JP2000163109A - Ladder programming device and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the work efficiency of the generation of a ladder circuit diagram and to reduce a bug generation rate in a ladder program by calling a partial ladder circuit diagram which is temporarily stored in a storage part and copying it in the ladder circuit diagram. SOLUTION: A ladder circuit diagram generation part 2a arranges a ladder parts diagram on a ladder circuit generation screen displayed by a display part 1 based on a prescribed procedure and generates a ladder circuit diagram. A partial ladder circuit diagram storage part 4a adds a partial ladder circuit number to a partial ladder circuit diagram designated by a designation part 2b and temporarily stores it. A copying part 2c instructs a partial ladder circuit number, calls the partial ladder circuit diagram which is temporarily stored in the partial ladder circuit storage part 4a and copies it in the ladder circuit diagram in the middle of generation. An address setting part 2d sets an address in the arranged ladder parts diagram. A ladder program generation part 2e generates a ladder program based on the ladder circuit diagram which is address-set.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a ladder programming device and a ladder programming method for writing a program in a program memory of a programmable controller (PC) used for controlling factory automation (FA) and automating equipment.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a PC equipped with a computing means such as a computer has become indispensable as a general-purpose controller for FA equipment and a system controller for automation of equipment. The computer of the PC controls the facility equipment and the FA equipment according to a program language written in a program memory built in the PC.

The program languages written in the program memory of the PC include a ladder program (ladder program) of a ladder system (control based on a relay circuit) and a program of a flowchart system. At present, the ladder program is mainly used. . For example, using a ladder programming device, a ladder program is written to a program memory of a PC.

For example, in ladder programming, a ladder element is called from a ladder element group (ladder part diagram table) composed of a plurality of ladder elements (ladder parts) indicating functions such as a relay, a timer, a counter, and a register. Create a diagram. Therefore, when a similar ladder element is input from the ladder element group, there is a method of copying one ladder element group to the clipboard and pasting it from the clipboard. Even though this ladder element has the same figure, the address corresponding to the ladder element is different in the ladder circuit, so after selecting the same ladder element and repeating the copy operation, correct each address in the coding operation The method is generally performed.

[0005] On the other hand, according to Japanese Patent Application No. 7-271570, as a programming using a library, a partial function of a program which has already been developed is searched for, and the function is coded. A program development support tool has been proposed which aims to reduce the search time and search time of the usage of the function.

[0006]

However, with the increase in the size of the ladder program, the number of ladder elements also increases.
It becomes difficult to debug the ladder programming and adjust the operation timing of the ladder element, and the ladder program error rate increases. Most of these program errors are
This is due to a mistake in the ladder programming operation.

The program development support tool described in Japanese Patent Application No. 7-271570 is a program creation process using an existing program, and cannot be applied to new ladder programming.

As a programming method using a library file, there is a method of storing a ladder element group as a library file and reading out the stored library file when necessary to perform ladder programming. In this case, it is necessary to start an application program for operating a library file, separately from an application program for creating a ladder circuit diagram. In this ladder programming method as well, the operation of inputting the ladder element and the operation of setting the address are complicated.

As described above, in the conventional ladder programming method, the operation of inputting a ladder element and the operation of setting an address are complicated, and the efficiency of ladder programming is reduced. Further, there is a problem that a bug occurrence rate in the ladder program increases due to an error in the ladder programming operation.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a ladder programming apparatus and a ladder programming apparatus capable of improving the work efficiency of creating a ladder circuit diagram and reducing the bug occurrence rate in a ladder program. Provide a method of

[0011]

According to the present invention, a ladder circuit diagram is created by arranging a ladder component diagram on a display unit having a screen and a ladder circuit creation screen displayed by the display unit according to a predetermined procedure. A ladder circuit diagram creation unit, a designation unit for designating a partial ladder circuit diagram from the ladder circuit diagram being created,
A partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit that temporarily stores a specified partial ladder circuit diagram by adding a specific code, and a partial ladder circuit diagram temporarily stored in the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit by designating a specific code. A copying unit for copying the ladder circuit diagram inside, an address setting unit for setting an address for each ladder component diagram, a ladder program creating unit for creating a ladder program based on the ladder circuit diagram for which the address is set, A ladder programming device comprising: a ladder program storage unit that stores a ladder program.

In the present invention, the display unit is a CRT.
A display device such as a display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, and an EL display may be used. The ladder circuit diagram creation unit, the designation unit, the copying unit, the address setting unit, and the ladder program creation unit may be configured by a computer CPU and a control program. Also,
Since these units function in conjunction with each operation, it is preferable that the units include input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and an icon. It is preferable that the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit and the ladder program storage unit are configured by a storage medium such as a RAM, an EEPROM, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, and a hard disk.

According to the present invention, a partial ladder circuit diagram partially similar to a ladder circuit diagram being created in ladder programming is temporarily stored as necessary, and the stored partial ladder circuit diagram is stored in the ladder circuit diagram. Since it is configured to be able to copy, it is not necessary to arrange only the ladder part diagram and create the whole ladder circuit diagram, so the work efficiency of creating the ladder circuit diagram is improved and the bug occurrence rate in the ladder program is reduced. be able to.

[0014] The ladder circuit diagram creating section may include a plurality of keys or a plurality of icons indicating a plurality of different ladder component diagrams. Here, the ladder component diagram is, for example, a figure showing a functional component including a contact a and b contact of a relay, a counter, a timer, and the like, and a wiring component including a horizontal short-circuit line, a vertical short-circuit line, and the like. The ladder circuit diagram creation unit further includes various instruction keys and various function keys for creating a ladder circuit diagram.

[0015] The copying section may include a plurality of keys or a plurality of icons on which specific codes for designating a plurality of different partial ladder circuit diagrams are written. According to this configuration, the operator can copy the partial ladder circuit diagram by operating the key or the icon corresponding to the specific code.

A reference data table for updating and storing reference data relating to the partial ladder circuit diagram stored in the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit, wherein the copying unit stores the reference data updated and stored in the reference data table in a ladder circuit. An instruction to display in one area of the creation screen may be output to the display unit. In this configuration, the reference data table is preferably configured by a storage medium such as a RAM, an EEPROM, and a floppy disk. According to this configuration, before copying the partial ladder circuit diagram, the operator displays and confirms the reference data on the partial ladder circuit diagram updated and stored in the reference data table in one area of the ladder circuit creation screen. be able to.

The address setting unit may be configured to automatically correct an address of a partial ladder circuit diagram copied by the copying unit with respect to a ladder component diagram. According to this configuration, since the address of the copied partial ladder circuit diagram with respect to the ladder component diagram is different, it is necessary to correct the address. However, this address correction operation can be reduced.

An interface unit for connecting to the programmable controller, and an installation control unit for installing a ladder program stored in the ladder program storage unit via the interface unit into a ladder program storage unit built in the programmable controller are further provided. It is preferable to have a configuration. The interface unit may be configured by an I / O port of a computer. It is preferable that the installation control unit is configured by a CPU of the computer. According to this configuration, the programmable controller can execute the ladder program installed from the ladder programming device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a ladder circuit diagram is created by arranging a ladder component diagram on a ladder circuit creation screen displayed by a display unit according to a predetermined procedure, and the ladder circuit diagram being created is created. From the specified partial ladder circuit diagram, a specific code is added to the specified partial ladder circuit diagram and temporarily stored in the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit, and the specific code is designated and temporarily stored in the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit. Call the partial ladder schematic diagram, copy it to the ladder schematic diagram that is being created, set an address for each ladder component diagram, create a ladder program based on the ladder schematic diagram with the address set, and copy the created ladder program A ladder programming method is provided, wherein the method is stored in a ladder program storage unit.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment shown in the drawings. The present invention is not limited by this.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a programming device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a CRT display, a liquid crystal display (L
CD), a plasma display, an EL display, and the like, and the display unit 1 operates to display a ladder circuit creation screen for creating a ladder circuit diagram. Reference numeral 2 denotes a CPU of the computer, and the CPU 2 controls each unit according to a control program. Also, CPU2
Are the ladder circuit diagram creation unit 2a, the designation unit 2b, the copy unit 2
c, address setting unit 2d, ladder program creation unit 2
e, functioning as the installation control unit 2f.

Reference numeral 3 denotes an input unit including a keyboard, a mouse, an icon, and the like.
Various instructions, various data, addresses, function activation instructions, and the like are input to f. Reference numeral 4 denotes a storage unit including a RAM, an EEPROM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, and the like. The storage unit 4 includes a partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit 4a, a ladder program storage unit 4b, a reference data table 4c, an input data table 4d, and a display data storage. It functions as the unit 4e. Reference numeral 5 denotes an interface unit comprising an I / O port of a computer. The interface unit 5 is connected to a programmable controller (PC) under the control of the CPU 2.

The ladder circuit diagram creation section 2a operates to arrange a ladder component diagram on the ladder circuit creation screen displayed by the display section 1 according to a predetermined procedure to create a ladder circuit diagram. In addition, the ladder circuit diagram creation unit 2a inputs and corrects a ladder program. The specifying unit 2b operates to specify a partial ladder circuit diagram from the ladder circuit diagram being created.

The copying section 2c operates to designate a specific code (partial ladder circuit number), call up the partial ladder circuit diagram temporarily stored in the partial ladder circuit storage section 4a, and copy it to the ladder circuit diagram being created. . Further, the copying unit 2c operates to output to the display unit 1 an instruction to display the reference data updated and stored in the reference data table 4c in one area of the ladder circuit creation screen.

The address setting section 2d operates to set an address on the ladder component diagram arranged. The ladder program creating section 2e operates to create a ladder program based on the ladder circuit diagram to which the address is set.
The installation control unit 2f operates to install the ladder program stored in the ladder program storage unit 4b via the interface unit 5 into the ladder program storage unit built in the PC. Therefore, the ladder programming device writes and reads a ladder program in the program area of the PC.

The input unit 3 includes a plurality of keys or a plurality of icons indicating a plurality of different ladder parts diagrams. The input unit 3 includes a plurality of keys or a plurality of icons corresponding to partial ladder circuit numbers for designating a plurality of different partial ladder circuit diagrams.

The partial ladder circuit diagram storage section 4a stores the designation section 2
The configuration is such that a partial ladder circuit number is added to the partial ladder circuit diagram designated by c and temporarily stored. The ladder program storage unit 4b is configured to store a ladder program created from the ladder circuit diagram.
Further, an area for storing a ladder program read from the ladder program storage section of the PC is provided.

The reference data table 4c is configured to update and store reference data (partial ladder circuit number / address / number of ladder parts) relating to the partial ladder circuit diagram stored in the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit 4a (FIG. 2). 7). The input data table 4d stores input data including a plurality of different ladder component diagrams and partial ladder circuit numbers in association with keys or icons (see FIG. 3). The display data storage unit 4e stores ladder circuit creation screen data, display data such as a ladder component diagram to be displayed on the ladder circuit creation screen, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of a ladder circuit creation screen according to this embodiment. In FIG. 2, 1a indicates a ladder circuit creation screen. Reference numeral 3a denotes a ladder component diagram input icon on which a ladder component diagram (ladder component diagram) is described.
Using the ladder part diagram input icon 3a, the display unit 1
A ladder circuit diagram is newly created by arranging a ladder component diagram on the ladder circuit creation screen 1a displayed according to a predetermined procedure. Reference numeral 3b denotes a partial ladder circuit diagram input icon for adding a partial ladder circuit number to the designated partial ladder circuit diagram from the ladder circuit diagram being created and temporarily storing the partial ladder circuit diagram in the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit 4a. Step numbers corresponding to the respective ladder circuit diagrams are displayed on the left side of the ladder circuit creation screen.

The cursor (not shown) of the input unit 3 is moved to an arbitrary position on the ladder circuit creation screen 1a, and the ladder component diagram assigned to the ladder component diagram input icon 3a is selected to create an arbitrary ladder component diagram. I will do it. By repeating such operations, a ladder circuit diagram is converted into a ladder program, or a ladder program stored in a ladder program storage unit is converted into a ladder circuit diagram to add or modify a ladder circuit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of storage of the input data table according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the input data table 4d previously stores input data including a plurality of different ladder component diagrams and partial ladder circuit numbers, and a plurality of keys or icons for inputting the input data. . Here, the keys / icons of F-1 to F-5 correspond to the input data (ladder parts diagram) of the ladder parts diagram input icon 3a shown in FIG.
The icon corresponds to the input data (partial ladder circuit number) of the partial ladder circuit diagram input icon 3b. Therefore, the CPU 2 refers to the input data table 4d and
The input data input from the input unit 3 is determined.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the ladder circuit diagram displayed on the ladder circuit creation screen according to the present embodiment. FIG.
, 4-1 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5
Shows a partial ladder circuit diagram having a partial control function.
Partial ladder circuit diagrams 4-1 and 4-3, 4-2 and 4-5
Are configured with the same ladder part diagram, although each has a different address. When creating and programming a ladder circuit having a certain control function, an operator usually performs the following operation procedure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a normal ladder programming operation procedure. In FIG. 5, S01: Input / output devices are allocated. S02: Create a time chart. S03: Assign internal auxiliary relays, timers, counters, and the like. S05: Create a ladder circuit diagram. S06: Perform programming. S07: Debug.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating a ladder circuit diagram according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, S11: upon receiving an instruction to start ladder programming from the input unit 3, the CPU 2 displays the ladder circuit creation screen 1 on the display unit 1.
Display a. S12: The CPU 2 determines whether or not a ladder component diagram has been input from the ladder component diagram input icon 3a with reference to the input data table 4d. If the ladder part drawing has been input, the process proceeds to step S12, and if not, waits for the input of the ladder part drawing. S13: The CPU 2 arranges the ladder component diagram input from the ladder component diagram input icon 3a on the ladder circuit creation screen 1a based on a predetermined procedure, and creates a new ladder circuit diagram (for example, as shown in FIG. 4). Partial ladder circuit diagram 4-
1, 4-2).

Here, the operator judges whether it is necessary to create a plurality of similar partial ladder circuit diagrams, and if a plurality of similar partial ladder circuit diagrams need to be created, the corresponding partial ladder circuit diagram (for example, the partial ladder circuit diagram shown in FIG. 4). Circuit diagrams 4-1 and 4-2) are designated using the partial ladder circuit diagram input icon 3b using the partial ladder circuit number, and a registration instruction to the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit 4a is input. S14: The CPU 2 sets the partial ladder circuit diagram input icon 3
b, whether or not a partial ladder circuit number for registering a partial ladder circuit diagram has been input is determined by an input data table 4d.
Refer to to determine. If a partial ladder circuit number has been input, the process proceeds to step S15; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S15.
The process moves to step S22.

S15: The CPU 2 receives the partial ladder circuit number and its registration instruction, refers to the reference data stored in the reference table in the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit 4a, and corresponds to the designated partial ladder circuit number. Check whether there is free space in the storage area to be used. If there is a free space, the process proceeds to step S16. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a storage example of the reference data table according to the present embodiment. In the reference data table shown in FIG. 7, reference data of the partial ladder circuit number / address / ladder component number is updated and stored.

S16: If there is a free space in the storage area corresponding to the designated partial ladder circuit number, the CPU 2 converts the designated partial ladder circuit diagram in the storage area into program data consisting of addresses / instructions / codes. Then, it is stored in the component ladder circuit storage unit 4a.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a storage example of the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit according to the present embodiment. The program data (address / instruction / code) of each ladder component diagram corresponding to the ladder circuit diagram shown in FIG. 4 is stored in the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit 4a shown in FIG. Here, S shown in FIG.
Instructions such as TR, OR, AND, and AND-NOT indicate the function of a ladder component diagram (ladder element). Further, the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit 4a includes a ladder program storage unit 4b.
It is configured in the same way as.

S17: Update and store the reference data (partial ladder circuit number / address / number of ladder parts) in the reference data table. Here, the operator determines whether it is necessary to call and copy the registered partial ladder circuit diagram,
If copying is necessary, the cursor is moved to a position where the partial ladder circuit diagram is to be copied, and a partial ladder circuit diagram to be called is designated using the partial ladder circuit number of the partial ladder circuit diagram input icon 3b. S18: The CPU 2 determines whether or not a partial ladder circuit number for calling a partial ladder circuit diagram has been input from the partial ladder diagram input icon 3b with reference to the input data table 4d. If a partial ladder circuit number has been input, the process proceeds to step S19; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S21.

S19: The CPU 2 calls the program data of the partial ladder circuit diagram corresponding to the designated partial ladder circuit number from the ladder component diagram storage unit 4a. S20: The CPU 2 converts the called program data into a partial ladder circuit diagram and copies it at the cursor position (for example, the partial ladder circuit diagrams 4-3 and 4-5 shown in FIG. 4).

S21: The CPU 2 determines whether or not the input of addition / modification of the partial ladder circuit diagram is made. If there is an input of addition / modification of the partial ladder circuit diagram, the process returns to step S12. The circuit diagram creation processing ends. S22: In S14, the CPU 2 displays on the display unit 1 a message indicating that there is no free space in the storage area corresponding to the input partial ladder circuit number, and ends the processing.

In step S14, the operator can display and confirm the contents of the reference data table 4c and the partial ladder circuit storage section 4a in one area of the ladder circuit creation screen as necessary. In step S20, the address of the copied partial ladder circuit diagram with respect to the ladder component diagram may be automatically corrected. In step S22, when a message indicating that there is no free space in the storage area corresponding to the input partial ladder circuit number is displayed, the storage area is further vacated and the program data of the new partial ladder circuit diagram is updated and stored. A message to the effect may be displayed.

Actually, when the input ladder circuit diagram is displayed on the ladder circuit diagram, the addresses are sequentially set for the ladder circuit diagram, program data is generated, and the ladder program is stored. It is written to the unit 4b. Further, the ladder program stored in the ladder program storage unit 4b can be converted into a call ladder circuit diagram to add or modify a ladder circuit.

[0044]

According to the present invention, a partial ladder circuit diagram partially similar to a ladder circuit diagram being created in ladder programming is temporarily stored as necessary,
Since the stored partial ladder circuit diagram can be copied, it is not necessary to arrange only the ladder circuit diagram and create the entire ladder circuit diagram. The bug occurrence rate can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a programming device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of a ladder circuit creation screen according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a storage example of an input data table according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a ladder circuit diagram displayed on a ladder circuit creation screen according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a normal ladder programming operation procedure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating a ladder circuit diagram according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a storage example of a reference data table according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a storage example of a partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit according to the embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 display unit 2 CPU 2a ladder circuit diagram creation unit 2b designation unit, 2c copy unit 2d address setting unit 2e ladder program creation unit 2f installation control unit 3 input unit 3a ladder part diagram input icon 3b partial ladder circuit diagram input icon 4 storage unit 4a Partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit 4b Ladder program storage unit 4c Reference data table 4d Input data table 4e Display data storage unit 5 Interface unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B076 DD06 DF10 5H220 AA06 BB09 BB12 CC07 CX01 CX06 DD04 FF02 FF05 GG03 GG05 GG13 GG14 JJ12 JJ24 JJ42 JJ59

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A display unit having a screen, a ladder circuit diagram creation unit that arranges a ladder component diagram on a ladder circuit creation screen displayed by the display unit based on a predetermined procedure, and creates a ladder circuit diagram. A designation unit for designating a partial ladder circuit diagram from a ladder circuit diagram therein, a partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit for temporarily storing a specified partial ladder circuit diagram by adding a specific code, and a partial ladder by designating a specific code A copy unit that calls a partial ladder circuit diagram temporarily stored in a circuit diagram storage unit and copies the ladder circuit diagram being created, an address setting unit that sets an address in each ladder component diagram, and a ladder circuit diagram in which an address is set A ladder program creating section for creating a ladder program based on a ladder program, and a ladder program storage section for storing the created ladder program Programming device. 2. The ladder programming device according to claim 1, wherein the ladder circuit diagram creation unit includes a plurality of keys or a plurality of icons representing a plurality of different ladder part diagrams. 3. The copying unit according to claim 1, wherein the copying unit includes a plurality of keys or a plurality of icons each having a specific code for designating a plurality of different partial ladder circuit diagrams.
The described ladder programming device. 4. A reference data table for updating and storing reference data relating to the partial ladder circuit diagram stored in the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit, wherein the copying unit stores the reference data updated and stored in the reference data table. A ladder programming device for outputting an instruction to be displayed in one area of a ladder circuit creation screen to a display unit. 5. The ladder programming device according to claim 1, wherein the address setting unit automatically corrects an address of the partial ladder circuit diagram copied by the copying unit with respect to a ladder component diagram. 6. An interface unit for connecting to a programmable controller, and an installation control unit for installing a ladder program stored in the ladder program storage unit via the interface unit into a ladder program storage unit built in the programmable controller. The ladder programming device according to claim 1, further comprising: 7. A ladder circuit diagram is created by arranging a ladder component diagram on a ladder circuit creation screen displayed by a display unit based on a predetermined procedure, and a partial ladder circuit diagram is designated from the ladder circuit diagram being created. A specific code is added to the specified partial ladder circuit diagram and temporarily stored in the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit, and the specific code is designated to call the partial ladder circuit diagram temporarily stored in the partial ladder circuit diagram storage unit. Copying to the ladder circuit diagram being created, setting an address in each ladder part diagram, creating a ladder program based on the ladder circuit diagram with the address set, and storing the created ladder program in the ladder program storage unit. Ladder programming method characterized by: