JP2011022890A - Programmable controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a programmable controller which needs no additional programmable controller when more terminals are needed in excess of existing terminals. <P>SOLUTION: The programmable controller 1 includes, on a front panel 3, one or a plurality of fixed-function terminals 9, 13 fixed in number and having fixed terminal functions for input or output, and one or a plurality of variable-function terminals 19 whose terminal function can be selected by a user operation for input and output. The programmable controller 1 has: first display elements 23, 25 near the fixed-terminal terminals, the first display elements operating in a fixed display mode corresponding to the terminal functions of the fixed-function terminals; and second display elements 27, 29 near the variable-function terminals, the second display elements operating in a display configuration corresponding to the selected terminal function of the variable-function terminals. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a programmable controller in which terminals having fixed terminal functions are fixedly arranged.

  A programmable controller is widely used as a control device for factory automation installed in a production factory or the like. The programmable controller includes a CPU, an I / O memory, a program memory, and the like. In the programmable controller, the CPU performs an IN refresh process for fetching a signal input from the input terminal into the I / O memory. The CPU also executes an OUT refresh process that executes an operation based on the sequence program in the program memory, writes the operation execution result to the I / O memory, and outputs the result to the output terminal. An input device such as a sensor is connected to the input terminal. An external device such as an actuator is connected to the output terminal. An input device such as a sensor senses the state of the control device and inputs the information to the input terminal. An external device such as an actuator drives the control device in response to the output from the output terminal (see Patent Document 1).

  In the above programmable controller, the input terminal only type with only the input terminal placed on the equipment panel, the output terminal only type with only the output terminal placed on the equipment panel, and the same input terminal and output terminal mixed There is a terminal mixed type arranged on the equipment panel.

  In such a programmable controller, the terminal function is arranged with the input and output terminals fixed numerically, so depending on the control state in the production factory, for example, the number of input terminals and output terminals may be exceeded. In addition, even if those terminals need only a few additional terminals, it is necessary to separately purchase a programmable controller having terminals corresponding to the number of terminals.

  There is also an input / output selectable type programmable controller in which multiple input / output terminals, both input and output terminals, are arranged on the same device panel. It is necessary to provide a circuit and an output circuit. When these input / output terminals are used exclusively for input terminals, when used exclusively for output terminals, the configuration of the entire programmable controller becomes expensive.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-259079

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is that a programmable controller in which each terminal is numerically fixed and arranged exclusively for input and output is programmable even if the number of terminals exceeding the number of terminals is required. The need to purchase a controller separately.

  A programmable controller according to the present invention includes, on an equipment panel, one or more function fixing terminals whose terminal functions are fixed, and one or more function variable terminals whose terminal functions are variable by a user. A first display element that performs a display operation in a display mode fixed corresponding to the terminal function of the function fixing terminal is provided in the vicinity of the function fixing terminal, and the selected terminal function in the function variable terminal is provided in the vicinity of the function variable terminal. A second display element that performs a display operation in a display mode corresponding to the above is provided.

  In the present invention, when a fixed function terminal is used for input or output, for example, when an input terminal is additionally required, the user can input the function as a function variable terminal by the required number. Since it is only necessary to select the function, for example, even if the number of input terminals and output terminals exceeds the number of terminals, and those terminals need only a few terminals, for example, a programmable terminal having a terminal corresponding to the number of terminals separately. No need to purchase a controller.

  Note that an input / output selectable type programmable controller in which a plurality of input / output terminals that are both input terminals and output terminals are arranged on the same device panel needs to have an input circuit and an output circuit for each input / output terminal. Yes, when these input / output terminals are used exclusively for input terminals, when used exclusively for output terminals, the configuration of the entire programmable controller becomes expensive.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, the fixed function terminals and variable function terminals are mixed, so that a fixed number of fixed function terminals are expected to be used, and one or both of the input and output terminals are additionally provided. When necessary, it is only necessary to select and use the function of the function variable terminal for the necessary number of terminals, so that it is possible to provide a programmable controller with an inexpensive configuration unlike the above.

  And in this invention, the 1st display element which carries out a display operation in the display mode fixed corresponding to the terminal function of the said function fixed terminal is provided near the said function fixed terminal, The said function variable terminal is provided near the said function variable terminal. Since the second display element that performs the display operation in the display mode corresponding to the terminal function selected in the terminal is provided, the user is operating which function fixed terminal is used from the display mode of the first display element with respect to the function fixed terminal. As for the function variable terminal, it is easy to use the function variable terminal from the display mode of the second display element, in which terminal function the function variable terminal is used and operating.

  Preferably, the second display element displays, for each function variable terminal, an input display element that performs a display operation when the function variable terminal is used as an input terminal, and when the function variable terminal is used as an output terminal. An operating output display element is arranged.

  According to the present invention, in the programmable controller in which each terminal is fixed and arranged numerically for input and output only, the programmable controller is separately provided even when the number of terminals exceeds the number of terminals arranged. You can meet your needs without purchasing them.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a front panel of a programmable controller according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection state between a connection terminal unit provided on the front panel of the programmable controller of FIG. 1 and a power source and an input device, and particularly a case where the input / output terminal unit is used as an input terminal. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a connection state between a connection terminal unit provided on the front panel of the programmable controller of FIG. 1 and a power source and an input device, and particularly a case where the input / output terminal unit is used as an output terminal. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input circuit. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output circuit. FIG. 6 shows an example of an input / output circuit, and particularly shows a case where the input / output circuit is used as an input circuit. FIG. 7 shows an example of an input / output circuit, and particularly shows a case where the input / output circuit is used as an output circuit.

  Hereinafter, a programmable controller according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The programmable controller of the embodiment can be applied to both a building block type and an integral type. In the embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the building block type and the integrated type will be described without distinction.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a programmable controller 1 includes a connection terminal portion 5 for external wiring on a front panel 3 that is a device panel.

  The connection terminal portion 5 includes an input terminal portion 5a, an output terminal portion 5b, and an input / output terminal portion 5c. The input terminal portion 5 a includes a power supply terminal 7 and a plurality of input terminals 9. The output terminal unit 5 b includes a power supply terminal 11, a plurality of output terminals 13, and a ground terminal 15. The input / output terminal portion 5 c includes a power supply terminal 17, a plurality of input / output terminals 19, and a ground terminal 21.

  Further, in the connection terminal portion 5, an input display element 23 that operates in a display mode in response to signal input is disposed in the vicinity of each input terminal 9 of the input terminal portion 5a. The input display element 23 is an element that emits red light, for example. The input display element 23 is composed of a light emitting diode, for example.

  In the vicinity of each output terminal 13 of the output terminal portion 5b, an output display element 25 that operates in a display mode in response to signal output is disposed. The output display element 25 is an element that emits blue light, for example. The output display element 25 is composed of a light emitting diode, for example.

  An input display element 27 that operates in a display mode in response to a signal input and an output display element 29 that operates in a display mode in response to a signal output are disposed in the vicinity of each input / output terminal 19 of the input / output terminal portion 5c. Yes. The input display element 27 is a display element made of a light emitting diode that emits red light, for example. The output display element 29 is a display element made of, for example, a light emitting diode that emits blue light.

  Of course, the emission colors of these display elements can be selected in various ways, and the emission modes include various emission modes such as continuous emission and flashing emission, and are not particularly limited.

  Both the input terminal 9 and the output terminal 13 are used exclusively for input or output as function-fixed terminals in the programmable controller 1.

  The input / output terminal 19 is used as a function variable terminal that can be selected by the user for input and output in the programmable controller 1.

  Then, when it is necessary to use additional input terminals beyond the number of input terminals 9 installed, the input / output terminals 19 can be used as input terminals by the required number. Similarly, if additional output terminals are required beyond the number of output terminals 13, the input / output terminals 19 can be used as output terminals for the required number.

  As a result, in the embodiment, even if additional input terminals and output terminals are required beyond the number of installed input terminals 9 and output terminals 13, a number of terminals corresponding to the number of additional terminals are provided separately. There is no need to purchase a programmable controller.

  A case where the input / output terminal 19 is used as, for example, an input terminal will be described with reference to FIG. In the input terminal portion 5a, a power source 35 is connected to the power source terminal 7 on the user side. The input terminal 9 is connected to an input device 37 (shown as a contact shape for simplicity of illustration) such as a sensor on the user side. The input terminal 9 is a function-fixed terminal whose function is fixed for input. An input device (a switch as an example) 37 is connected to the input terminal 9 by wiring. A power supply 35 is connected to the power supply terminal 7 by wiring. Each input device 37 is commonly supplied with power from a power terminal 35. An ON / OFF signal of the input device 37 is input to each input terminal 9. Between the power supply terminal 7 and the input terminal 9, the power supply 35 and each input device 37 are commonly connected in series.

  In the output terminal portion 5b, an output device such as an actuator 41 (shown in a block shape for simplicity of illustration) 41 is connected to the output terminal 13 on the user side. The output terminal 13 is a function-fixed terminal whose function is fixed for output, and an output device 41 is connected to the output terminal 13. A drive signal for driving the output device 41 is input to the output terminal 13. Between the power supply terminal 11 and the output terminal 13, the power supply 39 and each output device 41 are commonly connected in series. Between the power supply terminal 11 and the output terminal 13, the power supply 39 and each output device 41 are commonly connected in series.

  In the input / output terminal portion 5c, when the input / output terminal 19 is used as an input terminal by a user operation, the input device 45 is connected to the input / output terminal 19 on the user side. A power supply 43 is connected to the power supply terminal 17 by wiring. The power supply 43 is commonly supplied from the power supply terminal 17 to the input devices 45. An ON / OFF signal of the input device 45 is input to each input / output terminal 19. Between the power supply terminal 17 and the input / output terminal 19, the power supply 43 and each input device 45 are commonly connected in series.

  A case where the input / output terminal 19 is used as an output terminal, for example, will be described with reference to FIG. In the input / output terminal portion 5c, the input / output terminal 19 is used as an output terminal by a user operation, so that the output device 47 is connected to the input / output terminal 19 on the user side. A power supply 43 is connected to the power supply terminal 17 by wiring. The power supply 43 is commonly supplied from the power supply terminal 17 to the output devices 47. A signal is input to the output device 47 at each input / output terminal 19. Between the power supply terminal 17 and the input / output terminal 19, the power supply 43 and each output device 47 are commonly connected in series.

  With reference to FIG. 4, the input circuit 49 connected to the input terminal 9 in the input terminal portion 5a will be described. The input circuit 49 generally includes an input display element 23, a photocoupler 51, and an internal circuit 53. The input circuit 49 shown in FIG. 4 has a schematic configuration. The input display element 23 is connected in series with the light emitting diode 51 a in the photocoupler 51 between the power supply terminal 7 and the input terminal 9. The photocoupler 51 includes the light emitting diode 51a and the light receiving transistor 51b. When the input device 37 is turned on, the input display element 23 is driven by the current from the power source 35 to emit red light, and the light emitting diode 51a of the photocoupler 51 emits light. In response, the light receiving transistor 51b is turned on. The internal circuit 53 transmits a predetermined input signal into the programmable controller 1.

  Then, when the user visually recognizes the light emission of the input display element 23, the user can confirm that the input device 37 is operated and a signal is input into the programmable controller 1.

  In FIG. 3, the direct current specification is used, but in the case of the alternating current power supply specification, the input display element 23 is composed of two input operation display elements in which two light emitting diodes are connected in antiparallel, while the photocoupler 51. The light emitting diode 51a may be configured by connecting two light emitting diodes in antiparallel. In this case, the input display element is turned ON / OFF depending on the power supply frequency, and flashes and emits light.

  The output circuit 55 will be described with reference to FIG. The output circuit 55 generally includes an output display element 25, a photocoupler 57, and an internal circuit 59. The output display element 25 is connected in series with the light receiving transistor 57 a in the photocoupler 57 between the power supply terminal 11 and the output terminal 13. The photocoupler 57 includes a light receiving transistor 57a and a light emitting diode 57b. When driving the output device 41, a signal for driving the light emitting diode 57b of the photocoupler 57 to emit light is output from the internal circuit 59, whereby the light receiving transistor 57a of the photocoupler 57 is turned on, whereby the DC power source 39 is supplied to the output device 41. Is supplied and the output device 41 operates. The output display element 25 is driven by a current generated by the conduction of the photocoupler 57 to emit blue light, and displays the output operation state to the user. The user can confirm that the output device 41 has been driven by visually recognizing the light emission of the output display element 25.

  The power supply of the output circuit 55 shown in FIG. 5 is DC drive by the DC power supply 39, but may be AC drive. In this case, the output display element 25 in the output circuit 55 is connected in reverse parallel to two light emitting diodes. In this case, the output display element 25 may be disposed on the light emitting diode 57b side of the photocoupler 57 in order to avoid the output display element 25 from blinking.

  The input / output circuit 61 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 shows a case where the input / output terminal 19 is used as an input terminal. In FIG. 6, a power source 63 and an input device 45 are commonly connected in series between the input / output terminal 19 and the ground terminal 21.

  In the input / output circuit 61, the output display element 27 is provided on the light emitting diode 65 a side of the photocoupler 65, and the input display element 29 is provided on the light receiving transistor 67 b side of the photocoupler 67. The photocoupler 65 includes a light receiving transistor 65b and a light emitting diode 65a. The photocoupler 67 includes a light emitting diode 67a and a light receiving transistor 67b.

  When the input / output terminal 19 is used as an input terminal, when the contact indicating the input device 45 is turned ON, the light-emitting diode 67a of the photocoupler 67 emits light by the current from the power supply 63, so that the light-receiving transistor 67b of the photocoupler 67. Is conducted, and the input display element 29 is energized to emit light.

  FIG. 7 shows a case where the input / output terminal 19 is used as an output terminal. A power supply 63 and an output device 47 are commonly connected in series between the power supply terminal 17 and the input / output terminal 19. When the input / output terminal 19 is used as an output terminal, a light-emitting diode 65a of the photocoupler 65 is turned on and emits light by a signal from an internal circuit, whereby the light-receiving transistor 65b is turned on. As a result, power is supplied to the output device 47 and the output device 47 is driven. The output display element 27 emits light by driving a current that flows when the light emitting diode 65a is turned on.

  As described above, in the embodiment, the input terminal 9 as one or a plurality of function-fixed terminals on the front panel 3 in which the number of arrangement is fixed numerically and the terminal function is fixed for input or output. An output terminal 13 and an input / output terminal 19 as one or a plurality of function variable terminals whose terminal functions can be selected by a user operation for input and output by a user operation are provided. If, for example, additional input terminals are required beyond the number of input terminals 9, the number of input / output terminals 19 corresponding to that number is used for input, and additionally, for example, output terminals are provided. If necessary, the number of input / output terminals 19 corresponding to the number of output terminals 13 can be used for output. For example, when only a few terminals are required, there is no need to separately purchase a programmable controller having terminals corresponding to the number of arrangement.

1 Programmable Controller 3 Front Panel 5 Connection Terminal

Claims (2)

On the instrument panel,
One or more function-fixed terminals with fixed terminal functions;
One or more function variable terminals whose terminal functions are variable by the user;
With
In the vicinity of the fixed function terminal, a first display element that performs a display operation in a display mode fixed corresponding to the terminal function of the fixed function terminal is provided.
In the vicinity of the function variable terminal, a second display element that performs display operation in a display mode corresponding to the selected terminal function in the function variable terminal is provided.
A programmable controller characterized by that.   The second display element has, for each function variable terminal, an input display element that performs a display operation when the function variable terminal is used as an input terminal, and an output that performs a display operation when the function variable terminal is used as an output terminal. The programmable controller according to claim 1, wherein the programmable controller is configured by arranging a display element.

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