JPH10268914A - Programmable controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a programmable controller with which a lot of user data can be stored in a backup memory. SOLUTION: This programmable controller is provided with a communication means 2, non-volatile system memory 3 storing an operation system program 31, volatile user program memory 4 for respectively storing 1st user data 41a in a fixed area 41, 2nd user data 42a in an extension area 42 and user program 43, non-volatile backup memory 5 for storing the 1st user data 41a when a power source is turned off, and central arithmetic processing part 6 for executing operation based on the user program 43 and 1st user data 41a restored in the user program memory 4. Then, the central arithmetic processing part 6 is constituted so as to store the other user data in the backup memory 5 based on a writing instruction from communication equipment 21 and to execute the operation based on these restored user data at least.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a programmable controller for controlling an external device based on a user program created by a user.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a programmable controller of this type having a configuration shown in FIG. This operating system describes an input means A to which an external signal from the external device A1 is input, a communication means B connected to the communication device B1 for transmitting and receiving data or a command, and a control procedure for controlling the entire system. A non-volatile system memory C storing a program C1, a user program D1 describing a calculation procedure for a user to control the external device A1, and first user data D21 used in the user program D1 are stored in a fixed area D2. A volatile user program memory D for storing the second user data D31 in the extended area D3;
1 and a non-volatile rewritable backup memory E for storing first user data D21 when the power is turned off, and controlling the system with an operation system program C1. A central processing unit F for executing an operation based on the user program D1 and the first user data D21 returned to the CPU, and an output unit G for outputting the operation result to the external device A1.

More specifically, each of the first user data D21 and the second user data D31 is composed of contact information of an internal relay, data, and an elapsed value of an internal counter, and is stored in a user program memory D and stored in a user program memory D. Used in D1. Further, the user selects whether to store the data in the fixed area D2 or the extended area D3 of the user program memory D, and the first user data D21 required when the power is turned on is stored in the fixed area D2, and the second user data D2 is not stored in the second area. User data D31 is stored in the extension area D3.

A built-in backup memory E
Is a rewritable non-volatile memory, which stores and backs up the first user data D31 stored in the fixed area D2 when the power is turned off.

The operation of the above will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. First, at #A, when the power is turned on, the user program D1 stored in the backup memory E is stored in the user program memory D, and the first user data D21 stored in the backup memory E is also stored when the power is turned off. Are respectively transferred to the fixed area D21 of the user program memory D and return.

Then, the central processing unit F executes an operation based on the user program D1 and the first user data D21 returned to the user program memory D. Further, if the external device A1 is a manufacturing device, the external device A1
The second user data D31, which is composed of product data such as product data or the number of products manufactured by the above-described method, is created based on the program or data described in the user program D1, and is stored in the extended area D3.

Then, at #B, the central processing unit F
Is the first user data D2 stored in the fixed area D2 within a predetermined time from when the power is turned off to when the system stops.
1 is transferred to the backup memory E and stored.

[0008]

In the above-mentioned conventional programmable controller, when the power is turned off, the first programmable controller is turned off.
The user data D21 is backed up in the backup memory E, so that the external device A1 can be controlled based on the user program D1 without using a backup battery.

However, the central processing unit F must store the first user data D21 in the backup memory E within a predetermined time from when the power is turned off to when the system is stopped, for example, within 5 msec. Since it was short, a large amount of the first user data D21 could not be stored. Therefore, when it is desired to save the type data or the production data, which is the second user data D31, by changing the extended area D3 of the user program memory D to the fixed area D2, it cannot be stored in the backup memory E.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a programmable controller capable of storing a large amount of user data in a backup memory.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input unit for inputting an external signal from an external device and a communication device connected to a communication device for transmitting data or an instruction. Communication means for transmitting and receiving, a non-volatile system memory storing an operation system program describing a control procedure for controlling the entire system, a user program describing an arithmetic procedure for a user to control an external device, and the user program A volatile user program memory that stores user data used in a fixed area and another user data that is stored in an extended area, and a nonvolatile rewrite that stores a user program and stores user data when the power is turned off. Backup memory and operating system programs A central processing unit that controls the system and executes an operation based on the user program and user data restored from the backup memory to the user program memory; and an output unit that outputs the operation result to an external device. In the controller, the central processing unit is formed to store the another user data in the backup memory based on a write command from the communication device, and the user data returned to the user program memory or It is configured to execute an operation based on at least the user data among the other user data.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, a return means is provided for returning the another user data from the backup memory to an extended area of the user program memory when a return output is issued. Configuration.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the return means is formed of a system register provided in the backup memory and having a return flag, and the return output is set to the ON state of the return flag. The configuration is as follows.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the return means is formed by a dip switch provided in connection with the central processing unit, and the return output is turned on or off of the dip switch. The configuration is as follows.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the return means is formed of the communication device, and the return output is a return command transmitted from the communication device. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, a mode changeover switch has a system program mode in which the operation system program is activated and a run mode in which the operation system program and the user program are activated. Is provided in connection with the central processing unit, wherein the return means is formed by a mode changeover switch, and the return output is a run mode of the mode changeover switch.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the sixth aspect, the another user data is restored to the extension area based on a restoration instruction described in the activated user program. is there.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

Reference numeral 1 denotes an input means, which is connected to an external device 11 which is a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an object through an input interface, and receives an external signal from a sensor, a switch or the like provided in the external device 11. .

Reference numeral 2 denotes a communication unit which is connected to an externally disposed communication device 21 to transmit and receive data or instructions based on the RS232C communication standard. Here, the communication device 21
Comprises a personal computer, and outputs a write command described later.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a system memory, which is a nonvolatile ROM
Stores an operation system program 31 describing a control procedure for controlling the entire system.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a user program memory, which is provided with a fixed area 41 and an extended area 42 by a volatile RAM, and stores a user program 43 in which an operation procedure for a user to control the external device 11 is stored. One user data 41a is stored in the fixed area 41, and second user data 42a is stored in the extension area 42. Here, the first user data 41a and the second user data 4
2a is composed of contact information of the internal relay, data such as product data or production data, and the elapsed value of the internal counter, and is used in the user program 43.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a backup memory, which is a nonvolatile rewritable electrically erasable programmable read.
Only Memory, a so-called EEPROM, is provided with a system register 51 for storing system information, stores a user program 43, stores first user data 41a when the power is turned off, and stores second user data 42a when the power is on. Are respectively stored. This will be described later in detail.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a central processing unit which calls an operation system program 31 stored in the system memory 3 by a microcomputer and controls the entire system based on the operation system program 31. Further, the user program 43 is restored from the backup memory 5 to the user program memory 4, and the first user data 41a and the second user data 42a are stored and restored in the backup memory 5 and the user program memory 4, respectively. Then, the restored user program 43 and the first user data 41
a and the second user data 42a are called, that is, necessary calculations are executed based on the user program 43 and at least the first user data 41a. This will be described later in detail.

Reference numeral 7 denotes output means, which is connected to the external device 11 through an output interface, and outputs a calculation result from the central processing unit 6 to the external device 11.

The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in # 1, when the power is turned on, the central processing unit 6 executes the user program 4
3 in the user program memory 4 and first user data 4
1a is stored in the fixed area 41 of the user program memory 4 (# 11), and the second user data 42a is stored in the extension area 42.
(# 12), the data is transferred from the backup memory 5 and restored.

The central processing unit 6 calls the user program 43, the first user data 41a, and the second user data 42a restored in the user program memory 4.
Then, based on the calculation procedure described in the user program 43, the first user data 41 a and the second user data 42 a are sequentially used to perform calculation processing, and the calculation result is output to the output unit 7 to control the external device 11. .

At this time, the second user data 42 a composed of product data such as product type data or production data of a product manufactured by the external device 11, which is a manufacturing device, is generated based on a program described in the user program 43. Alternatively, it is input or updated by a command from the communication device 21 via the communication means 2 and stored in the extension area 42 of the user program memory 4.

Next, when the power is turned off at # 2, the central processing unit 6 transfers the first user data 41a stored in the fixed area 41 to the backup memory 5 within a predetermined time until the system stops. And store it (# 21).

When a write command is received from the communication device 21 via the communication means 2 while the power is on, the central processing unit 6 stores the second user data stored in the extension area 42 based on the write command. 42a is written and stored in the backup memory 5 (# 22).

In the programmable controller according to the first embodiment, as described above, the central processing unit 6 stores the second user data stored in the user program memory 4 based on the write command from the communication device 21. 4
Since 2a is written to the backup memory 5, not only the first user data 41a stored when the power is turned off but also the second user data 42a used by the user program 43 is stored in the backup memory 5, The central processing unit 6 executes the calculation in a state where the first user data 41a and the second user data 42a are restored to the user program memory 4, so that the second user data 42a
Unlike the related art in which a is described in the user program 43 by programming, the user can reduce the effort for creating the user program 43 and can effectively use the user program 43.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the second embodiment, functions different from those in the first embodiment will be described, and members having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

A return means for returning the second user data 42a from the backup memory 5 to the user program memory 4 is provided, and the second user data 42a is returned to the extension area 42 when the return means outputs the return signal. You. Here, the return means is formed by a system register 51 provided with a return flag, and the return output has the return flag turned on.

The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in # 3, when the power is turned on, the central processing unit 6 executes the user program 4
3 in the user program memory 4 and first user data 4
1a in the fixed area 41 of the user program memory 4,
The data is transferred from the backup memory 5 and restored (# 31). When the return flag of the system register 51 is set to ON, the second user data 42
a is transferred from the backup memory 5 to the extension area 42 of the user program memory 4 and restored (# 32).

When the return flag is on, the central processing unit 6 calls the user program 43, the first user data 41a, and the second user data 42a restored in the user program memory 4. Then, based on the calculation procedure described in the user program 43, the first user data 41a and the second user data 42a are sequentially used for calculation processing, the calculation result is output to the output unit 7, and the external device 11
Control.

In the programmable controller according to the second embodiment, as described above, the return means is provided, and when the return output of the return means is provided, the second user data 42a is transferred from the backup memory 5 to the user program memory. 4, the central processing unit 6 returns not only the first user data 41a used in the user program 43 but also the second user data 42a to the user program memory 4 and the second user When it is not necessary to restore the data 42a, the time for restoring to the user program memory 4 can be reduced.

The return means is formed by a system register 51 provided in the backup memory 5 and having a return flag, and the return output is set to ON. User data 4
2a can be easily returned to the extended area 42 of the user program memory 4.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
In the third embodiment, functions different from those in the first embodiment will be described, and members having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

A dip switch (not shown) is provided in connection with the central processing unit 6. Further, a return means for returning the second user data 42a from the backup memory 5 to the extension area 42 of the user program memory 4 is provided, and the second user data 42a is restored when the return means outputs the return. . Here, the return means is formed by a DIP switch (not shown), and the return output is ON of the DIP switch.

The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in # 4, when the power is turned on, the central processing unit 6
3 in the user program memory 4 and first user data 4
1a in the fixed area 41 of the user program memory 4,
The data is transferred from the backup memory 5 and restored (# 41). Then, when the dip switch is set to ON, the central processing unit 6 outputs the second user data 4
2a is transferred from the backup memory 5 to the extension area 42 of the user program memory 4 and restored (# 42).

In the programmable controller according to the third embodiment, as described above, the return means is formed by the DIP switch connected to the central processing unit 6, and the return output is the ON of the DIP switch. , The DIP switch is set to ON to store the second user data 42a in the extension area 4 of the user program memory 4.
2 can be easily returned.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
In the fourth embodiment, functions different from those in the first embodiment will be described. Members having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The second user data 42a is stored in the extended area 42 of the user program memory 4 from the backup memory 5.
Is provided, and the second user data 42a is restored when there is a return output from the returning means. Here, the return unit is formed by the communication device 21,
The return output is a return command transmitted from the communication device 21.

The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in # 5, when the power is turned on, the central processing unit 6 executes the user program 43
Is stored in the user program memory 4 in the first user data 41.
a is transferred from the backup memory 5 to the fixed area 41 of the user program memory 4 and restored (#
51).

The central processing unit 6 stores the second user data 42a in the backup memory 5 when receiving the return command from the communication device 21 while executing the calculation.
Is transferred to the extended area 42 of the user program memory 4 and restored (# 52).

In the programmable controller according to the fourth embodiment, as described above, the return means is formed by the communication device 21 and the return output is the return command transmitted from the communication device 21. The second user data 42a can be returned to the extended area 42 of the user program memory 4 arbitrarily when the arithmetic processing unit 6 is executing an arithmetic operation, that is, when the user needs it.

The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
In the fifth embodiment, functions different from those in the first embodiment will be described, and members having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The mode changeover switch (not shown)
The operation system program 31 is provided in connection with the central processing unit 6 and has a system program mode in which the operation system program 31 is activated and a run mode in which the operation system program 31 and the user program 43 are activated. Further, the second user data 42a is stored in the extended area 42 of the user program memory 4 from the backup memory 5.
Is provided, and the second user data 42a is restored when the return means outputs a return signal. Here, the return means is formed by a mode changeover switch, and the return output is a run mode of the mode changeover switch.

The operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in # 6, when the power is turned on, the central processing unit 6 executes the user program 43
Is stored in the user program memory 4 in the first user data 41.
a is transferred from the backup memory 5 to the fixed area 41 of the user program memory 4 and restored (#
61).

When the mode changeover switch is set to the run mode, the central processing unit 6 transfers the second user data 42a from the backup memory 5 to the extended area 42 of the user program memory 4 and returns (##).
62).

In the programmable controller according to the fifth embodiment, as described above, the return means is formed by the mode switch, and the return output is the run mode of the switch. By operating, the second user data 42a can be returned to the user program memory 4 from a remote place.

The sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
In the sixth embodiment, functions different from those of the fifth embodiment will be described, and members having substantially the same functions as those of the fifth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The user program 43 stores the second user data 42a in the extended area 42 of the user program memory 4.
Is described.

The operation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In # 7, the central processing unit 6 sets the second user data 42a when the mode changeover switch is set to the run mode (# 71) and the return instruction is described in the activated user program 43.
From the backup memory 5 to the user program memory 4
Is transferred to the extended area 42 and restored (# 72).

In the programmable controller according to the sixth embodiment, as described above, when the mode changeover switch is in the run mode and the user program 43 started in the run mode describes a return instruction, Since the second user data 42a is returned to the extended area 42 of the user program memory 4, the user can select whether or not the second user data 42a can be returned to the user program memory 4.

[0056]

According to the first aspect, the central processing unit 6 stores the second user data 4 stored in the user program memory 4 based on a write command from the communication device 21.
Since 2a is written to the backup memory 5, not only the first user data 41a stored when the power is turned off but also the second user data 42a used by the user program 43 is stored in the backup memory 5, The first user data 41a and, if necessary, the second user data 42a,
a is returned to the user program memory 4 and the central processing unit 6 executes the calculation. Therefore, the user program 4 is programmed by the second user data 42a.
Unlike the conventional technique described in No. 3, the user can reduce the labor for creating the user program 43 and can effectively use the user program 43.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, when the return means is provided and the return means outputs a return, the second user data 42a is stored in the backup memory 5 from the user program. Since the central processing unit 6 returns to the extended area 42 of the memory 4, the central processing unit 6 returns not only the first user data 41 a used in the user program 43 but also the second user data 42 a to the user program memory 4, When there is no need to restore the user data 42a, the time required to restore the user program memory 4 can be reduced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the second aspect, the return means is formed by a system register 51 provided in the backup memory 5 and having a return flag, and a return output is provided by the return flag. , The return flag is set to ON, and the second user data 4
2a can be easily returned to the extended area 42 of the user program memory 4.

According to the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of the second aspect, the return means is formed by a dip switch connected to the central processing unit 6, and the return output is the on state of the dip switch. Therefore, the second user data 42a can be easily returned to the extended area 42 of the user program memory 4 by setting the dip switch to ON.

According to the fifth aspect, in addition to the effect of the second aspect, the return means is formed by the communication device 21 and the return output is a return command transmitted from the communication device 21. While the central processing unit 6 is executing the calculation, the second user data 42a can be returned to the extended area 42 of the user program memory 4 arbitrarily when the user needs it.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the second aspect, a system program mode in which the operating system program 31 is started, and the operation system program 31 and the user program 4
3 is provided with a mode changeover switch having a run mode in which the mode changeover switch is activated, the return means is formed by a mode changeover switch, and the return output is the run mode of the changeover switch. Operate the second user data 4 from a remote place
2a can be returned to the user program memory 4.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the sixth aspect, when the mode changeover switch is in the run mode, and the return instruction is described in the user program 43 activated in the run mode. Since the second user data 42a is returned to the extended area 42 of the user program memory 4, the user can select whether or not the second user data 42a can be returned to the user program memory 4.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the above.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an operation according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an operation according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an operation according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an operation according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a conventional example.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the above.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 input means 11 external equipment 2 communication means 21 communication equipment 3 system memory 31 operation system program 4 user program memory 41 fixed area 41a first user data (user data) 42 extended area 42a second user data (different user data) 43 User program 5 Backup memory 51 System register (return means) 6 Central processing unit 7 Output means

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An input unit for receiving an external signal from an external device, a communication unit connected to a communication device for transmitting and receiving data or a command, and an operation system program describing a control procedure for controlling the entire system. A non-volatile system memory, a user program describing an operation procedure for a user to control an external device, and user data used in the user program are stored in a fixed area and another user data is stored in an extended area. A volatile user program memory, a non-volatile rewritable backup memory for storing a user program and storing user data when the power is turned off, and a system for controlling the system with an operation system program; Programme A programmable controller comprising: a central processing unit that executes an operation based on a user program and user data returned to the memory; and an output unit that outputs an operation result to an external device. The other user data is formed to be stored in the backup memory based on a write command from a communication device, and at least the user data of the user data or the other user data restored to the user program memory A programmable controller, which performs an operation based on a program. 2. The programmable controller according to claim 1, further comprising a return unit for returning the another user data from the backup memory to an extension area of the user program memory when a return output is provided. . 3. The programmable controller according to claim 2, wherein said return means is formed of a system register provided in said backup memory and having a return flag, and said return output is a return flag turned on. . 4. The programmable controller according to claim 2, wherein said return means is formed by a DIP switch provided in connection with said central processing unit, and said return output is an ON of said DIP switch. . 5. The programmable controller according to claim 2, wherein the return unit is formed by the communication device, and the return output is a return command transmitted from the communication device. 6. A mode change switch having a system program mode started by the operation system program and a run mode started by the operation system program and the user program is connected to the central processing unit. 3. The programmable controller according to claim 2, wherein the return means is formed by a mode changeover switch, and the return output is a run mode of the mode changeover switch. 7. The programmable controller according to claim 6, wherein said another user data is returned to said extended area in said user program memory based on a return command described in said started user program. .