desired current value can be determined from the determined values for the differential inductance. In a few preliminary tests, it can be determined which value the differential inductance assumes in any case when the stroke movement begins and at which it can nevertheless be ruled out that no false detection of a stroke movement occurs. However, this value can also be determined dynamically during operation. For example, the limit value L_D^LIMIT can be dynamically set to a value that deviates from the previous time average value of the differential inductance by a multiple of the previous standard deviation, for example by at least three times the previous standard deviation.

According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method comprises the following further steps:

• • N) determining whether the time variation of the differential inductance during the first cycle has a global peak at a time t^PEAK,
    • wherein the global peak is preferably determined such that its maximum value is at least a factor of two greater than each of the chronologically earlier occurring values of the time variation of the differential inductance,
  • O) if step N) results in the differential inductance having a global peak at time t^PEAK establishing a new desired current value I_SOLL,neu for a second cycle of the method following the first cycle, the new desired current value I_SOLL,neu being established as a function of the current value I_IST(t^PEAK), which was measured in the first cycle at time t^PEAK, the new desired current value I_SOLL,neu preferably corresponding to the current value I_IST(t^PEAK); or determining a new target time t_SOLL,neu for a second cycle of the method following the first cycle, the new target time t_SOLL,neu being determined as a function of time value t^PEAK,
    • wherein the new target time t_SOLL,neu preferably corresponds to the time t^PEAK.

This represents a second way in which the time of the start of the stroke movement and from this an updated value for the desired current value and/or the target time can be determined from the determined values for the differential inductance.

The new desired current value can also be determined, for example, in such a way that the new desired current value is formed from the product of a factor >0, preferably >1, and the value I_IST(t^LIMIT) or I_IST(t^PEAK) or from the sum of a predefined summand, which can be greater than or less than zero, but is preferably greater than zero, and the value I_IST(t^LIMIT) or I_IST(t^PEAK). The same can be applied for setting the new target time.

The steps K), L) and M) or the steps N) and O) make it possible to adapt the stroke movement to the actual pressures prevailing in the dosing chamber. A stroke movement is then only driven up to the current value at which the stroke movement started in the previous cycle. This saves energy and ensures low-wear operation.

According to one embodiment of the process according to the invention, in the event that no stroke movement is detected in the second cycle, the desired current value is reset to the initial desired current value I_SOLL of the first cycle in the third cycle following the second cycle, if this value is greater than the desired current value that was used in the second cycle. This prevents a temporary pressure minimum in the dosing chamber and the associated reduction of the desired current value from causing a permanent standstill of the pressure element when the pressure in the dosing chamber rises again. The same can be applied for setting the target time.

During operation of the pump, a large number of cycles are often carried out one after the other, i.e. usually a large number of self-contained stroke movements. Advantageously, a continuous adaptation of the desired current value and/or the target time takes place.

According to one embodiment of the process according to the invention, step N) or step L) is carried out during each cycle or regularly always after a predefined number of cycles, such as, for example, five or ten cycles, the desired current value and/or the target time being adjusted for the subsequent cycle according to step O) or according to step M).

According to one embodiment of the process according to the invention, the process comprises a second cycle directly following the first cycle in terms of time, wherein the second cycle comprises at least steps A) to F), wherein in step A) of the second cycle the new desired current value I_SOLL,neu determined by the first cycle is set as the desired current value for the second cycle and/or the new desired time t_SOLL,neu determined by the first cycle is set as the desired time for the second cycle. This adapts the stroke movement to pressure variations in the dosing chamber without having to use sensors to track the stroke movement.

According to one embodiment of the process according to the invention, in which step L) is carried out, the first cycle of the process comprises the following step:

• • P) If step L) shows that the differential inductance LD has not exceeded the limit value during the complete first cycle:
    • a) issuing a warning signal and/or issuing a warning message stating that no stroke movement of the pressure element has taken place during the first cycle and/or
    • b) maintaining the desired current value I_SOLL of the first cycle for the second cycle immediately following the first cycle in terms of time, if the first cycle is configured according to the first alternative, or setting the desired current value of the second cycle to a stored initial value I_SOLL^experience, so that during the second cycle: I_SOLL=I_SOLL^experience,
    • or maintaining the target time t_SOLL of the first cycle for the second cycle immediately following the first cycle in terms of time, if the first cycle is configured according to the second alternative, or setting the target time of the second cycle to a stored initial value t_SOLL^experience, so that during the second cycle: t_SOLL=t_SOLL^experience.

For the purposes of the present invention, the terms “first cycle” and “second cycle” are to be understood as describing two cycles which follow one another in time during operation of the pump. However, the first cycle does not necessarily have to be the initial first cycle of the pump in operation. Rather, further cycles may have already taken place before the first cycle, during which a new desired current value and/or a new target time has been defined.

An initial desired current value I_SOLL^experience or the initial target time t_SOLL^experience, both of which are based on experience values as described above, can be set for the very first start-up of the pump. Advantageously, e.g. the initial value I_SOLL^experience is stored in the control system of the pump so that the desired current value can be reset to this initial value if no stroke movement takes place during a cycle, for example because the pressure in the dosing chamber has suddenly increased abruptly and the counterpressure required for stroke execution cannot be achieved with the desired current value used at that time and also with the desired current value used in the previous cycle.

According to one embodiment of the process according to the invention, in which step N) is carried out, the first cycle of the process comprises the following step:

• • Q) If step N) reveals that the differential inductance LD does not have a global peak during the complete first cycle:
    • a) issuing a warning signal and/or preferably issuing a warning message stating that no stroke movement of the pressure element has taken place during the first cycle and/or
    • b) maintaining the desired current value I_SOLL of the first cycle for the second cycle immediately following in time the first cycle, if the first cycle is configured according to the first alternative, or setting the desired current value of the second cycle to a stored initial value I_SOLL^experience, so that during the second cycle: I_SOLL=I_SOLL^experience, or maintaining the target time t_SOLL of the first cycle for the second cycle immediately following the first cycle in terms of time, if the first cycle is configured according to the second alternative, or setting the target time of the second cycle to a stored initial value t_SOLL^experience, so that during the second cycle: t_SOLL=t_SOLL^experience.

With the two previously described embodiments, consequences are also determined for the case that no stroke execution is detected during a cycle, i.e. no global peak and/or sudden steep increase in the differential inductance can be determined. The stored initial value I_SOLL^experience for the desired current value can preferably be so large that stroke execution can be guaranteed when using this value as desired current value. Accordingly, the value t_SOLL^experience can also be selected as a function of the applied voltage.

According to one embodiment of the process according to the invention, the process comprises the following steps,

• • R) Determining a time interval T_HOLD,
  • S) regulating the voltage U_IN applied to the coil in step F) in such a way that the current value I_IST is substantially at the value I_SOLL immediately after the desired current value I_SOLL has been reached or exceeded for the duration of the time interval T,
  • T) switching off the voltage U_IN applied to the coil when the time interval T_HOLD ends.

The time interval T_HOLD serves to prevent the force transmitted from the pressure element to the diaphragm from abruptly dropping to zero after the desired current value has been reached—within one cycle. By holding the current value at I_SOLL for the time interval T, a magnetic force continues to be transmitted via the coil to the pressure element, so that it is also ensured that the stroke movement is not only initialised, but also fully executed.

The diaphragm of a diaphragm pump, which can be mounted with the aid of a spring, whereby the spring exerts a restoring force on the diaphragm that opposes the pressure element, can consequently perform a stroke movement that is optimised in terms of the stroke volume to be achieved in relation to the pressures prevailing in the dosing chamber if T and I_SOLL are determined or adapted accordingly.

According to one embodiment of the process according to the invention, the process is a computer-implemented process. Consequently, there is advantageously no need for any manual control. In particular, the process can be implemented on the control unit of a pump or, in the case of server-controlled pumps, on the respective server used for control or on a server connected to the server used for control via a data line and/or a radio link.

The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a pump, the pump having a conveying chamber for conveying a fluid, the pump having a displacement element, the displacement element delimiting the conveying chamber at least in sections, so that a change in the position or the position of the displacement element causes a change in the volume of the conveying chamber, the pump having a drive, the drive having a coil, through which an electric current is conductible, the coil having an ohmic resistance value RDC and an inductance Lcoil, the drive comprising a pressure element and a coupling device, the pressure element and the coil being configured and arranged such that a magnetic field generated by an electric current flowing in the coil can cause a stroke movement of the pressure element along a longitudinal axis from an initial position P1 to an end position P2, wherein the coupling device couples the pressure element to the displacement element such that an effected stroke movement of the pressure element causes a change in the position of the displacement element, wherein the displacement element, the coupling device and the pressure element are configured and arranged such that the conveying chamber comprises a first volume when the pressure element is in the initial position P1 and the conveying chamber comprises a second volume when the pressure element is in the end position P2, the first volume being larger than the second volume, wherein the pump comprises a measuring device and a control device, the measuring device and the control device being arranged such that a process according to the invention is carried out according to one of the embodiments described above when the pump is in operation.

According to one embodiment of the process or pump according to the invention, the pump is a diaphragm pump, wherein the displacement element is a diaphragm, wherein the coupling device is preferably a push rod. Particularly in the case of diaphragm pumps, the use of the process has proven advantageous in practice in order to optimise the stroke movement.

According to one embodiment of the pump according to the invention, the pump comprises a spring element, wherein the spring element is configured and arranged to exert a restoring force on the displacement element directed in the direction of the initial position P1 if the displacement element is deflected from the initial position P1.

Features of a pump which have been described in connection with the process according to the invention are also features of corresponding embodiments of the pump according to the invention.

Further features, advantages and embodiments of the present invention are apparent from the figures described below. They show:

FIG. 1: a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a diaphragm pump with magnetic drive according to the invention,

FIG. 2: an electronic circuit diagram of the magnetic drive of the diaphragm pump shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3: a time-current diagram showing the time variation of the current flowing through the coil of the diaphragm pump shown in FIG. 1 when carrying out one embodiment of the process according to the invention,

FIG. 4: an embodiment of the process according to the invention in the form of a diagram.

In FIG. 1, a magnetically driven diaphragm dosing pump 1 according to one embodiment is shown in a cross-sectional view. This diaphragm dosing pump 1 has a coil 2 which is composed of a plurality of windings of an electrical conductor. Via the electrical connection conductors 10 and 11, the coil is connected to a voltage source 12 via an electric circuit.

If a voltage UN is applied to the coil 2 during operation of the diaphragm dosing pump 1, there is an approximately linear increase in current within the wound electrical conductors of the coil 2 due to self-induction in the coil 2.

FIG. 3 shows a corresponding time-current diagram 200 for the time variation of the current 203 for the time after the voltage is switched on at the voltage source 12. The vertical axis 202 of the diagram indicates the current intensity, the horizontal axis 201 indicates the time t elapsed since the voltage was switched on. The time variation of the current is symbolised by line 203.

The approximately linear increase of the current intensity in the coil—caused by self-induction—described above can be seen very clearly in FIG. 3, namely within the time interval that extends from the point in time when the voltage is applied, i.e. from the beginning of the time axis 201, to time 204. In the embodiment shown here, time 204 corresponds to time t^LIMIT. As the current strength within the coil 2 increases, so does the field strength of the magnetic field, which is generated in the interior of the coil 2 and is approximately homogeneously configured there.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, a magnetic pressure element 13 is arranged in the interior space enclosed by the coil 2 and is mechanically coupled to the diaphragm 4, 4′ of the diaphragm dosing pump 1 via a push rod 3. The coil 2 and the magnetic pressure element 13 are configured in such a way that the magnetic field building up inside the coil 2 causes a force which acts on the magnetic pressure element 13 and is directed towards the dosing chamber 5. This magnetic force is counteracted by a restoring and position-dependent spring force which is transmitted to the pressure element 13 via the spring 8. Acceleration of the pressure element 13 in the direction of the dosing chamber 5 therefore only occurs when the field strength of the magnetic field within the coil 2 has increased to such an extent that, despite the restoring force of the spring 8, a sufficient net force acts on the magnetic pressure element 13 in the direction of the dosing chamber 5.

In practice, a very sudden acceleration of the magnetic pressure element 13 occurs as soon as a sufficiently strong magnetic field has built up within the coil 2. Due to the mechanical coupling of the pressure element 13 with the diaphragm 4, 4′ via the push rod 9, the resulting movement of the pressure element 13 moves the diaphragm 4, 4′ from an initial position P1 (symbolised here by the diaphragm 4 shown solid) to an end position P2 (symbolised here by the dashed diaphragm 4′).

The movement of the diaphragm 4, 4′ from the starting position P1 to the end position P2 is the pre-stroke movement of a stroke cycle. The return stroke movement is a subsequent movement of the diaphragm from the end position P2 to the starting position P1. This is caused by the spring 8 after the voltage abutting the coil has been regulated in such a way that the magnetic force acting on the pressure element no longer compensates for the restoring force of the spring.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the voltage is regulated from point in time 204 in such a way that the current flowing in the coil is approximately constant for a time interval T which extends between times 204 and 205, so that a magnetic field with approximately constant field strength is generated within the coil during this time. This means that the diaphragm does not perform a return stroke immediately after the pre-stroke movement. Rather, the diaphragm 4 is essentially held in the end position P2 for the time interval T. When the voltage is switched off at point in time 205, the magnetic field within the coil and thus the magnetic force acting on the pressure element is also set to zero. Consequently, the return stroke movement begins at point in time 205, since a net force now acts on the pressure element in the direction opposite to that of the pre-stroke movement due to the spring force. When the diaphragm returns to the starting position P1, a stroke cycle of the diaphragm dosing pump is completed.

In FIG. 4, an embodiment of the process described here is shown again as a diagram. First, the pump is put into operation with step 301 and the process for operating a pump is started. Either an initial desired current value in the sense of the first alternative or an initial target time in the sense of the second alternative has already been determined before the process is started or the determination takes place at the same time or following the start of commissioning in step 302. In the following, the description of the process shown in FIG. 4 refers exclusively to the first alternative for a cycle in which the voltage control is coupled to a desired current value. Analogously, however, the voltage control can also be coupled to a target time in the same way.

Now, in step 303, a cycle is carried out as a function of the determined desired current value as described in the preceding paragraphs in connection with FIGS. 1 and 3. In a further step 304, which may be carried out either at least partially simultaneously with the execution of the stroke cycle in 303 or immediately following it in terms of time, the differential inductance is determined. To determine the differential inductance, the physical quantities shown in the electrical circuit diagram of FIG. 2 and known in advance are used, in particular the ohmic resistance R_DC 101 of the coil 2, the inductance 102 of the coil 2 and the current measuring resistor R_S 103. In addition, to determine the differential inductance, the time variation of the coil voltage is measured, which can be tapped between—as shown in FIG. 2—the two conductors running to the coil 2 and a diode 105 connected in parallel. The diode 105 serves as a free-wheeling diode by which voltage peaks are avoided when inductive loads of the solenoid are switched off. The arrow 107 symbolises the direction of flow of the electric current which flows through the electrical conductors of the coil 2 when a voltage is applied to the coil 2. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the voltage source 12 may provide a pulse width modulation (PWM) voltage controlled by the current flow defined in FIG. 3 to cause an alternating movement of the pressure element 13 configured as a magnetic armature.

The determination of the differential inductance now enables the step 305 shown in FIG. 4, in which it is checked whether a stroke movement, also referred to as stroke execution, has taken place at all by checking the determined time variation of the differential inductance to see whether it has a peak characteristic of a stroke execution. This can be done, for example, by checking whether the time variation has a peak whose maximum value is at least twice as large as the mean value of the differential inductance values outside the peak, i.e. for the time before and after the peak. However, other determination methods for determining a peak and thus for determining a stroke execution are also possible and are encompassed by the present disclosure.

If it has been determined in step 305 that no stroke execution has occurred, step 309 first outputs a warning message and sets a new desired current value, so that step 302 is then performed again. This can be, for example, a desired current value based on experience at which stroke execution can be expected with a probability bordering on certainty. Steps 303, 304 and 305 are then carried out again and this cycle is repeated—with desired current values that increase further and further, if necessary, until a stroke execution is detected in step 305.

If it is determined in step 305 that a stroke execution has taken place, the current intensity at the point in time when the stroke movement started is determined. The point in time at which differential inductance reaches the peak maximum also represents the point in time at which the stroke movement starts, or more precisely, the pre-stroke movement. The current value determined in this way is set as the new desired current value in step 307 and implemented as the desired current value for a further cycle following the cycle described in step 308. Then a step 303 starts again and thus the new cycle.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• • 1 Pump, in particular diaphragm dosing pump
  • 2 Coil
  • 3 Push rod
  • 4 Diaphragm or diaphragm system when pressure element in starting position P1
  • 4′ Diaphragm or diaphragm assembly when pressure element in end position P2
  • 5 Conveying chamber, in particular dosing chamber
  • 6 Suction channel
  • 7 Pressure channel
  • 8 Spring element
  • 9 Sealing element, in particular O-ring
  • 10 Electrical connection
  • 11 Electrical connection
  • 12 Voltage source
  • 13 Pressure element
  • 50 Longitudinal axis
  • 100 Circuit diagram of the coil circuit
  • 101 Ohmic resistance of the coil Roc
  • 102 Inductance of the coil
  • 103 Current measuring resistor R_S
  • 104 Measuring range for coil voltage U_C
  • 105 Diode
  • 106 Grounding
  • 107 Direction of electric current
  • 200 Diagram for the time variation of the electric current value I_IST(t)
  • 201 Time axis t
  • 202 Axis for current value I_IST
  • 203 Linear increase until the value I_SOLL is reached
  • 204 Point in time t^LIMIT
  • 205 Point in time t^LIMIT+T
  • 300 Diagram
  • 301 Start of the process
  • 302 Setting the initial desired current value I_SOLL=I_SOLL^experience for the current flowing in the coil
  • 303 Execution of a cycle with steps B), C), D), E), F), G), H) and I)
  • 304 Calculate the differential inductance LD according to step J)
  • 305 Checking whether stroke execution has occurred
  • 306 Determining when stroke execution has occurred
  • 307 Set new desired current value
  • 308 Implement new desired current value for next cycle
  • 309 Issuing a warning message

Claims

1-13. (canceled)

14. A process for operating a pump, wherein the pump has a conveying chamber for conveying a fluid,wherein the pump comprises a displacement element,wherein the displacement element delimits the conveying chamber at least in sections, so that a change in the position or location of the displacement element causes a change in the volume of the conveying chamber,wherein the pump comprises a drive,wherein the drive comprises a coil through which an electric current can be conducted,the coil having an ohmic resistance RDC and an inductance Lcoil,wherein the drive comprises a pressure element and a coupling device,wherein the pressure element and the coil are configured and arranged such that a magnetic field generated by an electric current flowing in the coil causes a stroke movement of the pressure element along a longitudinal axis from an initial position P1 to an end position P2,wherein the coupling device couples the pressure element to the displacement element such that an effected stroke movement of the pressure element causes a change of the position or the position of the displacement element,wherein the displacement element, the coupling device and the pressure element are configured and arranged such that the conveying chamber comprises a first volume when the pressure element is in the initial position P1 and the conveying chamber comprises a second volume when the pressure element is in the final position P2, the first volume being larger than the second volume,the process comprising a first cycle,the first cycle comprising the following steps according to a first alternative:A) Setting a desired current value ISOLL for the current flowing in the coil,B) applying a voltage UIN to the coil,C) determining a current value IIST of the current flowing in the coil,D) comparing the measured current value IIST with the desired current value ISOLL, wherein, following step D), a case discrimination is performed with the following steps:E) Maintaining the applied voltage UIN and repeating steps C) and D) if the comparison made in step D) shows that IIST is less than ISOLL,F) regulating the voltage UIN applied to the coil so that the current value IIST of the current flowing in the coil does not substantially increase further if the comparison made in step D) shows that IIST is greater than or equal to ISOLL,and/or wherein the first cycle comprises the following steps according to a second alternative:A) Setting a target time tSOLL,B) applying a voltage UIN to the coil,C) determining the time tis T that has elapsed since the application of the voltage UIN,D) comparing the measured time tIST with the target time tSOLL, wherein, following step D), a case discrimination is performed with the following steps:E) Maintaining the applied voltage UIN and repeating steps C) and D) if the comparison made in step D) shows that tIST is less than tSOLL,F) regulating the voltage UIN applied to the coil so that the current value IIST of the current flowing in the coil does not substantially increase further if the comparison made in step D) shows that tIST is greater than or equal to tSOLL.

15. The process according to claim 14, wherein the pump comprises a current measuring resistor with ohmic resistance value RS connected in series with the coil,wherein the first cycle is configured according to the first alternative or according to the second alternative,the first cycle of the process comprising the following further steps:G) determining the current value IIST of the current flowing in the coil as a function of time t,H) determining a voltage US dropping across the current measuring resistor as a function of time t,I) determining a voltage UC dropping across the coil as a function of time t,J) calculating the differential inductance LD as a function of time t on the basis of the current value IIST(t) determined in step G), the voltage US(t) determined in step H) and the voltage UC(t) determined in step I), preferably according to the following analytical formula:

16. The process according to claim 14, wherein, according to a further first alternative, a new desired current value ISOLL,neu is set for a second cycle of the process following the first cycle as a function of the differential inductance determined in step J),or according to a further second alternative, a new target time is set for a second cycle of the process following the first cycle, as a function of the differential inductance determined in step J).

17. The process according to claim 15, wherein the process comprises the following further steps:K) setting a limit value LDLIMIT for the differential inductance,L) comparing the differential inductance LD calculated in step I) with the limit value LDLIMIT,M) If the comparison made in step L) shows that the differential inductance LD exceeded the limit value LDLIMIT for the first time during the first cycle at a time tLIMIT that has elapsed since the voltage UIN was applied: setting a new desired current value ISOLL,neu for a second cycle of the process following the first cycle, the new desired current value ISOLL,neu being set as a function of the current value IIST(tLIMIT), which was measured at time tLIMIT during the first cycle,wherein the new desired current value ISOLL,neu preferably corresponds to the current value IIST(tLIMIT) measured at time tLIMIT during the first cycle; orsetting a new target time tSOLL,neu for a second cycle of the process following the first cycle, wherein the new target time tSOLL,neu is set in dependence on time value tLIMIT,wherein the new target time tSOLL,neu preferably corresponds to the time tLIMIT.

18. The process according to claim 15, wherein the process comprises the following further steps:N) determining whether the time variation of the differential inductance during the first cycle has a global peak at a point in time tPEAK, wherein the global peak is preferably determined such that its value is greater than any of the time varying values of the time variation of the differential inductance,O) if step N) results in the differential inductance having a global peak at point in time tPEAK: setting a new desired current value ISOLL,neu for a second cycle of the process following the first cycle, the new desired current value ISOLL,neu being set as a function of the current value IIST(tPEAK), which was measured in the first cycle at point in time tPEAK, the new desired current value ISOLL,neu preferably corresponding to the current value IIST(tPEAK); or setting a new target time tSOLL,neu for a second cycle of the process following the first cycle, the new target time tSOLL,neu being set as a function of time value tPEAK,wherein the new target time tSOLL,neu preferably corresponds to the time tPEAK.

19. The process according to claim 16, wherein the process comprises a second cycle immediately following in time the first cycle,wherein the second cycle comprises at least steps A) to F) according to the first alternative and/or steps A) to F) according to the second alternative,wherein in step A) of the second cycle the new desired current value ISOLL,neu determined by the first cycle is set as the desired current value for the second cycle and/or the new desired time tSOLL,neu determined by the first cycle is set as the desired time for the second cycle.

20. The process according to claim 17, wherein the first cycle of the process comprises the following step, insofar as the present claim refers back to claim 3:P) If step L) shows that the differential inductance L D has not exceeded the limit value during the complete first cycle: a) issuing a warning signal and/or issuing a warning message stating that no stroke movement of the pressure element has taken place during the first cycleand/orb) maintaining the desired current value ISOLL of the first cycle for the second cycle immediately following in time the first cycle, if the first cycle is configured according to the first alternative, or setting the desired current value of the second cycle to a stored initial value ISOLLexperience, so that during the second cycle: ISOLL=ISOLLexperience, or maintaining the target time tSOLL of the first cycle for the second cycle immediately following in time the first cycle, if the first cycle is configured according to the second alternative, or setting the target time of the second cycle to a stored initial value tSOLLexperience, so that during the second cycle: tSOLL=tSOLLexperience.

21. The process according to claim 17, wherein the first cycle of the process comprises the following step, insofar as the present claim refers back to claim 4:Q) If step N) results in the differential inductance L D not having a global peak during the complete first cycle: a) emitting a warning signal and/or preferably emitting a warning message stating that no stroke movement of the pressure element has occurred during the first cycleand/orb) maintaining the desired current value ISOLL of the first cycle for the second cycle immediately following in time the first cycle, if the first cycle is configured according to the first alternative, or setting the desired current value of the second cycle to a stored initial value ISOLL=ISOLLexperience, or maintaining the target time tSOLL of the first cycle for the second cycle immediately following in time the first cycle, if the first cycle is configured according to the second alternative, or setting the target time of the second cycle to a stored initial value tSOLLexperience, so that during the second cycle: tSOLL=tSOLLexperience.

22. The process according to claim 15, wherein the process comprises the following steps,R) setting a time interval T,S) regulating the applied voltage UIN in such a way that the current value IIST is substantially at the value ISOLL immediately after reaching or exceeding the desired current value ISOLL for the duration of the time interval T,T) switching off the voltage UIN applied to the coil when the time interval T ends.

23. The process according to claim 15, wherein the process is a computer-implemented process.

24. The process according to claim 15, wherein the pump is a diaphragm pump,wherein the displacement element is a diaphragm,wherein the coupling device is preferably a push rod.

25. A pump, wherein the pump comprises a conveying chamber for conveying a fluid,wherein the pump comprises a displacement element,wherein the displacement element delimits the conveying chamber at least in sections, so that a change in the position of the displacement element causes a change in the volume of the conveying chamber,wherein the pump comprises a drive,wherein the drive comprises a coil through which an electric current can be conducted,the coil having an ohmic resistance RDC and an inductance Lcoil,wherein the drive comprises a pressure element and a coupling device,wherein the pressure element and the coil are configured and arranged such that a magnetic field generated by an electric current flowing in the coil can cause a stroke movement of the pressure element along a longitudinal axis from an initial position P1 to an end position P2,wherein the coupling device couples the pressure element to the displacement element such that an effected stroke movement of the pressure element causes a change in the position of the displacement element,wherein the conveying chamber, the coupling device and the pressure element are configured and arranged such that the conveying chamber comprises a first volume value when the pressure element is in the initial position P1 and the conveying chamber comprises a second volume value when the pressure element is in the final position P2, wherein the first volume value is greater than the second volume value,wherein the pump comprises a measuring device and a control device,wherein the measuring device and the control device are arranged to perform a process according to any one of the preceding claims when the pump is in operation.

26. The pump according to claim 23, wherein the pump comprises a spring element,wherein the spring element is configured and arranged to exert a restoring force on the displacement element directed towards the initial position P1 if the displacement element is deflected from the initial position P1.