JP2007104545A - Signal processor, signal transmission system and signal transmission method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a signal transmission system capable of easily specifying a place where an error occurs and responding to the error by obtaining, from a remote device, a state between respective devices transmitting signals. <P>SOLUTION: In an instantaneous drop investigation system constituted to emit flash light to transmit a trigger signal between a light emitting device and a light receiving device on channels between an instantaneous drop investigation device 10 and a signal repeating device 20, flash light is emitted to transmit a trigger signal and to transmit the signal by receiving the trigger signal by receiving the flash light, signals are sequentially exchanged to match a set timing, a section number corresponding to a reception timing is acquired, a signal is then instantaneously transmitted, and the total number of sections corresponding to the reception timing is acquired. Signals are exchanged again in a timing corresponding to the number of the section where error occurs, at the time of exchanging signals between channels, thereby notifying another apparatus about the section where error occurs. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a signal processing device, a signal transmission system, and a signal transmission method, and more specifically, a device connected so as to be able to exchange signals continuously transfers a transmitted signal to the next device in a relay manner. Thus, it is possible to associate upstream and downstream devices that cannot be directly connected.

  Various devices are designed to perform desired operations upon receiving power supply from a power source. In a line where the various devices cooperate to execute a series of processes, a distribution board (power receiving panel) that connects commercial power. It is common to use commercial power by extracting power from a power source and connecting it in parallel or in series.

  In addition, there may be a device incorporated in the line that has a large influence due to voltage fluctuation. In such an apparatus, when a voltage drop instantaneously (including a stop) occurs in the power supplied from the power supply, the processing operation is interrupted.

For this reason, depending on the line, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or superconducting energy storage device (SMES) can be used together with a sag detector that detects a drop in power supply voltage. In some cases, it is provided as a low compensation device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-294791 A

  However, since such a conventional voltage sag compensator is expensive, it cannot be provided in many devices. Therefore, it is necessary to specify the device (location) that is equipped with this voltage sag compensator and operates effectively. It was not possible to determine where the malfunction due to the effect of the voltage sag (such as the stoppage of the device due to the effect of the voltage sag) occurred.

  For this reason, the cause of the voltage sag cannot be analyzed and the location of the voltage sag cannot be specified. It has to be done for a wide range of facilities, and the cost is high, making the countermeasures difficult.

  From this, the inventor of the present application monitors the voltage drop and the state of the device to be investigated at a plurality of locations and investigates the influence of voltage drop, whether or not the voltage drop is a cause of failure, In addition, we have invented a voltage drop investigation system that makes it possible to specify which device is affected by voltage drop. This system for investigating the sag is equipped with a sag survey device (signal processing device) at multiple locations, and when any device detects the occurrence of a sag, a trigger signal is recorded to record the status of the surveyed device. By transmitting in a relay manner between the investigation devices, the investigation devices in places that cannot be directly connected are also associated with each other, and for example, an instantaneous drop investigation is realized in the entire line.

  Here, when a signal is relayed between a plurality of devices and relayed in this way, various information such as the device status cannot be put on the signal, and for example, a trigger signal for notifying only the presence or absence of detection is received. In the case of passing, it is impossible to grasp from the remote device whether each device of the entire system is operating normally and whether the signal transfer between the devices is successful.

  Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to easily confirm whether or not signal transmission is normally performed from the remote device by making it possible to grasp the state between the devices that transmit signals from the remote device. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to construct a system that can easily identify and deal with a location where an error has occurred.

  1st invention of the signal processing apparatus which solves the said subject is installed with the other party apparatus of the upstream side or downstream side which delivers a signal, and exchanges a signal between this partner apparatus in a relay type | formula A signal processing apparatus for constructing a system, which has an output unit for outputting a signal to a counterpart device and an input unit for inputting a signal from the counterpart device, and one or more channels for exchanging signals And a control unit that controls the exchange of signals between the channels, and the control unit obtains and sets a section number in a system between channels that exchanges signals with the counterpart device. In the section setting mode, the signal exchange for each channel in the system is made to coincide with the first setting timing from the start of the mode. By sequentially executing the input of the channel provided it is characterized in that the set to the channel acquires the section number corresponding to the timing of inputting a signal from the other device.

  In this invention, when the section setting mode is executed at the time of manual operation such as power-on or reset, it is synchronized at the time when each device in the system matches or by sending and receiving a synchronization signal, For example, when each device receives a signal sent from an upstream partner device at each first set timing of equal intervals (which may be an arbitrary interval such as the interval increasing or decreasing depending on the interval), Is transferred to the downstream partner device as it is for each provided channel, and from the number of repetitions of the first set timing during the elapsed time from the start of the mode to the signal reception timing, The section number (order) with the device can be determined and acquired and set. Therefore, each device in the system can grasp the order of sections between channels and use it for various processes by simply transmitting and receiving signals.

  According to a second aspect of the signal processing apparatus for solving the above problem, in addition to the specific matter of the first aspect, in the section setting mode when the control unit functions as a master for monitoring the system, the section setting mode Triggering the start timing of the signal, the output of the signal to the partner device on the downstream side and the input of the signal from the partner device responding to the signal are sequentially performed for each channel to be used. .

  In the present invention, when functioning as a master device, signals are input / output to / from a slave device on the downstream side by the start of the section setting mode, in other words, in turn, output in the previous channel. After input (exchange) is completed, output and input are performed on the next channel. Therefore, the channel between the slave devices that first receive the signal output from the master device is the first interval, and all the relays of signals between the slave devices on the downstream side are completed, and finally the signals from the same or different slave devices are received. Between the input channels is the last section.

  According to a third aspect of the signal processing apparatus for solving the above problem, in addition to the specific matter of the second aspect of the invention, in the section setting mode when the control unit is arranged downstream of the master apparatus and functions as a slave. Triggering the input of a signal from the upstream partner device, the signal output to the downstream partner device and the input of the signal from the partner device responding to the signal are sequentially performed for each channel used. Thereafter, a signal is output to the upstream counterpart device.

  In the present invention, when functioning as a slave device, when a signal is input from the upstream master device or slave device after the section setting mode is started, it is connected to the downstream slave device for each subsequent channel provided. In order, in other words, after the output and input (exchange) in the previous channel is completed, the output and input in the next channel are performed, and then the upstream master device or slave device The signal is output to wrap around. Therefore, the channel that first receives the signal output from the upstream master device or slave device is the first interval in the slave device, and the relay of the signals between the downstream slave devices is completed and finally the same. Alternatively, a channel between channels to which signals from different slave devices are input is the last section in the slave device.

  According to a fourth aspect of the signal processing apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems, in addition to the specific matter of the second aspect, in the section setting mode when the control unit functions as a master, The total number of sections in the system is acquired and set according to the timing when the exchange of signals performed between the two ends.

  In the present invention, when functioning as a master device, after all relays of signals between the slave devices on the downstream side in the section setting mode are completed, the final channel between channels to which signals from the last slave device are input The section is the total number of sections in the system. Therefore, the master device can grasp the total number of sections of the system from the section number of its own channel.

  According to a fifth aspect of the signal processing apparatus for solving the above-described problems, in addition to the specific matter of the second or fourth aspect, the control unit is configured for each channel to be used in the section setting mode when functioning as a master. At the second setting timing after the exchange of signals with the counterpart device is completed, the signal is output to the counterpart device that is arranged downstream and functions as a slave.

  In the present invention, a signal is output from the master device to the slave device at a second setting timing different from the first setting timing in the section setting mode. Therefore, the slave device can grasp that the section number setting process has been completed, and can grasp the end timing of the process in the entire system based on the timing of receiving the signal of the second setting timing.

  In a sixth aspect of the signal processing apparatus for solving the above problem, in addition to the specific matter of the fifth aspect, in the section setting mode in the case where the control unit is arranged downstream of the master apparatus and functions as a slave. When the signal of the second setting timing sent from the master device is input, the signal is output to the other slave device at the same time and according to the input timing of the signal of the second setting timing The total number of sections in the system is acquired and set.

  In the present invention, the signal output from the master device at the second setting timing different from the first setting timing in the section setting mode is simultaneously input to the slave device on the downstream side. Therefore, for example, the slave device simply subtracts the second setting timing (delay period) from the timing of receiving the signal of the second setting timing, and the input timing of the signal of the last section (from the last slave device) to the master device. (The timing at which a signal is input and the last section is grasped) and the total number of sections in the system can be acquired and set from the number of repetitions of the first setting timing.

  According to a seventh aspect of the signal processing apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems, in addition to the specific matter of any of the first to sixth aspects, the control unit exchanges signals with the counterpart apparatus for each channel. In this diagnostic mode, the exchange of signals as each channel in the system is sequentially executed from the start of the mode so as to coincide with the first diagnostic timing, thereby inputting the channel. When the signal from the counterpart device is input to the section, the section is determined to be normal, and when the signal from the counterpart device is not input, it is determined that an error has occurred in the section. Is.

  In the present invention, when the diagnostic mode is executed periodically or at the time of manual operation, the devices in the system are synchronized at the same time or by transmitting / receiving a synchronization signal, for example, at equal intervals. At each first diagnosis timing (which may be an arbitrary interval such as an interval increasing or decreasing depending on the section), each device receives a signal sent from the upstream counterpart device, and the signal is directly transmitted downstream. By performing the operation of passing to the partner device for each provided channel, when a signal is input from the partner device, the signal can be exchanged normally in that section, and according to the section number. When there is no signal input from the counterpart device at the timing, it can be determined that an error occurs in signal exchange in that section. Therefore, each device in the system can grasp the state between channels for exchanging signals for each section only by transmitting and receiving signals.

  According to an eighth aspect of the signal processing apparatus for solving the above problem, in addition to the specific matters of the first to sixth aspects, the control unit exchanges signals with the counterpart apparatus for each channel. In this diagnostic mode, a signal from the counterpart device is input to the input section of the channel by executing the exchange of signals as each channel in the system at the start of the mode. If it is determined that the interval is normal, it is determined that an error has occurred in the interval when a signal from the counterpart device is not input.

  In the present invention, when the diagnostic mode is executed periodically or at the time of manual operation, a signal is output to the partner device for each channel at the time when each device in the system matches, so that the partner for each channel is output. When there is an input of a signal sent from the device, the signal can be exchanged normally during that interval, and when there is no signal input from the counterpart device, an error occurs in the signal exchange in that interval It can be determined that it is in a state to perform. Therefore, each device in the system can grasp the state between channels for exchanging signals for each section only by transmitting and receiving signals.

  According to a ninth aspect of the signal processing apparatus for solving the above problem, in addition to the specific matter of the seventh or eighth aspect, when the control unit determines that there is a section in which an error has occurred, the section number In accordance with the second diagnosis timing, a signal to the partner device for each channel is simultaneously output.

  In the present invention, when it is determined that there is no signal input in the section of its own channel and an error has occurred, signals are simultaneously output from the channels provided at the second diagnosis timing corresponding to the section number in which the error has occurred. Accordingly, the partner apparatus that can receive the signal can be notified of the occurrence of the error, and the error occurrence section number can be grasped by the timing of receiving the signal of the second diagnosis timing.

  According to a tenth aspect of the signal processing apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problems, in addition to the specific matter of the ninth aspect, the control unit may transmit another channel when a signal of the second diagnosis timing is sent from the counterpart apparatus. The signal to the other device is simultaneously output and the signal is transferred to the other device in the form of a relay.

  In the present invention, when a signal output at the second diagnosis timing is received from a counterpart device that exchanges signals, it is simultaneously output to other counterpart devices and is also exchanged at the same time between devices in which no error has occurred. Accordingly, the occurrence of the error can be notified to other devices in which no error has occurred, and the error occurrence section number can be grasped based on the timing of receiving the second diagnosis timing signal.

  In an eleventh aspect of the signal processing apparatus for solving the above-described problem, in addition to the specific matter of any of the seventh to tenth aspects, the control unit includes the error section when the error occurrence section is confirmed. It displays on a display means.

  According to the present invention, when a section in which an error occurs is grasped by executing the diagnosis mode, the section can be displayed to notify an operator or the like. Therefore, the diagnosis result can be confirmed without performing any special operation, and the error occurrence section can be grasped and dealt with promptly.

  A first invention of a signal transmission system that solves the above-described problems is that the signal processing apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh inventions described above exchanges signals in series or in a tree form with any one or two or more of them. It is characterized by connecting and constructing.

  In the present invention, signal processing devices capable of grasping and notifying the section number, the total number of sections, and the error occurrence section for exchanging signals can be connected in series or in a tree form. Therefore, it is possible to associate the signal processing devices that transfer signals in a relay manner by simply exchanging signals, so that the status of the system and the status of each device can be grasped from one device.

  According to a second aspect of the signal transmission system for solving the above-mentioned problems, in addition to the specific matter of the first aspect, the signal processing device includes a monitoring means for monitoring an object to be investigated, and an instantaneous power supply based on the monitoring information. Detection means for detecting occurrence of low, signal generation means for generating a trigger signal based on the detection information of the occurrence of instantaneous drop, and the same as the investigation object when receiving the trigger signal generated internally or externally or And a recording means for recording state changes of different investigation targets, and functioning as a sag investigation device that records state changes for each investigation target when a sag occurs by exchanging the trigger signal. It is characterized by constituting a system.

  In this invention, when a voltage sag is detected from monitoring information of any investigation target of a voltage sag survey device connected in series or in a tree form, a trigger signal is generated by the voltage sag survey device and another voltage sag is detected. In the system that records the state change of the investigation target that is output to the investigation device and is monitored for each sag investigation device, signals are exchanged between the sag investigation devices (signal processing devices), and the channel of each device After the interval number and the total number of intervals are grasped, the error occurrence interval is notified. Therefore, by simply exchanging signals between the sag investigation devices in a relay manner, the system status and the status of each device can be grasped from one device and dealt with. Since an error has occurred in the exchange of signals, it is possible to prevent the voltage drop investigation from becoming incomplete. Here, the signal to be exchanged may be an electric signal or a general optical signal at the time of wired connection, but when using flash light, the signal can be instantaneously distributed between devices in the system, By this flash signal, the same signal can be received simultaneously within a very small deviation range.

  According to a third aspect of the signal transmission system for solving the above-described problems, in addition to the specific matter of the first or second aspect, the signal processing device includes a flash unit that emits a flash as an output signal. The input unit includes photoelectric conversion means that receives light as an input signal and performs photoelectric conversion.

  In the present invention, signals are exchanged between the signal processing devices depending on the presence or absence of an instantaneous intense light flash. Therefore, the signal can be instantaneously sent to the other device by flashing without laying a signal transmission line between the signal processing devices, while the other device processes the received light as a signal by photoelectric conversion. So that signals can be relayed instantaneously (simultaneously) to all devices in the system.

  According to a first aspect of the signal transmission method for solving the above-mentioned problems, a signal processing device having one or more channels for exchanging signals is connected in series or in a tree form, and signals are relayed between the signal processing devices. A section setting mode for acquiring and setting a section number between channels that exchange signals, and in the section setting mode, from a signal processing device that functions as a master for monitoring the system. After a signal is output to a signal processing device functioning as a downstream first-stage slave and input to the first channel, the first-stage slave device is connected to an upstream master device or slave device. If there is no relay channel for exchanging signals with slave devices on the downstream side other than the first channel for exchanging signals between them, When a signal is output as a device toward the upstream partner device, and one or more relay channels are provided, a signal is output toward the slave device on the downstream side for each relay channel. When the input of the signal output from the downstream slave device is sequentially confirmed, and all the input of the signal output from the downstream slave device is confirmed, it is directed toward the upstream counterpart device. According to the timing when the signal is input to the provided channel by sequentially executing the signal exchange for each channel to output the signal so as to coincide with the first setting timing from the start of the section setting mode. The section number is acquired and set to the channel.

  In the present invention, when the section setting mode is executed at the time of manual operation such as power-on or reset, signals are exchanged at each first setting timing. First, a signal output from the first channel of the master device. Is input to the first channel of the first-stage slave device, and after the exchange of signals on the downstream side of the first-stage slave device is completed, the master starts from the first channel of the first-stage slave device. A signal is input to the first channel of the device. If the master device includes the next channel, then the signal output from the next channel is input to the first channel of the next first-stage slave device, and the same processing is repeated. Then, when there is no first-stage slave device to which a signal is input next, the signal exchange corresponding to the first setting timing is completed by the signal input from the final first-stage slave device to the master device. At this time, after the slave device in the first stage, the upstream slave device (relay slave device) outputs and inputs signals for each channel in the same manner as the master device, but does not output signals downstream. The terminal slave device outputs a signal to the upstream side of the first channel to which the signal is input and returns it. As a result, the exchange of signals between the slave devices on the downstream side is completed sequentially for each channel and for each slave device, and finally, from the last slave device in the first stage to the last of the master device. A signal is input to the channel. Therefore, the exchange of signals between the channels of the master device and the slave device is repeated sequentially at each first setting timing without duplication, and the partner device for each own channel is determined from the number of repetitions until the input timing of each signal. Can be obtained and set, and the order of the sections between the channels can be used for various processes. Here, when the master device or the slave device is only the first channel, the first channel is the last channel, and when the master device is only the first channel, the first stage slave device is also one. It goes without saying that it becomes a thing.

  In a second aspect of the signal transmission method for solving the above-described problem, in addition to the specific matter of the first aspect, in the section setting mode, the section number in which the master apparatus performs a final exchange with the slave apparatus. Is acquired and set as the total number of sections for transmitting the signal, and at the second setting timing after the exchange of the signal is finished, the slave device outputs the signal to the slave device on the downstream side, When a signal of the second setting timing sent from the master device is input, the signal is output to the other slave device at the same time, and the signal according to the input timing of the signal of the second setting timing It is characterized by acquiring and setting the total number of sections transmitted.

  According to the present invention, the master device can acquire and set the last section number for exchanging signals with the slave device as the total number of sections, and the slave device also receives the second setting sent from the master device. All slave devices receive the timing signal at the same time, and the final section number can be obtained by subtracting the second setting timing (delay period) from the input timing of the signal at the second setting timing. Therefore, the slave device can acquire and set not only its own section number but also the total number of sections of the entire system.

  The third aspect of the signal transmission method for solving the above-described problem has a diagnostic mode for checking the exchange of signals performed for each channel in addition to the specific matter of the first or second aspect of the invention. After the master device outputs a signal toward the first-stage slave device on the downstream side and inputs the signal to the first channel, the slave device after the first stage is connected to the upstream-side master device or slave device. In the case where a relay channel for exchanging signals with a downstream slave device other than the first channel for exchanging signals is not provided, a signal is output to an upstream counterpart device as a terminal device, In the case where one or more relay channels are provided, the signal output to the downstream slave device and the downstream slave channel are provided for each relay channel. When the input of the signal output from the device is sequentially confirmed, and all the signals input from the downstream slave device are confirmed, the signal is output to the upstream counterpart device. By sequentially exchanging signals for each channel so as to coincide with the first diagnosis timing from the start of the diagnosis mode, when a signal is input to the provided channel, the section is determined to be normal. When the signal is not input, it is determined that an error has occurred in the section.

  In the present invention, when the diagnosis mode is executed periodically or during manual operation, signals are exchanged at each first diagnosis timing. First, the signal output from the first channel of the master device is in the first stage. After being input to the first channel of the slave device and completing the signal exchange downstream of the first-stage slave device, the first channel of the first-stage slave device to the first channel of the master device A signal is input to. After the signal exchange downstream of the first stage slave device is completed, the signal is input from the first channel of the first stage slave device to the first channel of the master device. If the master device includes the next channel, then the signal output from the next channel is input to the first channel of the next first-stage slave device, and the same processing is repeated. Then, when there is no first-stage slave device to which a signal is input next, the signal exchange that matches the first diagnosis timing is completed by the signal input from the final first-stage slave device to the master device. After the slave device in the first stage, the upstream slave device (relay slave device) performs input / output of signals for each channel in the same manner as the master device, while the terminal device that does not output signals downstream is used. The slave device outputs a signal to the upstream side of the first channel to which the signal is input and returns it. As a result, the exchange of signals between the slave devices on the downstream side is completed sequentially for each channel and for each slave device, and finally, from the last slave device in the first stage to the last of the master device. A signal is input to the channel. At this time, if a signal is input at the timing corresponding to the channel section number, it is determined that the signal can be normally exchanged. On the other hand, if the signal is not input at that timing, the section is used for signal exchange. It can be determined that an error occurs. Therefore, by simply transmitting and receiving signals between the channels of the master device and the slave device, it is possible to grasp the state between the channels through which signals are exchanged for each section before executing desired signal processing.

  The fourth aspect of the signal transmission method for solving the above-described problem has a diagnostic mode for checking the exchange of signals performed for each channel in addition to the specific matter of the first or second aspect of the invention. By exchanging signals for each channel at the start of the diagnostic mode, if a signal is input to the provided channel, the section is determined to be normal, while if the signal is not input It is characterized in that it is determined that an error has occurred in the section.

  In this invention, when the diagnosis mode is executed periodically or at the time of manual operation, a signal is output to the counterpart device of the counterpart device for each channel at the time when each device in the system matches, A signal is input for each channel. At this time, if a signal from the partner device is input, it is determined that the signal can be normally exchanged. On the other hand, if a signal from the partner device is not input, an error occurs in the signal exchange in that interval. It can be determined that it is in a state to perform. Therefore, by simply transmitting and receiving signals between the channels of the master device and the slave device, it is possible to grasp the state between the channels for exchanging signals for each section before executing desired signal processing.

  In a fifth aspect of the signal transmission method for solving the above-described problem, in addition to the specific matter of the third or fourth aspect, in the diagnosis mode, when it is determined that there is a section in which an error has occurred, the section number While the signal sent to the other device is simultaneously output at the second diagnosis timing corresponding to the signal, when the signal sent to the second diagnosis timing is input, the signal is simultaneously output to the other device. The signal is delivered in a relay format.

  In the present invention, when an interval in which an error occurs in signal exchange in the diagnosis mode is confirmed, a signal matching the second diagnosis timing corresponding to the interval is relayed simultaneously between other devices. Therefore, it is possible to notify the counterpart device that can receive the signal of the occurrence of the error, and it is possible to grasp the error occurrence section at the timing of receiving the signal of the second diagnosis timing, other than the device that grasped the error occurrence.

  According to a sixth aspect of the signal transmission method for solving the above problem, in addition to the specific matter of any of the first to fifth aspects of the invention, the signal processing device includes a flash means for emitting a flash as an output signal. A photoelectric conversion means for receiving light as an input signal and performing photoelectric conversion is provided, and signals are exchanged by flashing.

  According to the present invention, signals can be exchanged with a flash of intense light. Accordingly, signals can be instantaneously exchanged by flashing and relayed without laying wiring for transmitting signals between signal processing devices, and for example, synchronization can be achieved without deviation.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to grasp the section number and the total number of sections in which signals are exchanged by repeatedly passing and relaying a simple signal while matching a predetermined timing. It is possible to grasp a section in which an error occurs in the exchange, and to display and output it with a separate device in which no error has occurred. Therefore, for example, with a voltage sag survey system that investigates the effects of voltage sag by installing a voltage sag survey device in the line, it is easy to grasp the section number and total number of sections between sag survey devices that exchange trigger signals. In addition, it is possible to easily diagnose whether or not the trigger signal of each of the instantaneous voltage drop investigation devices can be normally exchanged. As a result, when an error has occurred, the error occurrence section can be easily grasped and dealt with quickly.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the best embodiment of the invention will be described based on the drawings. FIGS. 1-16 is a figure which shows 1st Embodiment of the voltage drop investigation system which is an example of the signal transmission system constructed | assembled by the signal processing apparatus which performs the signal transmission method based on this invention.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of equipment installed in a factory, and a distribution board 101 that is connected to a substation equipment or the like and distributes commercial power in the factory is installed. The distribution board 101 is connected to the production line equipment 102, the control boards 103 and 104, the sequencer 105, the display board 106, and the computer 107 in the production line 100.

  The production line equipment 102 includes, for example, a belt conveyor that conveys a product and various devices that process and inspect the product. The production line facility 102 is supplied with power from the distribution board 101 or relayed via another device. Various operations are executed and operated by supplying power.

  The control panel 103 receives power supply from the distribution board 101 and exchanges various control signals, detection signals, etc. with the control panel 104, the sequencer 105, etc., and controls the assigned parts of the production line equipment 102 in an integrated manner. To do. Similarly, the control panel 104 receives power supply from the distribution board 101 and controls the assigned part of the production line facility 102 and outputs an operation signal based on a control signal, a detection signal, and the like to the computer 107.

  The sequencer 105 receives power supply from the distribution board 101 and receives various control signals and detection signals from the control panels 104 and 105 and controls various timing signals for operating the production line equipment 102. The data is output to the panels 104 and 105 and the display panel 106. The display panel 106 receives various timing signals sent from the sequencer 105 and displays and outputs the operating status of the production line facility 102 by turning on / off / flashing the pilot lamps and displaying various instruments. The computer 107 is constituted by, for example, a personal computer, a monitor, etc., receives an operation signal sent from the control panel 104, accumulates the operation results, the operation status, and the like and outputs them on the monitor.

  In the production line 100, a plurality of signal processing devices for the voltage drop investigation device 10 and the signal relay device 20 are installed, and the voltage drop investigation device 10 and the signal relay device 20 include a battery or a battery. An instantaneous drop investigation system (signal transmission system) that operates by transmitting and exchanging desired signals in a relay manner without receiving power supply from the distribution board 101 is configured. Note that the voltage sag investigation device 10 and the signal relay device 20 may be provided with an uninterruptible power supply device and connected to a commercial power source.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the voltage drop investigation device 10 has a memory recorder function 11 that can record a plurality of waveforms, and can input voltage waveforms for a plurality of channels as analog signals as they are. A logic result (0/1 signal) based on electrical signals for a plurality of channels can be input as a logic signal via the logic probe 11a (shown in FIG. 7). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the instantaneous drop investigation device 10 can input and record four AC voltage waveforms as they are, and can input and record four logic signals. The memory recorder function 11 converts an analog signal into a digital signal by an analog (A) / digital (D) converter 11b (shown in FIG. 7) for arithmetic processing by a CPU (central processing unit) as will be described later.・ Enter and process.

  Specifically, as the analog input of the voltage sag investigation device 10, the voltage can be detected in parallel without being affected. Therefore, a voltmeter is directly connected to the wiring or circuit contact of the production line 100, and an analog voltage signal is obtained. Input the waveform. On the other hand, since the current and the circuit of the production line 100 are messed up, the clamp type current sensor (monitoring means) shown in FIG. ) 12 is connected. Here, when the clamp current sensor 12 is used as a detection target for a wiring through which a weak current flows, for example, a wiring (digital signal) for exchanging digital signals, as shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to wrap the electric wire D of the detection object around the clamp part 12a so that the electromagnetic induction which impedes efficiency may not occur.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, a magnetic field detection sensor (monitoring means) 13 such as a reed switch 13a is installed in the vicinity of the relay 113 in the circuit of the production line 100 as a logic input of the voltage drop investigation device 10. Has been. The magnetic field detection sensor 13 detects a change in magnetic field when the coil 113a of the relay 113 functions and inputs it as a logic signal via the logic probe 11a. The magnetic field detection sensor 13 is a sensor in which the reed switch 13a is housed in the container 13b.

  Further, as the logic input of the voltage drop investigation device 10, as shown in FIG. 6, an optical sensor (monitoring means) 14 such as a phototransistor 14a is installed at the facing position of the pilot lamp 114 in the circuit of the production line 100. It is connected. The optical sensor 14 detects a change in light intensity when the pilot lamp 114 is turned on / off / flashes, and inputs the change as a logic signal via the logic probe 11a. The optical sensor 14 has a phototransistor 14a housed in a container 14b in which a cylindrical inner peripheral surface is processed into a reflection surface. Also good.

  2, the sag investigation device 10 is attached such that the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 can exchange electrical signals via the trigger input / output device 18 illustrated in FIG. 7. One channel (CH) for transmitting a signal between the instantaneous drop investigation device 10 of the counterpart device in which a pair of the light receiving device 17 and the pair of light receiving devices 17 are separated is appropriately provided with one channel or two or more channels. The light emitting device 16 is configured by a so-called strobe device that immediately emits a flash of intense light by instantaneously passing a high voltage current through a discharge tube (flash means) 16a. In this light emitting device 16, a condenser lens 16b for emitting the flashlight as parallel light is attached to the front surface of the discharge tube 16a, and although not particularly shown, a flashlight is provided on the back surface side of the discharge tube 16a. A light collector is attached so as to reflect toward the front side. On the other hand, the light receiving device 17 is provided with a phototransistor (photoelectric conversion means) 17a that photoelectrically converts received light and outputs an electrical signal. In the light receiving device 17, a condensing lens 17b is attached to the front side of the phototransistor 17a so as to condense light from the outside onto the phototransistor 17a, and the phototransistor 17a does not receive unnecessary light. Thus, a disturbance prevention cover 17c extending from the condenser lens 17b toward the front side is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the voltage sag survey device 10 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary memory 33, a display control device 34, and a communication control device 35 that are connected to a bus 36. The logic probe 11a that realizes the input of the logic signal, the A / D converter 11b that realizes the input of the analog signal, and the exchange of the trigger signal described later between the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 The trigger input / output device 18 realizing the above is connected to the bus 36 via the input / output control device 37. Thereby, the sag investigation apparatus 10 implement | achieves exchanges, such as an analog signal, a logic signal, and a trigger signal synchronizing with operation | movement of CPU31, and performs the various processes as a sag investigation system.

  Specifically, the CPU 31 executes various processes in accordance with control programs and parameters stored in advance in the main memory 32. As shown in FIG. Various processing results such as voltage waveforms detected via the logic probe 11a and the A / D converter 11b at the time of an accident due to a momentary drop are displayed on the display 34a by the display controller 34. The input / output control device 37 is connected with an operation switch 38 for performing various input operations and a printer 39 for printing out the same contents as various processing results displayed on the display 34a. Yes. The auxiliary memory 33 is a memory card that can be attached and detached, and is used when data of various processing results is stored for a long period of time or read into a personal computer or the like for analysis. The communication control device 35 realizes remote control and data communication by wired connection or wireless connection to a personal computer or the like.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 31 performs analog input from the clamp-type current sensor 12 shown in FIG. The current (analog signal) is repeatedly sampled (monitored) and temporarily stored in the auxiliary memory 33 or the like, and an arithmetic process for comparing the analog signal with a parameter such as a preset threshold value is performed. Thus, it is confirmed whether or not an instantaneous drop (including instantaneous interruption, the same applies hereinafter) occurs in the production line 100. At this time, the CPU 31 confirms (detects) the occurrence of a sag in the investigation target portion of the production line 100 because the peak value of the detected voltage / current (analog signal) falls below a threshold value. In this case, a trigger signal is immediately generated and output to the trigger input / output device 18 via the input / output control device 37 so that the light emitting device 16 emits a flash, and at the same time, the timing is set in advance. An analog signal and a logic signal in a certain period are stored and held (recorded) in the main memory 32 so as to be rewritable. That is, the CPU 31 constitutes detection means and signal generation means, and the main memory 32 constitutes recording means.

  Similarly, the CPU 31 similarly receives a logic signal (logic result) corresponding to the state of the relay 113 and the pilot lamp 114 of the production line 100 that is logically input from the magnetic field detection sensor 13 shown in FIG. 5 and the optical sensor 14 shown in FIG. Is repeatedly sampled, and it is confirmed whether or not an instantaneous drop has occurred in the production line 100 by performing an arithmetic process for confirming whether or not it is in a normal state. At this time, the CPU 31 receives a 0/1 signal of a logic signal (failure signal) corresponding to driving / stopping of the relay 113 or turning on / off / flashing of the pilot lamp 114 when the operation is stopped due to the instantaneous drop. Similarly, when a signal is detected / confirmed, a trigger signal is immediately generated and a flash is emitted from the light emitting device 16, and at the same time, an analog signal or a logic signal for a preset period to include the timing is generated. It is stored and held in the main memory 32 so as to be rewritable.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the period in which the analog signal and the logic signal are stored / maintained in the main memory 32 is the period before the occurrence of the sag, and is the period before the accident. Is used as post-accident information, so that the influence that appears after the occurrence of the instantaneous voltage drop can be grasped from the analog signal or the logic signal. Specifically, the power supply power of the production line 100 and the voltage / current waveform in the device circuit before and after the occurrence of the sag can be grasped by analog signals, and the operation state of the device can be grasped by logic signals. It is possible to confirm a change caused by the instantaneous drop.

  The analog signals and logic signals stored / held in the main memory 32 are appropriately displayed on the display 34a, printed out (printed) by the printer 39, or via a communication control device 35, such as a personal computer. You may make it make an external apparatus transmit automatically. If the occurrence of a sag is not confirmed, the analog signal or logic signal to be temporarily stored can be stored for a certain period and then discarded, and the occurrence of a sag is confirmed within that storage period. It is designed to avoid wasting memory capacity unnecessarily by keeping it available for use. When the memory capacity permits, all of the analog signals and logic signals temporarily stored may be stored. If the analog signal or logic signal stored in the main memory 32 can be wired / wirelessly connected to an external storage device via the communication control device 35, the analog signal or logic signal is sent to the storage device. You may make it preserve | save.

  On the other hand, when there is an input of an electrical signal that is received and photoelectrically converted by the light receiving device 17 via the trigger input / output device 18 or the input / output control device 37, the CPU 31 receives the electrical signal and a preset threshold value. It is confirmed whether or not the light receiving device 17 has received a flash from the outside such as another instantaneous drop investigation device 10 or the like by performing arithmetic processing for comparing the parameters such as. At this time, even when the light receiving device 17 receives a flash from another light emitting device 16 and a voltage sag occurs in any of the production lines 100, a trigger signal is immediately generated and input / output is performed. It outputs to the trigger input / output device 18 via the control device 37 and emits a flash from the light emitting device 16, and at the same time, the analog signal and the logic signal in a preset period to include the timing can be rewritten. Store / hold in the memory 32. Since the light receiving device 17 is generally designed to perform photoelectric conversion when receiving light of a set level or higher, whether the light receiving device 17 receives flash light by adjusting the set level to flash light. It is also possible to omit the calculation process for determining whether or not to perform the process quickly. Further, the arithmetic processing for determining whether or not the light is received is not performed by the CPU 31 via the input / output control device 37 but by the trigger input / output device 18 as in the signal relay device 20 described later. By performing the dispersion process, the flash may be received and emitted quickly.

  Thereby, when the memory recorder function 11 in the own device detects the occurrence of the voltage drop, the voltage sag investigation device 10 records and stores the analog signal and logic signal detected by the memory recorder function 11, A trigger signal can be generated and a flash can be emitted from the light emitting device 16, and an analog signal or a logic signal detected by the memory recorder function 11 in the own device can be generated even when the light receiving device 17 receives the flash of the trigger signal. Recording and storage can be performed, and further, a trigger signal can be generated to cause the light emitting device 16 to emit a flash. In other words, the voltage sag investigation device 10 records and stores changes in analog signals and logic signals associated with the occurrence of a voltage sag in addition to the basic function of investigating whether or not a voltage sag occurs in a monitoring target. Can be transmitted as a flash of a trigger signal and transmitted to another instantaneous drop investigation device 10, and when the flash of the trigger signal is received, the flash of the trigger signal is emitted to generate another flash It can be relayed and transmitted to the low investigation device 10.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of sag investigation devices 10 make the trigger signal between the devices face each other so that the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 can exchange flash light. , A trigger signal for recording and storing an analog signal or a logic signal in the memory recorder function 11 can be immediately input / output by a plurality of units and transmitted in a relay manner. That is, the light emitting device 16 constitutes a signal output unit, the light receiving device 17 constitutes a signal input unit, and the CPU 31 constitutes a control unit for controlling the light emission and light reception.

  Here, the signal relay device 20 includes the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 in the same manner as the voltage drop investigation device 10, and is configured to be able to transmit a trigger signal. The light receiving device 17 receives an external flash. When this occurs, the light emitting device 16 is configured to emit a flash immediately. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9, the signal relay device 20 inputs and outputs the trigger signal as a flashlight and relays it immediately without laying wiring for transmitting the trigger signal between the devices together with the voltage drop investigation device 10. Can be transmitted.

  Therefore, when any of the voltage drop investigation devices 10 arranged in the production line 100 detects the occurrence of a voltage drop without laying a wiring for transmitting the trigger signal in the production line 100, a trigger signal is generated and the others. Can be transmitted directly to the voltage sag survey device 10 or via the other voltage sag survey device 10 or the signal relay device 20 in a relay manner, and by the voltage sag survey device 10 arranged in the production line 100. All monitoring target state changes (analog signals and logic signals) can be recorded and stored simultaneously.

  At this time, the flash light exchanged between the light-emitting device 16 and the light-receiving device 17 can be immediately emitted (emitted) unlike a general light, and the light-receiving device 17 can receive light from the flash emission command to the light-emitting device 16. The transmission delay time required until the light is received can be suppressed to several μsec. For this reason, commercial power is 60 Hz in western Japan, so a cycle is 1/60 sec of 16 msec (16000 μsec), whereas a trigger signal can be transmitted within a sufficiently short time. Even if the monitoring target changes, it is possible to record the state changes at a plurality of locations on the production line 100 at the same time without delaying the occurrence of the instantaneous drop so as not to be recorded. In eastern Japan, since one cycle is 20000 μsec at 50 Hz, similarly, state changes at a plurality of locations on the production line 100 can be simultaneously recorded without delay.

  As described above, the voltage sag investigation system according to the present embodiment monitors voltage / current waveforms, device operating conditions, and the like at a plurality of locations on the production line 100 in which various devices operate, and a voltage sag occurs in any of them. At the same time, by transmitting a trigger signal instantaneously in a relay system using flash, monitoring information before and after the occurrence of a sag can be recorded for each survey target, and the phenomenon (device status) that occurs simultaneously with the sag is correlated. Can be analyzed. As a result, it is possible to identify the cause of the malfunction, for example, whether the malfunction or the like in the production line 100 is truly caused by an instantaneous drop or an instantaneous drop in commercial power.

  As a result, voltage / current waveforms and device states that change in frequency units of power can be obtained simply by arranging the voltage drop investigation device 10 and the signal relay device 20 without laying work such as wiring unrelated to the production line 100. For example, it is possible to identify the location where an insufficiency occurs, which is a cause of inconvenience in the production line 100, and the location where an inconvenience occurs due to the instantaneous drop. Therefore, it is possible to clarify the optimum installation location of the uninterruptible power supply and the like, and take measures to make it possible to use power effectively.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the voltage sag investigation device 10 and the signal relay device 20 that construct this voltage sag survey system are in a state where trigger signals can be exchanged between each other, in other words, the respective light emission. The device 16 and the light receiving device 17 have a function of diagnosing whether or not the trigger signal (flash) can be transmitted to each other in a relay manner by performing normal light emission / light receiving operation for each channel CH. Each of the built-in CPUs 31 performs diagnosis as appropriate after executing the section setting mode for acquiring and setting the number of sections R (light receiving order) N and the total number of sections Nm for exchanging trigger signals as preparations for system diagnosis. Designed to run mode. Here, the signal relay device 20 includes a light emitting device 16 and a light receiving device 17 of at least two channels CH or more, and similarly to the normal operation, the upstream counterpart device (the voltage drop investigation device 10 or the signal relay device 20) In addition to the relay transmission that receives the trigger signal from the downstream counterpart device and relays it to the downstream counterpart device, the relay transmission that receives the trigger signal from the downstream counterpart device and passes it to the upstream counterpart device is also executed. The section setting mode and the diagnosis mode are executed between the voltage drop investigation devices 10.

  Here, one of the voltage drop investigation device 10 and the signal relay device 20 functions as a master device M of a system that transmits a trigger signal in a relay manner, and the other operates in response to a signal input from the master device M. In this embodiment, from the operation switch 38 so that the voltage sag investigation device 10 that investigates the presence / absence and effect of voltage sag in the distribution board 101 functions as the master device M. A case will be described in which the input setting is made from the operation switch 38 so that the other voltage drop investigation device 10 and the signal relay device 20 function as the slave device S.

  That is, the voltage drop investigation device 10 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the master device M) of the distribution board 101 functioning as the master device M includes one first channel CH1 including the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17. , With the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 of the first channel CH1 of the voltage drop investigating device 10 of the display panel 106 that functions as the first slave device S1 on the downstream side (hereinafter also referred to simply as the slave device S1, hereinafter the same). In the interval R between them, the flash of the trigger signal is emitted and received so that they can communicate with each other. On the other hand, the slave device S1 includes a second channel CH2 and a third channel CH3, and the second channel CH2 is further connected to the first channel CH1 of the voltage drop investigation device 10 (slave device S2) of the sequencer 105 on the downstream side. The third channel CH3 is similarly the first channel of the downstream signal relay device 20 (slave device S3). Opposite and installed so that the flash of the trigger signal can be emitted and received in the section R with CH1. Similarly, the slave device S3 includes a second channel CH2 and a third channel CH3. The second channel CH2 is further connected to each of the voltage drop investigation devices 10 (slave devices S4 and S5) on the downstream production line. In the section R with the first channel CH1, the trigger signal flashes are emitted and received so as to be opposed to each other and installed.

  The CPU 31 of the master device M and the slave devices S1 to S5, for example, starts the section setting mode at the start time of the section setting mode set in the operation switch 38, and matches the repetition at regular intervals. Designed to relay the trigger signal in a relay manner by repeating the flash emission and reception sequentially for each section R between the channels CH of the counterpart devices facing the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 at the set timing. In addition, the section number N (the number of repetitions of the first setting timing) based on the first elapsed time until the light receiving timing of the trigger signal (flash) for each channel CH (the integration period in which the first setting timing at regular intervals is repeated) Is acquired and set in the main memory 32.

  In addition, the CPU 31 receives a trigger signal (flash) at a timing that does not coincide with the first setting timing after the start of the section setting mode (a timing that deviates from repetition of a predetermined interval), and the timing is the second at the first setting timing. In the case where the set timing is added, it is designed so that the trigger signal is delivered in a relay manner at the same time by repeating the light emission and reception of the flash light immediately between the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17. Based on the second elapsed time until the (flash) light reception timing (addition period obtained by adding the second setting timing to the repetition of the first setting timing), the total number of sections Nm (second setting from the addition period to the second setting time) The number of repetitions of the first set timing during the integration period obtained by subtracting the timing) in the main memory 32 Set to.

  Specifically, the CPU 31 of the master device M causes the light emitting device 16 of the channel CH1 to emit light at a timing that coincides with the passage of the first setting timing from the start of the section setting mode, and trigger signal (flash) toward the slave device S1. ), After the trigger signal (flash) sent from the slave device S1 is received and received by the light receiving device 17, the first elapsed period from the start of the section setting mode to the light reception timing of the trigger signal Is divided by the interval of the first setting timing (hereinafter also simply referred to as the first setting timing, the same applies to other timing intervals), and the quotient is divided into the section number N in the light reception order of the channel CH1 and the total of the voltage drop investigation system. The number of sections Nm is set in the main memory 32. In addition, the CPU 31 of the master device M causes the light emitting device 16 of the channel CH1 to emit light at the timing obtained by adding the second setting timing to the light receiving timing of the light receiving device 17 of the channel CH1, and trigger signal to the slave device S1. Deliver (flash). Here, since the CPU 31 of the master device M is only the channel CH1, the trigger number (flash) is emitted to and received from the channel CH1 of the slave device S1, thereby obtaining the section number N and the like between them. Although it is possible to set, when a plurality of channel CHs are provided, the emission and reception of the trigger signal (flash) for each channel CH is completed in the same manner as slave devices S1 and S3 having a plurality of channel CHs described later. Then, after obtaining and setting the section number N and the like in the meantime, the trigger signal (flash) matching the second setting timing is delivered to the final slave device.

  On the other hand, the CPU 31 of the slave devices S2, S4, and S5 includes the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 for only one channel CH1, and at the timing that coincides with the first setting timing from the start of the section setting mode, The trigger signal (flash) generated by the light emitting device 16 of the master device M and the slave devices S1 and S3 is received by the light receiving device 17 of the channel CH1, so that the trigger signal is received from the start of the section setting mode. The first elapsed time period is divided by the first setting timing, and the section number N of the channel CH1 is set in the main memory 32. Further, the CPU 31 of the slave devices S2, S4, and S5 has a timing at which the first set timing has further elapsed from the light receiving timing of the light receiving device 17 of the channel CH1 because there is no downstream slave device that passes the trigger signal. In addition, by causing the light emitting device 16 of the channel CH1 to emit light, the trigger signal is returned to the master device M and the slave devices S1 and S3 that have transmitted the trigger signal.

  The CPU 31 of the slave devices S1 and S3 includes a plurality of channels CH1 to CH3. Similarly, the section number of the channel CH1 that receives the trigger signal (flash) from the upstream master device M and the slave device S1. After N is calculated and set in the main memory 32, the light emitting device 16 of the next channel CH2 is caused to emit light at the timing when the first setting timing further elapses from the light receiving timing of the channel CH1, and the next slave device S2. , S4 delivers the trigger signal. As a result, the CPU 31 of the slave devices S1 and S3 receives the trigger signal (flash) returned from the next slave device S2 and S4 by the light receiving device 17 of the channel CH2, and sets the section number N of the channel CH2. In the same manner, the trigger signals are sequentially exchanged for each channel CH, and the slave devices S1 and S3 further emit light from the next channel CH3. When the trigger signal is transferred to the next slave device S3, S5 by the light emission of 16 and the trigger signal (flash) returned from the next slave device S3, S5 of the light receiving device 17 of the channel CH3 is received, the channel The section number N of CH3 is calculated and set in the main memory 32. Thereafter, the CPU 31 of the slave devices S1 and S3 does not have a downstream slave device that passes the trigger signal, so that the first set timing has elapsed from the light receiving timing of the light receiving device 17 of the channel CH3. Then, the trigger signal is returned to the upstream master device M or slave device S1 that has transmitted the trigger signal by causing the light emitting device 16 of the channel CH1 to emit light.

  Here, when executing the section setting mode, the master device M and the slave devices S1 to S5 repeat the flash trigger signal from the upstream side to the downstream side so as to coincide with the preset timing. On the contrary, the relay that exchanges the trigger signal is performed so that the trigger signal of the flash light is sent back from the downstream side to the upstream side. In the normal mode functioning as the relay device 20, unlike the section setting mode and the diagnostic mode, the light emitting device 16 may emit a flash when the light receiving device 17 receives the flash in the same channel CH. As a result, the trigger signal is not transmitted and received without interruption.

  Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 and the timing chart of FIG. 13, the signal transmission method in the section setting mode and the periodic diagnosis mode of the voltage sag survey system includes each of the voltage sag survey device 10 and the signal relay device 20. The channel CH light-emitting device 16 and the light-receiving device 17 are set to face each other so that a trigger signal (flash) can be exchanged, and the time for starting the section setting mode and the periodical diagnosis mode is set to the operation switch 38 respectively. At the same time, the changeover switch of the operation switch 38 of the voltage drop investigation device 10 (master device M) of the distribution board 101 is set to the master side, and other voltage drop investigation devices 10 and signal relay devices 20 (slave devices S1 to S5). ) When the switch of the operation switch 38 is set to the slave side and then the respective power is turned on ( Step P1), each of CPU31 is, first, the built-in clock function begins its section setting mode to synchronize with the timing has been reached the start time of the interval setting mode (T0) (step P2). Here, in this section setting mode, since a trigger signal (flash) is exchanged every elapse of a predetermined period such as a preset first setting timing t, the time is measured for each of the master device M and the slave devices S1 to S5. The (counting) timing does not have to be completely coincident with each other as long as the times coincide within an error range in which the number of repetitions of the first set timing t1 can be accurately calculated.

  Next, the CPU 31 of each of the master device M and the slave devices S1 to S5 counts the elapsed time from the start of the section setting mode (T0), and receives the flash light (receives the trigger signal) by the light receiving device 17 of each channel CH. In parallel with the confirmation of the presence or absence, first, the master device M causes the light emitting device 16 of the channel CH1 to emit light when the first set timing t is counted (T0 + t), and the trigger signal (flash) is sent to the slave of the next stage. A transmission is made to the channel CH1 of the device S1 (step P3). Thus, the slave devices S1 to S5 in the subsequent stages receive the trigger signal (flash) in the light receiving device 17 of each channel CH and cause the light emitting device 16 to emit light from the upstream side to the downstream side, and further to the downstream side. By sequentially transmitting from the side to the upstream side in a relay manner, the section number N for each section R is calculated and acquired for each channel CH on the light receiving side, and stored and set in the main memory 32 (step P4). .

  In this step P4, first, when the slave device S1 at the next stage of the master device M receives and receives the trigger signal (flash) from the master device M by the light receiving device 17 of the channel CH1, the slave device S1 receives the light. By subtracting the start timing (T0) of the section setting mode from the timing (T0 + t) and dividing the difference (integration period of the first setting timing t) by the first setting timing t, the start of the section setting mode is started. The number of repetitions of the first set timing t until light reception is calculated (quotient), and the section number “1” of the section R of the channel CH1 that receives the trigger signal is set in the main memory 32.

  Since the slave device S1 includes the channels CH2 and CH3, first, when the first set timing t is further counted from the light reception timing of the trigger signal of the channel CH1 (T0 + 2t), the light emitting device of the channel CH2 16 is caused to emit light and a trigger signal is transmitted (hereinafter also simply referred to as channel CH transmission), so that the light receiving device 17 of the channel CH1 of the slave device S2 on the downstream side (next stage) receives the trigger signal. (Hereinafter also simply referred to as channel reception). At this time, when the slave device S2 receives the trigger signal (flash) from the upstream (previous) slave device S1 through the channel CH1, the slave device S2 subtracts the start timing (T0) of the section setting mode from the reception timing (T0 + 2t). Then, by dividing the difference by the first setting timing t, the number of repetitions of the first setting timing t from the start of the section setting mode to reception is calculated, and the channel CH1 that receives the trigger signal is calculated. The section number “2” is set in the main memory 32.

  Since this slave device S2 is only the channel CH1, when the first set timing t is further counted from the reception timing of the trigger signal of the channel CH1 (T0 + 3t), a trigger signal is transmitted (reply) from the channel CH1. As a result, the trigger signal is received by the channel CH2 of the slave device S1 on the upstream side. At this time, when the slave device S1 receives the trigger signal from the downstream slave device S2 through the channel CH2, the slave device S1 subtracts the start timing (T0) of the section setting mode from the reception timing (T0 + 3t), and calculates the difference therebetween. By dividing by one set timing t, the number of repetitions of the first set timing t from the start of the section setting mode to reception is calculated, and the section number “3” of the channel CH2 that receives the trigger signal is calculated. Set in the main memory 32.

  The slave device S1 waits until the exchange of the trigger signal on the channel CH3 is completed until the exchange on the channel CH2 is completed (setting of the section number N of the channel CH2 is completed). When the first set timing t is further counted from the reception timing (T0 + 3t), the trigger signal is transmitted from the channel CH3, so that the channel CH1 of the slave device S3 on the downstream side receives the trigger signal. At this time, when the slave device S3 receives the trigger signal from the upstream slave device S1 on the channel CH1, the sub-set timing start timing (T0) is subtracted from the reception timing (T0 + 4t), and the difference is calculated. By dividing by one set timing t, the number of repetitions of the first set timing t from the start of the section setting mode to light reception is calculated, and the section number “4” of the channel CH1 that receives the trigger signal is calculated. Set in the main memory 32.

  Since the slave device S3 includes channels CH2 and CH3 like the slave device S1, first, when the first set timing t is further counted from the reception timing of the trigger signal of the channel CH1 (T0 + 5t). By sending a trigger signal from channel CH2, channel CH1 of slave device S4 on the downstream side receives the trigger signal. At this time, when the slave device S4 receives the trigger signal from the upstream slave device S3 on the channel CH1, the sub-set time of the section setting mode (T0) is subtracted from the reception timing (T0 + 5t), and the difference is calculated. By dividing by 1 setting timing t, the number of repetitions of the first setting timing t from the start of the section setting mode to light reception is calculated, and the section number “5” of the channel CH1 that receives the trigger signal is calculated. Set in the main memory 32.

  Further, since the slave device S4 has only the channel CH1, when the first set timing t is further counted from the reception timing of the trigger signal of the channel CH1 (T0 + 6t), a trigger signal is transmitted (reply) from the channel CH1. As a result, the trigger signal is received by the channel CH2 of the slave device S3 on the upstream side. At this time, when the slave device S3 receives the trigger signal from the downstream slave device S4 on the channel CH2, the subtraction timing start time (T0) is subtracted from the reception timing (T0 + 6t), and the difference is calculated. By dividing by one set timing t, six repetitions of the first set timing t from the start of the section setting mode to reception are calculated, and the section number “6” of the channel CH2 that receives the trigger signal is calculated. Set in the main memory 32.

  Further, the slave device S3 waits until the exchange of the trigger signal in the channel CH3 is completed until the exchange in the channel CH2 is completed (setting of the section number N of the channel CH2 is completed), and the trigger signal of the channel CH2 When the first set timing t is further counted from the reception timing (T0 + 7t), the trigger signal is transmitted from the channel CH3, so that the channel CH1 of the slave device S5 on the downstream side receives the trigger signal. At this time, when the slave device S5 receives the trigger signal from the upstream slave device S3 on the channel CH1, it subtracts the start timing (T0) of the section setting mode from the reception timing (T0 + 7t), and obtains the difference. By dividing by one set timing t, the number of repetitions of the first set timing t until the light reception is calculated, and the section number “7” of the channel CH1 that receives the trigger signal is set in the main memory 32. To do.

  Further, since the slave device S5 is only the channel CH1, when the first set timing t is further counted from the reception timing of the trigger signal of the channel CH1 (T0 + 8t), a trigger signal is transmitted (reply) from the channel CH1. As a result, the trigger signal is received by the channel CH3 of the slave device S3 on the upstream side. At this time, when the slave device S3 receives the trigger signal from the downstream slave device S5 on the channel CH3, the slave device S3 subtracts the start timing (T0) of the section setting mode from the reception timing (T0 + 8t), and calculates the difference as the first difference. By dividing by 1 setting timing t, the number of repetitions of the first setting timing t from the start of the section setting mode to reception is calculated, and the section number “8” of the channel CH3 receiving the trigger signal is calculated. Set in the main memory 32.

  In addition, since the slave device S3 has completed the exchange of the trigger signals in the channels CH2 and CH3, when the first setting timing t is further counted from the reception timing of the trigger signal of the channel CH3 (T0 + 9t), By transmitting (replying) the trigger signal from the channel CH1, the trigger signal is received by the channel CH3 of the slave device S1 on the upstream side. At this time, when the slave device S1 receives the trigger signal from the downstream slave device S3 on the channel CH3, the slave device S1 subtracts the start timing (T0) of the section setting mode from the reception timing (T0 + 9t), and calculates the difference as the first difference. By dividing by one set timing t, nine repetitions of the first set timing t from the start of the section setting mode to reception are calculated, and the section number “9” of the channel CH3 that receives the trigger signal is calculated. Set in the main memory 32.

  On the other hand, when the setting of the section number N for each channel of the slave devices S1 to S5 is completed and the processing of step P4 is completed, the slave device S1 on the most upstream side finishes exchanging trigger signals on the channels CH2 and CH3. Therefore, when the first set timing t is further counted from the reception timing of the trigger signal of the channel CH3 (T0 + 10t), by sending (replying) the trigger signal from the channel CH1, the channel of the upstream master device M Let CH1 receive the trigger signal.

  At this time, when the master device M receives the trigger signal from the downstream slave device S1 on the channel CH1, the master device M subtracts the start timing (T0) of the section setting mode from the reception timing (T0 + 10t), and obtains the difference. By dividing by 1 set timing t, 10 repetitions of the first set timing t from the start of the section setting mode to reception are calculated, and the section number “10” of the channel CH1 that receives the trigger signal is calculated. Set in the main memory 32. At the same time, this master device M acquires and sets the section number N “10” of its own channel CH1 as the total number of sections Nm in this instantaneous drop investigation system, and in parallel from the downstream slave device S1. Trigger signal to complete this series of section setting modes (exit from section setting mode) at the time of counting the second setting timing α (T0 + 10t + α) by measuring the elapsed time from the reception (reply) timing of the trigger signal (Flash) is transmitted from the channel CH1 to the slave device S1 on the downstream side, and a transition is made to a normal mode in which the voltage drop investigation device 10 of the distribution board 101 normally operates in the voltage drop investigation device system described above (step P5). , S6).

  When one of the slave devices S1 to S5 receives the second trigger signal after the start of the section setting mode, the reception of the trigger signal deviates from the repetition of the first setting timing, and the second setting timing ( If the period coincides with the first setting timing t without shifting, the section setting mode is determined to be completed, which is the same as in the normal mode in which the normal operation described above is performed. At the same time as receiving the trigger signal, the light emitting devices 16 of channels CH2 and CH3 other than the receiving channel CH, that is, the channels CH1 and CH3 other than the channel CH1 receiving the trigger signal from the upstream side are caused to emit light toward the downstream slave device. By transmitting the trigger signal, the trigger signal is instantly transferred in a relay manner. The slave devices S1 to S5 that have received the second trigger signal at the second setting timing subtract the section setting mode start timing (T0) and the second setting timing α from the reception timing (T0 + 10t + α). By dividing the difference by the first setting timing t, the number of repetitions of the first setting timing t from the start of the section setting mode to the final reception is calculated, and the total number of sections in this instantaneous drop survey system After “10” is set in the main memory 32, the mode shifts to the normal mode in which the voltage drop investigation device 10 or the signal relay device 20 normally operates (steps P5 and S6).

  By the way, in this section setting mode, as shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 31 of each of the master device M and the slave devices S1 to S5 measures the elapsed time from the start of the section setting mode. If the trigger signal is not received even after the set setting period has elapsed (step P11), for example, it is determined that there is a setting failure in which the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 for each channel CH face each other. A message notifying the user that the signal cannot be received is displayed on the display 34a, and the section setting mode is terminated (step P12).

  Next, returning to FIG. 11, the section setting mode is completed, and the master device M in which the number N of the section R for each channel CH and the total number of sections Nm in the sag investigation apparatus system are set in each main memory 32. The CPU 31 of the slave devices S1 to S5 executes the periodical diagnosis mode when the time that the clock function measures reaches a predetermined time while continuing the normal operation as the voltage sag investigation device system (step) P6-S8).

  This periodic diagnosis mode is designed to diagnose whether or not normal operation is possible by exchanging a trigger signal between the master device M and the slave devices S1 to S5. The master device M and the slave device For example, the CPU 31 of S1 to S5 starts the diagnosis mode periodically (for example, once / day) at the time set in the operation switch 38, and sets the channel CH in which the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 face each other. It is designed to perform diagnosis for each section R by emitting and receiving a flash light for each section R and executing transmission and reception of a trigger signal. At this time, each CPU 31 determines whether it is a normal state in which the trigger signal can be appropriately relay-transmitted as an instantaneous drop investigation system or an error occurrence state in which the trigger signal cannot be transmitted for each section R. If it is judged by the presence or absence of the flash of light and it is in an error occurrence state, the section number N of the section R in which the trigger signal cannot be relayed is notified to the other device. The periodical diagnosis result is displayed on the display 34a and when the section number N of the section R where the trigger signal cannot be relayed is received, the section number N of the error occurrence section R is displayed on the display 34a. Notify the operator.

  Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 and the timing chart of FIG. 15, the CPU 31 of the master device M and the slave devices S <b> 1 to S <b> 5 starts the periodic diagnosis mode set in the operation switch 38 (T <b> 0). Then, the light emitting device 16 of the provided channel CH is caused to emit light and a trigger signal is transmitted (step P21), and the light receiving device 17 of that channel CH is within a period α in consideration of a time measurement error due to a preset clock function. The presence / absence of receiving a flash light (receiving a trigger signal) is confirmed (step P22). At this time, if the reception of the trigger signal in the channel CH provided is confirmed, the CPU 31 determines the trigger signal in the section R of the last section number 10 by the process described later from the start of the periodic diagnosis mode (T0). Until the time (T0 + 10t + α) until the exchange elapses, it is confirmed whether or not an error notification signal (trigger signal) exchanged in the processing described later is received (step P23), and the error notification signal is not received In this case, it is determined that no error has occurred in the section R between all the channels CH, and after the determination time has elapsed, the display 34a displays “no error section” so that the operator can visually recognize the error. Later, after a time (T0 + 20t + α) that takes into account the time required for a series of processes has elapsed, the periodic diagnosis mode is terminated. (Step P24).

  On the other hand, for example, if the slave device S4 is moved by some external force, a trigger signal cannot be exchanged with the slave device S3. In this case, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. In Steps P21 and P22, the trigger signals transmitted on the channel CH2 of the slave device S3 and the channel CH1 of the slave device S4 cannot be received at the start time (T0) of the periodic diagnosis mode, respectively. Since it is an error section in which trigger signals cannot be exchanged, the slave devices S3 and S4 shift to the error mode (step P25).

  The CPU 31 that has shifted to this error mode has elapsed (counted) after being delayed by the number of repetitions of the first diagnosis timing t corresponding to the section number N set in the main memory 32 of the channel CH where the error occurred. After that, the light emitting device 16 of each channel CH that is provided emits an error notification signal (trigger signal), and the CPU 31 that has received the error notification signal by the light receiving device 17 after the start of the periodic diagnosis mode is Simultaneously with the reception, the light emitting device 16 is caused to emit light and an error notification signal is transmitted in a relay manner (step P26).

  As a result, the slave device S4 in which the error has occurred in the channel CH1 of the section number 5 displays and outputs “error CH1” for notifying the channel CH in which the error has occurred on the display 34a, and also the section of the channel CH1. At the timing when the first diagnosis timing t corresponding to number 5 is repeated five times (T0 + 5t), the light emitting device 16 emits light and an error notification signal is transmitted, but the light receiving device 17 of the slave device S3 can receive light. Therefore, the error notification signal is not relayed and transmitted to the master device M or the like.

  In addition, the slave device S3 in which an error has occurred in the channel CH2 of the section number 6 displays and outputs “error CH2” informing the channel CH in which the error has occurred on the display 34a, and the section number of the channel CH2 Trigger from the channel CH of the last section number 10 by transmitting an error notification signal from the provided channels CH1 to CH3 at the time when the time (T0 + 6t) at which the first diagnosis timing t corresponding to 6 is repeated six times has passed. Before the time (T0 + 10t + α) until the exchange of signals elapses (step P27), the slave devices S1 and S5 can receive the error notification signal, and the error notification signal is transmitted from the slave device S1. Instantly transmit to slave device S2 and master device M Door can be.

  Therefore, the master device M and the slave devices S1, S2, and S5 subtract the start timing (T0) of the periodic diagnosis mode from the reception timing (T0 + 6t) of the error notification signal that is the second trigger signal, and calculate the difference therebetween. By dividing by one diagnosis timing t, six repetitions of the first diagnosis timing t from the start to reception of the periodic diagnosis mode are calculated, and it is received that an error has occurred in the section 6. The “error section 6” for notifying that an error has occurred in the section 6 can be displayed on the display 34a so that the operator can visually recognize it. After the elapse, the periodic diagnosis mode is terminated (Step P28).

  Here, even when the master device M and the slave device S1 are moved by some external force, the trigger signal cannot be exchanged between them. In this case, the master device M and the slave device S1 Since the sections 1 and 10 of the respective channels CH1 are error sections, the slave apparatus S1 can notify the slave apparatuses S2 to S5 on the downstream side that an error has occurred in the section 1, The error notification signal cannot be transferred to the device M. However, since the channel CH1 of the master device M cannot be received from the trigger signal at the start of the periodic diagnosis mode, the slave device S1 before the final time (T0 + 10t + α) at which the trigger signal is exchanged elapses. Even if the error notification signal is not received from (step P27), it is determined that the section 10 of the channel CH1 is an error section where the trigger signal cannot be exchanged, and the fact that an error has occurred in the section 10 is notified. The “error section 10” is displayed on the display 34a so that the operator can visually recognize it, and thereafter, after a time (T0 + 20t + α) considering a series of processes has elapsed, the periodic diagnosis mode is ended (step P29). .

  Thus, in this embodiment, each section R which exchanges the trigger signal by exchanging the trigger signal in conformity with a predetermined timing and transmitting the trigger signal from the master apparatus M to the slave apparatuses S1 to S5 in a relay manner. No. N and its total number of sections Nm can be acquired and set, and the section R incapable of exchanging trigger signals can also be used as a master device M capable of exchanging trigger signals at the timing corresponding to the section number N. By transmitting in a relay manner between the slave devices S1 to S5, other devices can be notified and displayed. As a result, the operator can check whether the trigger signal can be normally exchanged without checking all devices, and if an error has occurred, the number N of the section R can be remotely set. It can be easily grasped even from a device that performs. Therefore, when an error occurs, the error section R can be easily identified and dealt with quickly.

  Next, FIG. 17 to FIG. 19 are diagrams showing a second embodiment of a voltage sag investigation system that is an example of a signal transmission system constructed by a signal processing apparatus that executes a signal transmission method according to the present invention. In addition, since this embodiment is comprised in the substantially the same way as the above-mentioned embodiment, a characteristic part is demonstrated using FIG.

  In FIG. 1 to FIG. 9, in the voltage drop survey system, the production line equipment 102, the control panels 103 and 104, the sequencer 105, the display panel 106, and the computer 107 are connected to the distribution board 101 as in the above embodiment. The production line 100 is constructed by installing a plurality of voltage drop investigation devices 10 and signal relay devices 20, and the production line 100 can be constructed without laying a wiring for transmitting a trigger signal in the production line 100. When any of the arranged voltage drop investigation devices 10 detects the occurrence of voltage drop, a flash trigger signal is exchanged between the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17, so that the other voltage drop investigation devices 10 directly. Alternatively, the trigger signal can be transmitted immediately (instantaneously) via the other voltage drop investigation device 10 or the signal relay device 20 in a relay manner. It can be stored state change of all monitored (analog signal and logic signals) at the same time recorded and the sag survey device 10 disposed in line 100.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the voltage sag investigation device 10 and the signal relay device 20 that construct the voltage sag survey system are configured so that the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 face each other for each channel CH and normally emit and receive light. Each CPU 31 is configured to acquire and set the number N of the section R for exchanging the trigger signal and the total number of sections Nm, and to transmit the trigger signal to each other in a relay manner. Designed to run a diagnostic mode to diagnose whether or not

  Further, the voltage drop investigation device 10 and the signal relay device 20 are input and set from the operation switch 38 so as to function as the master device M or the slave devices S1 to S5, respectively, and each CPU 31 sets the section after the power is turned on. By executing the mode, the flash trigger signal is relay-transmitted between the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 according to the signal transmission method shown in the flowcharts and timing charts of FIGS. The number N of the section R and the total number of sections Nm in the instantaneous drop investigation system are set in the main memory 32 (steps P1 to P12).

  Then, referring back to FIG. 11, the section setting mode is completed, and the number N of the section R for each channel CH and the total number of sections Nm in the sag investigation apparatus system are set in the respective main memories 32. The CPU 31 of the M and slave devices S1 to S5 confirms the time when the clock function counts while continuing the normal operation as the voltage sag investigation device system, and when the predetermined time is reached, the periodic diagnosis mode Is executed (steps P6 to P8).

  This periodic diagnosis mode is diagnosed as to whether or not it can operate normally by exchanging a trigger signal between the master device M and each of the slave devices S1 to S5 in a relay manner in substantially the same manner as the section setting mode described above. The CPU 31 of the master device M and the slave devices S1 to S5 starts the periodic diagnosis mode at a fixed time set in the operation switch 38, and the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 face each other. After the trigger signal is instantaneously relayed and transmitted for each section R between the channels CH and the trigger signal is instantaneously relayed, the first diagnosis timing coincides with the repetition of a fixed interval from the start of the periodic diagnosis mode. By repeating the light emission and reception of the flash for each section R between the channels CH in sequence, and passing the trigger signal to the relay type It is designed to perform the diagnosis for each of the sections R. At this time, each CPU 31 determines whether it is a normal state in which the trigger signal can be appropriately relay-transmitted as an instantaneous drop investigation system or an error occurrence state in which the trigger signal cannot be transmitted for each section R. If it is judged by the presence / absence of the reception of the flash light and an error has occurred, the section number N of the section R in which the trigger signal cannot be relayed is notified to the other device. When the diagnosis result is displayed on the display 34a and the notification of the section number N of the section R where the trigger signal cannot be relayed is received, the number N of the error occurrence section R is displayed and output on the display 34a. Notify the operator.

  Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17 and the timing chart of FIG. 18, the signal transmission method in the periodic diagnosis mode of the voltage sag investigation system is the start time (T0) of the periodic diagnosis mode set in the operation switch 38. ), The CPU 31 of the master device M transmits a trigger signal from the provided channel CH1 (step P31), while the CPU 31 of the slave devices S1 to S5 is in a waiting period until a predetermined period of time elapses. Each channel CH confirms whether or not the trigger signal transmitted from the master device M is received (steps P32 and P33), and if the reception of the trigger signal cannot be confirmed during the waiting period, The interval R is fixed, including the case where an error that the trigger signal cannot be exchanged has occurred. It is determined that the diagnostic mode is in an inexecutable state, and the display 34a displays and outputs “occurrence of an error indicating that the periodic diagnostic mode cannot be performed” so that the operator can visually recognize, and the periodic diagnostic mode is terminated (step P34). .

  On the other hand, when the reception of the trigger signal transmitted from the master device M can be confirmed during the standby period, the trigger signal is exchanged between the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 between the channels CH. Therefore, the CPU 31 of the master device M indicates the trigger signal transmission timing, and the slave devices S1 to S5 indicate the trigger signal reception timing. After synchronizing with the start time (T0) of the periodic diagnosis mode, the periodic diagnosis mode is continued (step P35).

  Here, in this periodic diagnosis mode, if the trigger signal can be exchanged between the channel CH of the master device M and the slave devices S1 to S5, it can be accurately synchronized. It is not necessary to set the diagnosis timing t for a certain period in the periodical diagnosis mode, and the periodical diagnosis mode can be designed to be completed in a short period of time. Needless to say, in the above-described section setting mode, the setting timings t and α may be set to an extremely short time and finished within a short time by synchronizing the start timing. In addition, the light emitting device 16 and the light receiving device 17 for each channel CH of the master device M and the slave devices S1 to S5, when performing the synchronization process, in the same channel CH as in the execution of the normal mode. When the light receiving device 17 receives the flash light, the light emitting device 16 does not emit the flash light. Therefore, the transmission and reception of the trigger signal are not chained without interruption.

  After this, the CPU 31 of the master device M triggers the trigger signal from the channel CH1 when the second set timing α is counted (T0 + α) for a sufficient period necessary for the synchronization process including itself from the start of the periodic diagnosis mode (T0). Is transmitted (step P36). On the other hand, the CPU 31 of the slave devices S1 to S5 coincides with the first diagnosis timing t when each channel CH1 receives a trigger signal from the master device M or the upstream slave device, as in the section setting mode described above. In this way, the trigger signal is sequentially transmitted from the other channels CH2 and 3 provided to the downstream counterpart device, and only the channel CH1 not provided with the other channels CH2 and 3 is provided. When the trigger signal from the device is received, similarly, the trigger signal is sequentially returned from the channel CH1 to the upstream partner device by delaying it so as to coincide with the first diagnosis timing t, and between each channel CH. It is confirmed whether or not relay transmission that normally exchanges trigger signals for each section R can be performed (step P37).

  In this step P37, when the slave device S1 receives the trigger signal from the master device M on the channel CH1, the slave device S1 includes the channels CH2 and CH3. First, the trigger signal reception timing on the channel CH1. When the first diagnosis timing t is further counted (T0 + t + α), a trigger signal is transmitted from the channel CH2, and the trigger signal is received by the channel CH1 of the slave device S2 on the downstream side. Since this slave device S2 is only channel CH1, when the first setting timing t is further counted from the reception timing of the trigger signal of that channel CH1 (T0 + 2t + α), a trigger signal is transmitted (returned) from the same channel CH1. Thus, the trigger signal is received by the channel CH2 of the upstream slave device S1. Then, since this slave device S1 finishes the exchange on the channel CH2 with the slave device S2, when the first set timing t is further counted from the reception timing of the trigger signal of the channel CH2 (T0 + 3t + α). ), A trigger signal is transmitted from the channel CH3, and the trigger signal is received by the channel CH1 of the slave device S3 on the downstream side.

  Since the slave device S3 includes the channels CH2 and CH3 like the slave device S1, first, when the first set timing t is further counted from the reception timing of the trigger signal of the channel CH1 (T0 + 4t + α), A trigger signal is transmitted from the channel CH2, and the trigger signal is received by the channel CH1 of the slave device S4 on the downstream side. Since this slave device S4 is only the channel CH1, when the first setting timing t is further counted from the reception timing of the trigger signal of the channel CH1 (T0 + 5t + α), the trigger signal is transmitted (returned) from the same channel CH1. Thus, the trigger signal is received by the channel CH2 of the upstream slave device S3. Then, the slave device S3 finishes the exchange on the channel CH2 with the slave device S4. Therefore, when the first set timing t is further counted from the reception timing of the trigger signal of the channel CH2 (T0 + 6t + α). Then, a trigger signal is transmitted from the channel CH3, and the trigger signal is received by the channel CH1 of the slave device S5 on the downstream side. Further, since the slave device S5 is only the channel CH1, when the first set timing t is further counted from the reception timing of the trigger signal of the channel CH1 (T0 + 7t + α), a trigger signal is transmitted (reply) from the same channel CH1. Then, the trigger signal is received by the channel CH3 of the slave device S3 on the upstream side.

  As a result, since the slave device S3 has finished exchanging trigger signals on the channels CH2 and CH3, the channel CH1 is counted when the first set timing t is further counted (T0 + 8t + α) from the trigger signal reception timing on the channel CH3. Trigger signal is transmitted (returned) to the channel CH3 of the upstream slave device S1 to receive the trigger signal.

  As a result, when the reception of the trigger signal exchanged in each section R by each channel CH of the slave devices S1 to S5 is confirmed (step P38), the trigger on the channels CH2 and CH3 is also detected in the most upstream slave device S1. Since the exchange of signals is completed, when the first set timing t is further counted from the reception timing of the trigger signal of the channel CH3 (T0 + 9t + α), the trigger signal is transmitted (returned) from the channel CH1, and the upstream master The channel CH1 of the device M is caused to receive the trigger signal.

  At this time, when the master device M receives the trigger signal from the downstream slave device S1 on the channel CH1, the channel CH1 is set until the first set timing t is further counted (T0 + 10t + α) from the reception timing (T0 + 9t + α). It can be confirmed that the trigger signal has been received (step P39), and it is determined that no error has occurred in all the sections R due to the reception of the trigger signal within this period. ”Is displayed and output by the operator, and thereafter, after a time (T0 + 20t + α) considering a series of processes has elapsed, the periodic diagnosis mode is ended (step P40).

  On the other hand, for example, if the slave device S4 is moved by some external force, a trigger signal cannot be exchanged with the slave device S3. In this case, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. In steps P32 and P33, the trigger signal transmitted by the channel CH2 of the slave device S3 at the start time (T0) of the periodic diagnosis mode cannot be received by the channel CH1 of the slave device S4. It is determined that the period 5 is in a state in which the periodic diagnosis mode cannot be executed, and the display 34a displays and outputs “occurrence of an error indicating that the periodic diagnosis mode cannot be executed” so that the operator can visually recognize and ends the periodical diagnosis mode. (Step P34).

  In the slave device S3, even if the channel CH1 receives the trigger signal from the upstream slave device S1 and transmits the trigger signal from the channel CH2 to the downstream slave device S4, the trigger signal is transmitted from the slave device S4. Is not transmitted (reply), so in step P38, the trigger signal cannot be received on the channel CH2, and it is determined that the periodical diagnosis mode cannot be executed in the section 6, and an error is immediately detected. The mode is changed (step P41).

  The CPU 31 that has shifted to the error mode in this way starts from the timing corresponding to the section number N that should have received the trigger signal on the channel CH where the error occurred, and the total number of sections Nm set in the main memory 32. When the time delayed by the second diagnosis timing (Nmt) corresponding to the number of repetitions of the first diagnosis timing t corresponding to the elapse (count), the light emitting device 16 of each channel CH provided is caused to emit light and an error notification signal ( Trigger signal), and after the delay time in which the first diagnosis timing t is repeated for the total number of sections Nm has elapsed (counted) from the start of the periodic diagnosis mode, CPU31 which received the error alerting signal which is a subsequent trigger signal, without receiving the reply of the trigger signal, Sometimes the light emitting device 16 to emit light is adapted to transmit an error notification signal to the relay type.

  As a result, the slave device S3 in which an error has occurred in the channel CH2 of the section number 6 repeats the first diagnosis timing t by the total number of sections 10 times at the timing (T0 + 5t + α) at which the trigger signal should be received on the channel CH2. When the second diagnostic timing (10t) has elapsed (T0 + 15t + α), the light emitting device 16 of the channels CH1 to CH3 is made to emit light and an error notification signal is transmitted (step P42), and processing when an error occurs is performed. Before a sufficient time (T0 + 20t + α) elapses (step P43), the error notification signal can be received by the slave devices S1 and S5, and the error notification signal is transmitted from the slave device S1 to the slave device S2. It can be transmitted to the master device M instantly.

  Therefore, the master device M and the slave devices S1, S2, and S5 change the start timing (T0 + α) and the second diagnosis timing (10t) of the periodic diagnosis mode from the reception timing (T0 + 15t + α) of the error notification signal that is the second trigger signal. By subtracting and dividing the difference by the first diagnosis timing t to “+1”, six times of the number of repetitions of the first diagnosis timing t from the start of the periodic diagnosis mode to reception are calculated. 6 can receive that an error has occurred, and by displaying and displaying on the display 34a "error section 6" notifying that an error has occurred in that section 6, the operator can visually recognize this. Later, after a time (T0 + 20t + α) considering a series of processes has elapsed, the periodic diagnosis mode is terminated (step P 4).

  Here, even when the master device M and the slave device S1 are moved by some external force, the trigger signal cannot be exchanged between them. In this case, the master device M and the slave device S1 Since the sections 1 and 10 of the respective channels CH1 are error sections, the periodic diagnosis mode itself cannot be started and the error notification signal cannot be received. CH1 cannot receive a trigger signal or an error notification signal when the diagnosis mode is normally terminated from the slave device S1 before the time (T0 + 20t + α) at which an error can be sufficiently performed has elapsed. In this case (step P43), the section 10 of the channel CH1 is determined as an error section in which the trigger signal cannot be exchanged. Then, “error section 10” for notifying that an error has occurred in the section 10 is displayed on the display 34a so that the operator can visually recognize it. After the period elapses, the periodic diagnosis mode is terminated (step P45).

  As described above, in this embodiment, in addition to the operational effects of the above-described embodiment, the diagnosis timings t and α are not set for a long period of time, for example, several tens of seconds, in order to take into account the timing error due to the clock function. It can be set to an extremely short time of less than 1 second, and the period during which the sag check is interrupted can be made as short as possible. Therefore, the instantaneous drop survey can be performed as accurately as possible.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described so far, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented in various forms within the scope of the technical idea. For example, an example of installation on a line that performs a cooperative operation will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a system that monitors a plurality of devices that operate independently and investigates an instantaneous drop. Needless to say.

  Further, the voltage drop investigation device 10 and the signal relay device 20 will be described by way of an example in which a trigger signal is transmitted by flash light (so-called white light), but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to a system in which an operator or the like cannot recognize light emission by using a method or a radio wave method having no directivity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure which shows 1st Embodiment of the sag investigation system which is an example of the signal transmission system constructed | assembled by the signal processing apparatus which performs the signal transmission method which concerns on this invention, and shows the arrangement | positioning relationship with the equipment of the investigation object FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the schematic whole structure of the instantaneous drop investigation apparatus. It is a wave form diagram which shows the monitoring information which monitors the investigation object. It is a figure which shows the means to monitor the investigation object, (a) is a perspective view which shows the whole structure, (b) is a perspective view which shows the application example. It is a see-through | perspective perspective view which shows the whole structure of the means to monitor the investigation object. It is a see-through | perspective perspective view which shows the whole structure of the means to monitor the investigation object. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the instantaneous drop investigation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the process which the instantaneous drop investigation apparatus performs. It is a conceptual diagram which shows transmission of the trigger signal. It is a block diagram which shows the relationship of the channel which exchanges a trigger signal between the apparatuses which construct the instantaneous drop investigation system. It is a flowchart explaining the section setting mode in the signal transmission method. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine in the area setting mode. It is a timing chart explaining the section setting mode. It is a flowchart explaining the periodical diagnosis mode in the signal transmission method. It is a timing chart explaining the periodical diagnosis mode when the error has not occurred between the channels which exchange the trigger signal. It is a timing chart explaining the periodical diagnosis mode when an error occurs between channels that exchange the trigger signal. It is a figure which shows 2nd Embodiment of the sag investigation system which is an example of the signal transmission system constructed | assembled by the signal processing apparatus which performs the signal transmission method which concerns on this invention, and demonstrates the regular diagnosis mode in the signal transmission method It is a flowchart. It is a timing chart explaining the periodical diagnosis mode when the error has not occurred between the channels which exchange the trigger signal. It is a timing chart explaining the periodical diagnosis mode when an error occurs between channels that exchange the trigger signal.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Instantaneous drop investigation apparatus 11 ... Memory recorder function 12 ... Clamp-type current sensor 13 ... Magnetic field detection sensor 14 ... Optical sensor 16 ... Light-emitting device 16a ... Discharge tube 16b, 17b ... Condensing lens 17 …… Light receiving device 17a …… Phototransistor 17c …… Disturbance prevention cover 18 …… Trigger input / output device 20 …… Signal relay device 31 …… CPU 32 …… Main memory 33 …… Auxiliary memory 34 …… Display control device 35… ... Communication control device 37 ... Input / output control device 38 ... Operation switch 39 ... Printer 100 ... Production line 101 ... Distribution panel 102 ... Production line equipment 103, 104 ... Control panel 105 ... Sequencer 106 ... … Display panel 107 …… Computer 113 …… Relay 114 …… Pilot lamp

Claims (20)

A signal processing apparatus that is installed together with one or both counterpart devices on the upstream side or downstream side for delivering a signal and constructs a system that exchanges signals with the counterpart device in a relay manner,
It has an output unit that outputs a signal to the counterpart device and an input unit that inputs a signal from the counterpart device, and includes one or more channels for exchanging signals, and exchanges signals between the channels. With a control unit to control,
The control unit has a section setting mode for acquiring and setting a section number in a system between channels for exchanging signals with a partner device. In the section setting mode, each control unit has a section setting mode. By sequentially executing the exchange of signals so as to coincide with the first setting timing from the start of the mode, the section number corresponding to the timing at which the input unit of the provided channel inputs the signal from the counterpart device is obtained and A signal processing apparatus characterized in that it is set to a channel.   In the section setting mode when functioning as a master for monitoring the system, the control unit triggers the start timing of the section setting mode to output a signal to a partner apparatus on the downstream side and to respond to the signal. 2. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal input from the apparatus is sequentially performed for each channel to be used.   In the section setting mode when the control unit is arranged downstream of the master device and functions as a slave, the signal input from the upstream counterpart device is used as a trigger to output the signal to the downstream counterpart device. 3. The signal according to claim 2, wherein a signal is output to the upstream partner device after sequentially inputting signals from the counterpart device responding to the signal for each channel to be used. Processing equipment.   In the section setting mode when functioning as a master, the control unit acquires and sets the total number of sections in the system according to the timing when the exchange of signals with the counterpart device for each channel to be used is completed. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein:   In the section setting mode when functioning as a master, the control unit is arranged on the downstream side as a slave at the second setting timing after the exchange of signals with the counterpart device for each channel to be used is completed. 5. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a signal is output to a functioning counterpart apparatus.   In the section setting mode when the control unit is arranged downstream of the master device and functions as a slave, when the second setting timing signal sent from the master device is input, another control unit simultaneously The signal processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the signal processing apparatus outputs a signal to the apparatus, and acquires and sets the total number of sections in the system according to the input timing of the signal at the second setting timing.   The control unit has a diagnostic mode for checking the exchange of signals with the counterpart device for each channel. In the diagnostic mode, the control unit exchanges signals as each channel in the system from the start of the mode. By executing sequentially so as to coincide with one diagnosis timing, when a signal from the counterpart device is input to the input unit of the channel, it is determined that the section is normal, while the signal from the counterpart device is The signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is not input, it is determined that an error has occurred in the section.   The control unit has a diagnostic mode for checking the exchange of signals with the counterpart device for each channel. In the diagnostic mode, the exchange of signals as each channel in the system is executed at the start of the mode. Thus, when a signal from the counterpart device is input to the input unit of the channel, the section is determined to be normal. On the other hand, when a signal from the counterpart device is not input, an error occurs in the section. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination is made.   The control unit, when determining that there is a section in which an error has occurred, simultaneously outputs a signal to a partner apparatus for each channel at a second diagnosis timing corresponding to the section number. 9. The signal processing device according to 7 or 8.   When the signal of the second diagnosis timing is sent from the counterpart device, the control unit simultaneously outputs a signal to the counterpart device of another channel and transfers the signal to the other counterpart device in a relay format. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that:   11. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the error occurrence section is confirmed, the control section displays the error occurrence section on a display unit having the error section.   12. A signal transmission system constructed by connecting any one or two or more of the signal processing devices according to claim 1 to 11 in a serial or tree form so that signals can be exchanged. .   The signal processing device includes: a monitoring unit that monitors an investigation target; a detection unit that detects the occurrence of an instantaneous power drop based on the monitoring information; and a signal that generates a trigger signal based on the detection information about the instantaneous voltage drop Generating means, and recording means for recording a change in state of the investigation object that is the same as or different from the investigation object when an internally or externally generated trigger signal is received. 13. The signal transmission system according to claim 12, wherein the signal transmission system functions as a voltage sag investigation device that records a change in state of each survey target at the time of occurrence of a low voltage, and constitutes a voltage sag survey system.   13. The signal processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the output unit includes a flash unit that emits a flash as an output signal, and the input unit includes a photoelectric conversion unit that receives light as an input signal and performs photoelectric conversion. Or the signal transmission system of 13. A method of connecting signal processing devices having one or more channels for exchanging signals in series or in a tree form and transmitting signals between the signal processing devices in a relay manner,
It has a section setting mode that acquires and sets section numbers between channels that exchange signals,
In the section setting mode,
After a signal is output from a signal processing device functioning as a master for monitoring the system to a signal processing device functioning as a first-stage slave on the downstream side and input to the first channel,
The slave devices after the first stage are
If there is no relay channel for exchanging signals with a downstream slave device other than the first channel for exchanging signals with an upstream master device or slave device, the signal is sent upstream as a terminal device. While output to the other device
When one or more relay channels are provided, the output of the signal toward the downstream slave device and the input of the signal output from the downstream slave device are confirmed for each relay channel. When all the signals input from the downstream slave device are confirmed, a signal is output toward the upstream counterpart device.
By sequentially executing the signal exchange for each channel so as to coincide with the first setting timing from the start of the section setting mode, the section number corresponding to the timing when the signal is input to the provided channel is obtained. A signal transmission method characterized in that the channel is set to the channel. In the section setting mode,
The master device acquires and sets the section number in which the final exchange has been performed with the slave apparatus as the total number of sections for transmitting the signal, and at the second setting timing after the exchange of the signal is completed, While outputting a signal toward the downstream slave device,
When the second setting timing signal sent from the master device is input, the slave device simultaneously outputs a signal to another slave device and the input timing of the second setting timing signal. 16. The signal transmission method according to claim 15, wherein the total number of sections for transmitting a signal is acquired and set in accordance with. It has a diagnostic mode that checks the exchange of signals performed for each channel,
In the diagnostic mode,
After outputting a signal from the master device toward the first stage slave device on the downstream side and inputting it to the first channel,
The slave devices after the first stage are
If there is no relay channel for exchanging signals with a downstream slave device other than the first channel for exchanging signals with an upstream master device or slave device, the signal is sent upstream as a terminal device. While output to the other device
When one or more relay channels are provided, the output of the signal toward the downstream slave device and the input of the signal output from the downstream slave device are confirmed for each relay channel. Are performed sequentially, and when all the signals input from the downstream slave device are confirmed, a signal is output toward the upstream counterpart device.
By sequentially executing the signal exchange for each channel so as to coincide with the first diagnosis timing from the start of the diagnosis mode, it is determined that the section is normal when the signal is input to the provided channel. The signal transmission method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, when the signal is not input, it is determined that an error has occurred in the section. It has a diagnostic mode that checks the exchange of signals performed for each channel,
In the diagnostic mode,
By exchanging signals for each channel at the start of the diagnostic mode, if a signal is input to the provided channel, the section is determined to be normal, while if the signal is not input, The signal transmission method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein an error is determined to occur in a section.   In the diagnosis mode, when it is determined that there is an interval in which an error has occurred, a signal to another device is simultaneously output at the second diagnosis timing corresponding to the interval number, while being sent to the second diagnosis timing. 19. The signal processing method according to claim 17, wherein when a received signal is input, the signal is simultaneously output to another device and the signal is transferred in a relay format. The signal processing device includes a flash unit that emits a flash as an output signal, and also includes a photoelectric conversion unit that receives and photoelectrically converts light as an input signal, and exchanges signals using the flash. The signal transmission method according to any one of 15 to 19.

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