JP2014119909A - Communication coupler, information processor, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology for preventing a damage occurrence by restricting the propriety of on-line connection to a low-order device connected to a controller.SOLUTION: A communication coupler 52 is connected to a CPU unit through a field network 2, and connected to a support device through a general-purpose interface 170. The communication coupler 52 stores connection setting information 103 showing setting of the propriety of connection to the support device via the general-purpose interface 170. When an on-line connection request is received from the support device, the communication coupler 52 refers to the setting of the connection setting information 103, and in the case that connection inhibition is set, that the communication coupler 52 normally operates, and that a slave device does not perform a degeneration operation, the communication coupler 52 determines that on-line connection is impossible, and restricts on-line connection by the support device.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for controlling the operation authority of a control system used for controlling the operation of a machine or equipment.

  Machines and equipment used in many production sites are typically controlled by a control system including a programmable controller (hereinafter also referred to as “PLC”). In such a control system, the PLC has functions such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) unit and an IO (Input Output) unit responsible for signal input from an external switch or sensor and signal output to an external relay or actuator. Including units. The PLC is connected to a plurality of remote IO terminals via a network. Each remote IO terminal includes a communication coupler and one or more IO units.

  As a control system as described above, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting a connection abnormality of a slave device in a network system including a master device and a plurality of slave devices. The data transmitted from the master device is returned to the master device after sequentially passing from the most upstream slave device to the most downstream slave device.

  In order to support the design and construction of such a control system, software for simulating the configuration of the control system on a PC (Personal Computer) or the like and setting the control system is provided. Thereby, a control system designer or the like can set the control system in consideration of the performance of each unit. A designer or the like connects a PC on which software is installed to a CPU unit or a communication coupler via a communication interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), for example, and sets the CPU unit or the communication coupler.

JP 2012-195653 A

  At the time of starting up the control system, a lower-level device (such as a communication coupler) connected to the higher-level controller may be operated before installing a higher-level controller serving as a master device. In this case, the PC can be connected online to lower-level devices (communication couplers, etc.), and information acquisition and setting of these devices can be performed by software running on the PC, thereby speeding up the startup of the control system. Yes.

  However, if the control system is operating normally and online connection is possible without restriction to lower-level devices, there is a risk that damage such as human damage and property damage may occur due to an operation error of the end user. is there. On the other hand, when an abnormality occurs in the control system, there is a demand for promptly connecting a PC or the like online to a lower-level device in order to investigate the cause at an early stage.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention enables online connection to a lower-level device under a certain situation such as when an abnormality occurs in a FA (Factory Automation) system or the like, and is in a normal operating state. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique for preventing damage caused by a third party or the like connecting and operating a PC or the like to a lower-level device such as a communication coupler.

  The communication coupler according to one embodiment is connected to the operation unit of the controller via a field network, functions as a master device, and can communicate with a slave device via a system bus. A communication coupler stores a communication interface for connecting to an information processing apparatus for performing operation settings of the communication coupler, and connection setting information indicating whether online connection between the information processing apparatus and the communication coupler is permitted. And a control unit that restricts online connection with the information processing device based on the connection setting information when the information processing device is connected to the communication coupler via the communication interface.

  Preferably, the setting indicated in the connection setting information includes a connection permission setting indicating that the communication coupler permits online connection with the information processing apparatus via the communication interface, and online connection with the information processing apparatus via the communication interface. A connection prohibition setting indicating that the connection prohibition setting is indicated, and when the connection prohibition setting is indicated, the control unit performs information processing when an abnormal operation occurs in the network including the communication coupler and the slave device of the communication coupler. The online connection with the communication coupler by the apparatus may be permitted, and the online connection with the communication coupler by the information processing apparatus may be prohibited when the occurrence of abnormal operation is not detected in the network.

  Preferably, when the connection prohibition setting is indicated, the control unit may permit online connection with the communication coupler by the information processing apparatus when the operation of the communication coupler is an abnormal operation.

  Preferably, when the connection prohibition setting is indicated, the control unit may permit online connection with the communication coupler by the information processing device when the operation of the slave device connected to the communication coupler is a degenerate operation. .

  Preferably, the setting indicated in the connection setting information includes a connection permission setting indicating that the communication coupler permits online connection with the information processing apparatus via the communication interface, and online connection with the information processing apparatus via the communication interface. Connection prohibition setting indicating that the connection should be prohibited, the control unit is a case where the connection prohibition setting is indicated, and when the communication coupler is operating normally and the operation of the slave device is not a degenerate operation, Online connection with the information processing apparatus may be prohibited.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus can be connected online to the arithmetic unit, and the communication coupler is connected to the arithmetic unit connected to the information processing apparatus via a field network, and connected from the information processing apparatus via the arithmetic unit. An update of the setting information may be accepted.

  Preferably, the setting indicated in the connection setting information includes a connection permission setting indicating that the communication coupler permits online connection with the information processing apparatus via the communication interface, and online connection with the information processing apparatus via the communication interface. The communication coupler detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the field network based on communication processing via the field network, and the control unit indicates the connection prohibition setting. When an occurrence of an abnormality in the field network is detected, online connection with the information processing apparatus may be permitted.

  Preferably, the setting indicated in the connection setting information includes a connection permission setting indicating that the communication coupler permits online connection with the information processing apparatus via the communication interface, and online connection with the information processing apparatus via the communication interface. The communication coupler detects a connection with the field network, and the control unit detects a connection prohibition setting, and the connection with the field network is not detected. In such a case, online connection with the information processing apparatus may be permitted.

  Preferably, the control unit may receive an update of connection setting information by the information processing apparatus connected online when the communication coupler is online connected to the information processing apparatus.

  According to another embodiment, an information processing apparatus that can be connected to a communication coupler via a communication interface is provided. The communication coupler is connected to the operation unit of the controller via the field network, functions as a master device, can communicate with the slave device via the system bus, and indicates whether online connection between the information processing device and the communication coupler is permitted The information processing apparatus includes a storage unit for storing connection setting information, and the information processing apparatus acquires an acquisition result for determining whether or not to connect to the communication coupler based on the connection setting information; And a display unit for displaying on the monitor that the connection with the communication coupler is impossible according to the setting contents of the connection setting information.

  According to another embodiment, a control method is provided for controlling the operation of a communication coupler connected to the arithmetic unit of the controller via a field network. The communication coupler functions as a master device and can communicate with the slave device via the system bus. The communication interface for connecting to the information processing device for setting the operation of the communication coupler, and the online connection between the information processing device and the communication coupler. And a memory for storing connection setting information indicating whether or not the connection is permitted. The control method includes a step of restricting online connection with the information processing apparatus based on the connection setting information when the communication coupler is connected to the information processing apparatus via the communication interface.

  According to another embodiment, there is provided a program for controlling the operation of a communication coupler connected to the arithmetic unit of the controller via a field network. The communication coupler functions as a master device, can communicate with a slave device via a system bus, and includes a communication interface for connecting to an information processing device for setting the operation of the communication coupler, a processor, an information processing device, and a communication coupler. And a memory for storing connection setting information indicating whether online connection is possible. The program causes the processor to execute a step of restricting online connection with the information processing apparatus based on the connection setting information when the information processing apparatus and the communication coupler are connected via the communication interface.

  The communication coupler according to the above-described embodiment allows for online connection under certain conditions such as when an abnormality occurs, and causes damage by restricting the connection from the information processing apparatus such as an end user to the communication coupler according to the setting. Can be prevented.

  The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the control system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the connection structure of the remote IO terminal 5 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the communication coupler 52 which comprises the remote IO terminal 5 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the functional unit 54 of the remote IO terminal 5 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the connection structure of PLC1 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of CPU unit 13 which comprises PLC1 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the support apparatus 8 connected to PLC1 which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the connection setting information 103 which the communication coupler 52 hold | maintains. 10 is a flowchart showing processing for determining whether or not the communication coupler 52 permits online connection with the support device 8 via the communication interface 170. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing in which the support device 8 sets a communication coupler 52 via the CPU unit 13. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen when the support device 8 receives an editing operation of 103 of the communication coupler 52. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a screen when the connection of the communication coupler 52 and the support apparatus 8 is impossible. 6 is a flowchart showing processing for determining whether or not the support device 8 can be connected to the communication coupler 52;

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<A. Example of control system configuration>
First, a configuration example of the control system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, control system SYS includes PLC 1, servo motor driver 3 and remote IO terminal 5 connected to PLC 1 via field network 2, detection switch 6 and relay 7 which are field devices. . A support device 8 is connected to the PLC 1 via a connection cable 10 or the like.

  The PLC 1 includes a CPU unit 13 that executes main arithmetic processing and one or more functional units 14. These functional units 14 are configured to exchange data with each other via the PLC system bus 11 which is a system bus (internal bus). Further, the power supply unit 12 is supplied with power of an appropriate voltage to the functional unit 14. Such a functional unit 14 includes an IO unit and a special unit.

  The IO unit is a unit related to general input / output processing, and controls input / output of binarized data such as on / off. That is, the IO unit collects information indicating whether the sensor such as the detection switch 6 is in a state where any object is detected (ON) or in a state where no object is detected (OFF). Further, the IO unit outputs either a command for activation (ON) or a command for inactivation (OFF) to an output destination such as the relay 7 or the actuator.

  The special unit has functions not supported by the IO unit, such as input / output of analog data, temperature control, and communication using a specific communication method.

  The field network 2 transmits various data exchanged with the CPU unit 13. As the field network 2, various types of industrial Ethernet (registered trademark) can be used. Examples of the industrial Ethernet (registered trademark) include EtherCAT (registered trademark), PROFINET (registered trademark), MECHATROLINK (registered trademark) -III, Powerlink, SERCOS (registered trademark) -III, and CIP Motion. Further, a field network other than industrial Ethernet (registered trademark) may be used. For example, DeviceNet, CompoNet (registered trademark), or the like may be used.

  The servo motor driver 3 is connected to the CPU unit 13 via the field network 2 and drives the servo motor 4 according to a command value from the CPU unit 13.

  One or more remote IO terminals 5 are further connected to the field network 2 of the control system SYS shown in FIG. As with the functional unit 14, the remote IO terminal 5 performs processing related to general input / output processing. More specifically, the remote IO terminal 5 includes a communication coupler 52 for performing processing related to data transmission in the field network 2 and one or more functional units 54 (including IO units and special units). . These functional units 54 are configured to exchange data with each other via a remote IO terminal bus 51 which is a system bus (internal bus).

  The communication coupler 52 controls the operation of the functional unit 54 and also controls data transmission with the CPU unit 13. The communication coupler 52 is connected to the CPU unit 13 of the PLC 1 via the field network 2. Further, the communication coupler 52 can be connected to the support device 8 via a communication interface.

  In the remote IO terminal 5, the communication coupler 52 mainly manages (as a master) data transmission via the remote IO terminal bus 51 with the functional unit 54 (IO unit or special unit) to be mounted. Similarly, in the PLC 1, the CPU unit 13 mainly manages (as a master) data transmission via the PLC system bus 11 with the functional unit 14 (IO unit or special unit) to be mounted.

  Therefore, in the following description, the communication coupler 52 in the remote IO terminal 5 and the CPU unit 13 in the PLC 1 are also referred to as “master device” or “bus master”, focusing on their functions. On the other hand, the functional unit connected to the communication coupler 52 in the remote IO terminal 5 and the functional unit connected to the CPU unit 13 in the PLC 1 are also referred to as “slave devices” focusing on the functions.

  Further, in the communication coupler 52 and the CPU unit 13, processing described later is realized by an installed processor executing a system program. Therefore, it can be said that the communication coupler 52 and the CPU unit 13 are processing devices that execute various processes.

  Further, the support device 8 can be directly connected to the CPU unit 13 or the communication coupler 52 via a communication interface, and performs setting of the CPU unit 13 or the communication coupler 52 according to a user operation. The support device 8 can also be connected to the CPU unit 13 via a communication interface and set the communication coupler 52 via the CPU unit 13. When the support device 8 and the CPU unit 13 are connected, the operation authority by the user is authenticated. At the stage of constructing the control system SYS, prior to the setting of the CPU unit 13, the support device 8 and the communication coupler 52 are connected online via the communication interface, and the setting of the communication coupler 52 is performed from the support device 8. We are trying to speed up. After the control system SYS is constructed as will be described later, if the communication coupler 52 and the support device 8 can be connected online at any time, damage may occur due to an operation error of the user. 8 is limited to allow online connection only under certain conditions. Note that since the operation authority is authenticated when the support device 8 and the CPU unit 13 are connected, when the support device 8 is connected to the communication coupler 52 via the CPU unit 13, the setting of the communication coupler 52 is performed. Can be performed from the support device 8.

<B. Hardware configuration of remote IO terminal 5>
Next, a hardware configuration of the remote IO terminal 5 that constitutes a part of the control system SYS according to the present embodiment will be described.

(B1. Connection configuration)
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a connection configuration of the remote IO terminal 5 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, in remote IO terminal 5, one or more functional units 54-1, 54-2, 54-3,... Are remote IO terminal bus 51 (downlink 511 and uplink 512) that are communication lines. ), The data can be transmitted to and from the communication coupler 52.

  As an example, in the downlink 511 and the uplink 512, serial communication is adopted, and target data is transmitted in a form arranged in a line in time series. More specifically, in the downlink 511, data is transmitted in one direction via the downlink 511 from the communication coupler 52 functioning as a master device to the functional unit 54 functioning as a slave device. On the other hand, on the uplink 512, data is transmitted in one direction via the uplink 512 from one of the functional units 54 to the communication coupler 52.

  When each of the functional units 54 receives a frame transmitted on the downlink 511 or the uplink 512, the functional unit 54 decodes data from the frame and performs necessary processing. Each functional unit 54 regenerates the frame and then retransmits (forwards) it to the next functional unit 54.

  In order to realize such sequential transfer of frames including data, each functional unit 54 is also referred to as a reception unit (hereinafter also referred to as “RX”) 210 a and a transmission unit (hereinafter referred to as “TX”) with respect to the downlink 511. ) 210b and for uplink 512, it includes a receiver 220a and a transmitter 220b. The receiving units 210a and 220a receive data transmitted as frames from other functional units 54 via the remote IO terminal bus 51 which is a communication line. The transmission units 210b and 220b transmit data as frames to other functional units 54 via the remote IO terminal bus 51 which is a communication line.

  Each functional unit 54 includes a processor 200, which controls the processing of these data.

  The communication coupler 52 includes a processor 100 that is a computation subject, a fieldbus control unit 110, a reception unit 112, a transmission unit 114, an internal bus control unit 130, and a communication interface 170. That is, the communication coupler 52 is not only connected to the remote IO terminal bus 51 (downlink 511 and uplink 512) but also connected to the field network 2 that is a higher-level communication network via the reception unit 112 and the transmission unit 114. Is done. The field bus control unit 110 manages data transmission via the field network 2, and the internal bus control unit 130 manages data transmission via the remote IO terminal bus 51. The communication interface 170 is, for example, a USB or the like, and can be connected to the external support device 8 or the like via a cable or the like.

(B2. Configuration of communication coupler 52)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of the communication coupler 52 constituting the remote IO terminal 5 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the communication coupler 52 of the remote IO terminal 5 includes a processor 100, a nonvolatile memory 101, a field bus control unit 110, a reception unit 112, a transmission unit 114, and an internal bus control unit 130. The communication interface 170 and the light emitting unit 171 are included.

  The receiving unit 112 receives an upper communication frame transmitted from the PLC 1 via the field network 2, decodes it into data, and outputs the data to the fieldbus control unit 110. The transmission unit 114 regenerates the upper communication frame from the data output from the fieldbus control unit 110 and retransmits (forwards) it through the field network 2.

  The field bus control unit 110 cooperates with the reception unit 112 and the transmission unit 114 to communicate with other devices (PLC 1 and other remote IO terminals 5) every predetermined control cycle via the field network 2. Send and receive data with. More specifically, the fieldbus control unit 110 includes a host communication controller 120, a memory controller 122, a FIFO (First In First Out) memory 124, a reception buffer 126, and a transmission buffer 128.

  The host communication controller 120 interprets a command or the like transmitted from the PLC 1 via the field network 2 and executes processing necessary for realizing communication via the field network 2. In addition, the upper communication controller 120 performs data copy processing from the upper communication frame sequentially stored in the FIFO memory 124 and data write processing for the upper communication frame.

  The memory controller 122 is a control circuit that realizes a function such as DMA (Direct Memory Access), and controls writing / reading of data to / from the FIFO memory 124, the reception buffer 126, the transmission buffer 128, and the like.

  The FIFO memory 124 temporarily stores the upper communication frames received via the field network 2 and sequentially outputs the upper communication frames according to the stored order. The reception buffer 126 extracts data indicating a state value to be output from the output unit of the functional unit 54 connected to its own device from the data included in the upper communication frame sequentially stored in the FIFO memory 124 and temporarily stores the data. To store. The transmission buffer 128 temporarily stores data to be written in a predetermined area of the upper communication frame sequentially stored in the FIFO memory 124, which is process data indicating a state value detected at the input unit of the functional unit 54. .

  The processor 100 gives an instruction to the field bus control unit 110 and the internal bus control unit 130 and controls data transfer between the field bus control unit 110 and the internal bus control unit 130.

  The nonvolatile memory 101 stores a system program 102, unit configuration management information D1, and connection setting information 103. The unit configuration management information D1 includes setting information of the functional unit 54. The connection setting information 103 indicates a setting as to whether or not to permit connection between the communication coupler 52 and the external support device 8. Details of the connection setting information 103 will be described later.

  The internal bus control unit 130 transmits and receives frames (data) to and from the functional unit 54 via the remote IO terminal bus 51 (downlink 511 and uplink 512).

  More specifically, the internal bus control unit 130 includes an internal bus communication controller 132, a transmission circuit 142, a reception circuit 144, and a storage unit 160.

  The internal bus communication controller 132 mainly manages data transmission via the remote IO terminal bus 51. The transmission circuit 142 generates and transmits a frame that flows on the downlink of the remote IO terminal bus 51 in accordance with an instruction from the internal bus communication controller 132. The reception circuit 144 receives a frame flowing on the uplink of the remote IO terminal bus 51 and outputs it to the internal bus communication controller 132.

  The storage unit 160 corresponds to a buffer memory that stores frames (data) transmitted through the remote IO terminal bus 51. More specifically, the storage unit 160 includes a shared memory 162, a reception buffer 164, and a transmission buffer 166. Shared memory 162 temporarily stores data exchanged between fieldbus control unit 110 and internal bus control unit 130. The reception buffer 164 temporarily stores data received from the functional unit 54 via the remote IO terminal bus 51. The transmission buffer 166 temporarily stores data included in the upper communication frame received by the fieldbus control unit 110.

  The communication interface 170 has an interface for connecting to an external device such as the support device 8.

  The light emitting unit 171 includes a light emitting member such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and emits light according to the control of the processor 100.

(B3. Configuration of functional unit 54)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of the functional unit 54 of the remote IO terminal 5 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, each of the functional units 54 of the remote IO terminal 5 includes an inverse serial converter (de-serializer: hereinafter also referred to as “DES unit”) 212 and 222, and a serial converter (SER: serializer: Hereinafter, it is also referred to as “SER section”.) 216, 226 and forward controllers 214, 224. Furthermore, each of the functional units 54 includes a reception processing unit 230, a transmission processing unit 240, a processor 200, a shared memory 202, an IO module 206, and a memory 208, which are connected to each other via a bus 250. . The memory 208 includes, for example, a volatile area and a nonvolatile area.

  The DES unit 212, the forward controller 214, and the SER unit 216 correspond to the reception unit 210a and the transmission unit 210b for the downlink 511 illustrated in FIG. These parts execute processing related to transmission / reception of a frame flowing in the downlink 511. Similarly, the DES unit 222, the forward controller 224, and the SER unit 226 correspond to the reception unit 220a and the transmission unit 220b for the uplink 512 illustrated in FIG. These parts execute processing related to transmission / reception of frames flowing through the uplink 512.

  The reception processing unit 230 includes a decoding unit 232 and a CRC check unit 234. The decoding unit 232 decodes the received frame into data according to a predetermined algorithm. The CRC check unit 234 performs an error check (for example, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) code) based on a frame check sequence (FCS) added at the end of the frame.

  The transmission processing unit 240 is connected to the forward controllers 214 and 224, and performs generation of a frame to be retransmitted (forwarded) to the next functional unit 54 and timing control in accordance with an instruction from the processor 200 or the like. In addition, the transmission processing unit 240 generates data to be transmitted to the next functional unit 54 in cooperation with the processor 200 and the like. More specifically, the transmission processing unit 240 includes a CRC generation unit 242 and an encoding unit 244. The CRC generation unit 242 calculates an error control code (CRC) for data from the processor 200 or the like and adds it to a frame in which the data is stored. The encoding unit 244 encodes the data from the CRC generation unit 242 and outputs the encoded data to the corresponding forward controller 214 or 224.

  The processor 200 is an arithmetic entity that mainly controls the functional unit 54. More specifically, the processor 200 stores the frame received via the reception processing unit 230 in the shared memory 202, or reads predetermined data from the shared memory 202 and outputs the data to the transmission processing unit 240. Generate.

  The shared memory 202 is a reception buffer 203 for temporarily storing frames received via the reception processing unit 230, and a transmission for temporarily storing frames to be transmitted to the transmission processing unit 240. Buffer 204. The shared memory 202 includes an area for storing various data.

  The IO module 206 receives an input signal from an external switch or sensor, writes the value to the shared memory 202, and sends the signal to an external relay according to the value written in the corresponding area of the shared memory 202. And output to the actuator.

  The memory 208 stores a system program 209 and setting information D50. Typically, the system program 209 is stored in a non-volatile area of the memory 208, and the setting information D50 is stored in a volatile area of the memory 208.

<C. Hardware configuration of PLC1>
Next, the hardware configuration of the PLC 1 that constitutes a part of the control system SYS according to the present embodiment will be described.

(C1. Connection configuration)
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a connection configuration of the PLC 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, also in PLC 1, as in the above-described remote IO terminal 5, the CPU unit 13 and one or more functional units 14-1, 14-2, 14-3,. Data can be transmitted to each other via the system bus 11 (downlink 611 and uplink 612).

  When each of the functional units 14 receives a frame transmitted on the downlink 611 or the uplink 612, the functional unit 14 decodes data from the frame and performs necessary processing. Each functional unit 14 regenerates the frame, and then retransmits (forwards) the frame to the next functional unit 14. Each functional unit 14 includes a receiving unit (RX) 210a and a transmitting unit (TX) 210b for the downlink 611, and includes a receiving unit 220a and a transmitting unit 220b for the uplink 612.

  The CPU unit 13 includes a processor 150, a field bus control unit 110, a reception unit 112, a transmission unit 114, an internal bus control unit 130, and a communication interface 170.

(C2. Configuration of CPU unit 13)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of the CPU unit 13 constituting the PLC 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the CPU unit 13 of the PLC 1 includes a processor 150, a main memory 152, a nonvolatile memory 154, a fieldbus control unit 110, a reception unit 112, a transmission unit 114, and an internal bus control unit. 130 and a communication interface 170. The nonvolatile memory 154 stores a user program 156, a system program 158, and unit configuration management information D1. Since the basic configuration related to data transmission of CPU unit 13 is the same as that of communication coupler 52 (FIG. 2) described above, the description of corresponding portions (denoted by the same reference numerals) will not be repeated.

  The processor 150 of the CPU unit 13 executes a program for realizing target control. More specifically, the CPU unit 13 reads the user program 156 and the system program 158 from the non-volatile memory 154 and the like, and develops and executes them in the main memory 152. By executing the user program 156 and the system program 158, state values to be output from the output unit of the functional unit 14 are sequentially calculated based on the state values detected by the input unit of the functional unit 14.

  Since the configuration of functional unit 14 of PLC 1 is the same as the configuration of functional unit 54 of remote IO terminal 5 described above (see FIG. 4), detailed description will not be repeated.

<D. Support Device 8>
Next, the support device 8 connected to the PLC 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of the support device 8 connected to the PLC 1 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, support device 8 is typically configured by a general-purpose computer. From the viewpoint of maintainability, a notebook personal computer with excellent portability is preferable.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the support device 8 includes a CPU 81 that executes various programs including an OS (Operating System), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 82 that stores a basic input output system (BIOS) and various data, and a CPU 81. A memory RAM 83 that provides a work area for storing data necessary for execution of the program, and a hard disk (HDD) 84 that stores the program executed by the CPU 81 in a nonvolatile manner. The hard disk 84 stores a tool program 841.

  The support device 8 further includes a keyboard 85 and a mouse 86 that accept operations from the user, and a display 87 for presenting information to the user. Further, the support device 8 includes a communication interface (IF) 89 for communicating with the PLC 1 (CPU unit 13) and the like.

  The tool program 841 executed by the support device 8 is stored and distributed on an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory). The program stored in the CD-ROM is read by the optical disk drive 88 and stored in the hard disk 84 or the like. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded from a host computer or the like via a network.

<Data>
With reference to FIG. 8, data used in the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the connection setting information 103 held by the communication coupler 52. The connection setting information 103 indicates whether or not the support device 8 can connect to the communication coupler 52 via the communication interface 170.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the connection setting information 103 includes “connection permission” for permitting connection between the support device 8 and the communication coupler 52 via the communication interface 170 of the communication coupler 52, and the communication interface 170 of the communication coupler 52. And “connection prohibition” for prohibiting connection between the support device 8 and the communication coupler 52 via the connection. The communication coupler 52 operates according to the setting of either “connection permitted” or “connection prohibited” in the connection setting information 103. When the communication coupler 52 is operating in accordance with the setting of “prohibit connection”, the communication coupler 52 communicates under a certain condition (when an abnormality occurs in the communication coupler 52 or when communication with the slave device connected to the communication coupler 52 is abnormal). The connection with the support device 8 via the interface 170 is permitted. Details will be described later.

<Operation>
Next, operations of the support device 8 and the communication coupler 52 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing for determining whether or not the communication coupler 52 permits online connection with the support device 8 via the communication interface 170.

  In sequence SQ101, the support device 8 receives an operation for requesting an online connection to the communication coupler 52 via the communication interface 170 based on a user operation.

  In sequence SQ103, the support device 8 transmits a request for online connection between the support device 8 and the communication coupler 52 via the communication interface 170 to the communication coupler 52.

  In sequence SQ105, when receiving a request for online connection from the support device 8, the communication coupler 52 determines whether or not the setting indicated in the connection setting information 103 is “connection prohibited”. In sequence SQ105, if the setting of the connection setting information 103 is “connection prohibited”, the communication coupler 52 performs the process of sequence SQ107.

  In sequence SQ107, the communication coupler 52 acquires the operation state of the communication coupler 52, whether an abnormality has occurred (whether it is in normal operation), and whether the slave device is in a degenerate operation (decreasing performance). Judgment is not made). When the operation state of communication coupler 52 is the normal operation and the slave device of communication coupler 52 is not performing the degenerate operation (YES in sequence SQ107), communication coupler 52 performs the process of sequence SQ109.

  In sequence SQ108, the communication coupler 52 determines whether the slave device connected to the communication coupler 52 serving as the master device is in a degenerate operation (not performing an operation with reduced performance). When the slave device of communication coupler 52 is not performing the degenerate operation (YES in sequence SQ108), communication coupler 52 performs the process of sequence SQ109.

  In sequence SQ109, the communication coupler 52 determines that online connection with the support device 8 via the communication interface 170 is impossible.

  If the setting of the connection setting information 103 is “connection permission” in the sequence SQ105, the communication coupler 52 performs the process of the sequence SQ111. If an abnormality has occurred in operation of communication coupler 52 in sequence SQ107 (NO in sequence SQ107), communication coupler 52 performs processing in sequence SQ111. Further, in sequence SQ108, when the slave device of communication coupler 52 is in a degenerate operation (NO in sequence SQ108), communication coupler 52 performs processing in sequence SQ111.

  In sequence SQ111, the communication coupler 52 determines that online connection with the support device 8 via the communication interface 170 is possible, and stores the determination result in the memory of the communication coupler 52.

  In sequence SQ113, the communication coupler 52 transmits a determination result as to whether online connection is possible or not to the support device 8.

  In sequence SQ115, the support device 8 receives the determination result transmitted from the communication coupler 52 and stores it in the memory or the like.

  In sequence SQ117, the support apparatus 8 determines whether the determination result transmitted from the communication coupler 52 is online connection “possible” or “impossible”. If the determination result is online connection “possible”, the process of sequence SQ121 is performed. In the case of the determination result of online connection “impossible”, the process of sequence SQ119 is performed.

  In sequence SQ119, the support device 8 displays on the display 87 that the connection between the support device 8 and the communication coupler 52 via the communication interface 170 is prohibited by the setting of the connection setting information 103 of the communication coupler 52. The online connection process with the communication coupler 52 is terminated.

  In sequence SQ121, the support device 8 displays on the display 87 that connection with the communication coupler 52 via the communication interface 170 is possible.

  In sequence SQ123, the support device 8 accepts an operation for the user to cause the communication coupler 52 to execute a process desired by the user via the support device 8.

  In sequence SQ125, the support device 8 transmits a request for processing to be executed by the communication coupler 52 to the communication coupler 52 based on the operation content received from the user.

  In sequence SQ127, the communication coupler 52 performs processing based on the operation content received from the user, and returns a processing result to the support device 8 via the communication interface 170.

  As described above, the communication coupler 52 detects that an abnormality has occurred in the network including the communication coupler 52 and the slave device even when “connection prohibited” is set in the connection setting information 103 (communication). When the operation of the coupler is not in a normal operation state or when the operation of the slave device is a degeneration operation, the online connection of the support device 8 is permitted. Thereby, even when the connection between the communication coupler 52 and the support device 8 is set to be prohibited, when an abnormality occurs in the network including the communication coupler 52 or the slave device, the end user or the like By connecting to the communication coupler 52, the cause can be investigated.

  Next, a process in which the support device 8 performs connection setting of the communication coupler 52 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing in which the support device 8 sets the communication coupler 52 via the CPU unit 13.

  In sequence SQ201, the support device 8 transmits a request for online connection to the CPU unit 13 to the CPU unit 13 via the communication interface 170 of the CPU unit 13 based on a user operation.

  In sequence SQ203, the CPU unit 13 receives an input of a password or the like from the support device 8 and authenticates whether the support device 8 has the authority to operate the CPU unit 13.

  In sequence SQ205, the CPU unit 13 transmits to the support device 8 an authentication result indicating whether or not the support device 8 has the authority to operate the CPU unit 13. In the following processing, a case where the support device 8 succeeds in authenticating the operation authority of the CPU unit 13 will be described (if the authentication fails, the support device 8 is not permitted to connect to the CPU unit 13 online).

  In sequence SQ207, the support apparatus 8 receives an operation for editing the setting of the connection setting information 103 of the communication coupler 52 connected to the CPU unit 13 by the field network 2 from the user.

  In sequence SQ209, the support device 8 transmits the setting content of the connection setting information 103 of the communication coupler 52 set by the user to the CPU unit 13 based on the operation of the user.

  In sequence SQ 211, the CPU unit 13 transmits the setting content of the connection setting information 103 of the communication coupler 52 received from the support device 8 to the communication coupler 52.

  In sequence SQ213, the communication coupler 52 receives the setting contents of the connection setting information 103 transmitted via the CPU unit 13, and stores the setting contents in a memory or the like.

  In sequence SQ215, the communication coupler 52 transmits to the CPU unit 13 a response indicating that the setting of the connection setting information 103 has been updated.

  In sequence SQ 217, the CPU unit 13 receives a notification of the update of the connection setting information 103 from the communication coupler 52 and transmits a response result to the support device 8.

  In sequence SQ219, the support device 8 receives the response result of the communication coupler 52 via the CPU unit 13 and displays the response result on the display 87.

  In this way, the support device 8 updates the setting of the connection setting information 103 of the communication coupler 52 via the CPU unit 13. When the support device 8 and the CPU unit 13 are connected online, the operation authority is authenticated as shown in the sequence SQ203. Therefore, the communication coupler 52 is connected to the support device 8 via the CPU unit 13. Then, the setting update of the connection setting information 103 is accepted.

<Screen example>
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen when the support device 8 accepts an editing operation of the connection setting information 103 of the communication coupler 52. FIG. 11 corresponds to a screen displayed on the display 87 during the process of sequence SQ207 in FIG. FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 described later show examples of screens when the communication coupler 52 and the support device are connected as the communication interface 170 via a USB port which is a general-purpose port. For example, when the setting value of the connection setting information 103 is “0”, the communication coupler 52 performs an operation of “connection permission” and when the setting value is “1”, “connection prohibition” is performed. The support device 8 displays an operation screen 90 on the display 87. The setting value of the connection setting information 103 is displayed in the setting value item 91 to accept a user operation.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a screen when the communication coupler 52 and the support device 8 cannot be connected. The support device 8 accepts notification of the determination result of the communication coupler 52 when attempting to connect online to the communication coupler 52. When the connection between the support device 8 and the communication coupler 52 is impossible based on the connection setting information 103 of the communication coupler 52, a message 92 indicating that fact is displayed on the operation screen 90.

  Accordingly, the communication coupler 52 can notify the user of the cause when the connection cannot be made when the support device 8 is connected to the communication coupler 52. For example, the user can determine whether the online connection with the communication coupler 52 cannot be performed due to a defect of a cable or the like, or the online connection cannot be performed according to the setting of the communication coupler 52.

<Modification>
(Determining whether connection is possible according to the connection status with the field network 2)
In the description of FIG. 9, even if the setting of the connection setting information 103 is “connection prohibition” (YES in sequence SQ105), the communication coupler 52, as shown in the processing of the sequences SQ107, SQ108, etc. 52, it is determined that online connection with the support device 8 is possible when it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the network composed of the slave device 52 and the slave device (sequence SQ111). In addition to this, the communication coupler 52 supports according to the connection state between the communication coupler 52 and the field network 2 even when the setting of the connection setting information 103 is “connection prohibited” (YES in the sequence SQ105). It may be determined that online connection with the device 8 is permitted. For example, the communication coupler 52 can detect a communication error in the communication processing by the field network 2 and the setting of the connection setting information 103 is “connection prohibited” (YES in sequence SQ105). When it is detected that an abnormality has occurred, it may be determined that the communication coupler 52 and the support device 8 can be connected (sequence SQ111). Communication coupler 52 can detect whether or not it is connected to field network 2, and connection setting information 103 is set to “connection prohibited” (YES in sequence SQ 105) and connection to field network 2 is detected. If not, it may be determined that the communication coupler 52 and the support device 8 can be connected (sequence SQ111).

(Reception of setting change of connection setting information 103 after online connection)
Communication coupler 52 determines that connection with support device 8 is possible (sequence SQ111), and can accept processing for changing the setting of connection setting information 103 from support device 8 when connected to support device 8 online. It is good.

(Notification by light emission for determining whether to connect or not)
In the description of FIG. 9, the communication coupler 52 determines whether online connection between the support device 8 and the communication coupler 52 via the communication interface 170 of the communication coupler 52 is possible (sequences SQ105 and SQ107). The communication coupler 52 may control the light emitting method of the light emitting unit 171 according to the determination result of whether online connection is possible. For example, in sequence SQ109 and sequence SQ111, the communication coupler 52 may cause the light emitting unit 171 to emit light with a light emission pattern corresponding to the determination result. Thereby, the user of the support device 8 can confirm whether signal transmission / reception has occurred due to the connection via the communication coupler 52 and the communication interface 170. When the support device 8 cannot connect to the communication coupler 52 online, The user can easily check whether the connection between the support device 8 and the communication coupler 52 is prohibited or due to other factors other than the setting of whether or not the connection is possible.

<Determination of connection possibility in support device 8>
In the description of the above embodiment, it has been described that the communication coupler 52 determines whether online connection with the support device 8 is possible and returns a determination result to the support device 8. Not limited to this, the support device 8 may read the connection setting information 103 held by the communication coupler 52, and the support device 8 may determine whether online connection with the communication coupler 52 is possible. In this case, the user operation for connecting to the communication coupler 52 in the support device 8 is restricted.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the support device 8 determines whether or not the connection with the communication coupler 52 is possible.

  In sequence SQ301, the support device 8 accepts an operation for requesting an online connection to the communication coupler 52 via the communication interface 170 based on a user operation.

  In sequence SQ303, the support device 8 requests the communication coupler 52 to transmit the connection setting information 103.

  In sequence SQ 305, the communication coupler 52 receives a transmission request for the connection setting information 103 from the support device 8 and transmits the connection setting information 103 to the support device 8.

  In sequence SQ307, the support device 8 receives the connection setting information 103 from the communication coupler 52, determines whether the setting content of the received connection setting information 103 is “connection permitted” or “connection prohibited”. If it is “connection prohibited”, the process of sequence SQ309 is performed.

  In sequence SQ309, the support device 8 displays on the display 87 that the connection between the support device 8 and the communication coupler 52 via the communication interface 170 is prohibited by the setting of the connection setting information 103 of the communication coupler 52.

  In sequence SQ311, the support device 8 invalidates reception of an operation for connecting to the communication coupler 52, and ends the online connection process.

  In the sequence SQ307, when the connection setting information 103 is set to “connection permission”, the support device 8 performs the process of the sequence SQ313.

  In sequence SQ313, the support device 8 displays on the display 87 that the connection with the communication coupler 52 via the communication interface 170 is possible.

  In sequence SQ315, the support device 8 receives an operation for the user to cause the communication coupler 52 to execute a process desired by the user via the support device 8.

  In sequence SQ317, the support device 8 transmits a request for processing to be executed by the communication coupler 52 to the communication coupler 52 based on the operation content received from the user.

  In sequence SQ319, the communication coupler 52 performs processing based on the operation content received from the user, and returns a processing result to the support device 8 via the communication interface 170.

<Summary>
When the support device 8 is connected via the communication interface 170 of the communication coupler 52, the communication coupler 52 permits online connection of the support device 8 under specific conditions. The communication coupler 52 holds connection setting information 103 indicating whether online connection of the support device 8 is possible. However, when a specific condition is met, such as when an abnormality occurs, online communication is performed regardless of the setting of the connection setting information 103. To give permission. As a result, while the communication coupler 52 is normally operating, the connection between the support device 8 and the communication coupler 52 is prohibited, and the remote IO terminal including the communication coupler 52 is prevented while preventing damage due to human error or the like. 5, when an inspection or inspection is necessary, such as an end user who does not have the authority to authenticate operation of the CPU unit 13, for example, the support device 8 is connected online to the communication coupler 52 and the cause of the abnormality Etc. can be analyzed.

  The program for realizing the present invention is provided by transmission / reception using a network via a communication interface. The embodiment disclosed this time must be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1 PLC, 2 field network, 3 servo motor driver, 4 servo motor, 5 remote IO terminal, 6 detection switch, 7 relay, 8 PLC support device, 10 connection cable, 11 PLC system bus, 12 power supply unit, 13 CPU unit, 14, 53 IO unit, 51 remote IO terminal bus, 52 communication coupler, 511, 611 downlink, 512, 612 uplink, 103 connection setting information, 170 communication interface, 171 light emitting unit.

Claims (12)

A communication coupler connected to the arithmetic unit of the controller via a field network,
The communication coupler functions as a master device and can communicate with a slave device by a system bus,
A communication interface for connecting to an information processing device for setting the operation of the communication coupler;
A storage unit for storing connection setting information indicating whether online connection between the information processing apparatus and the communication coupler is possible;
A controller that restricts online connection with the information processing device based on the connection setting information when the information processing device is connected to the communication coupler via the communication interface;
Communication coupler. The setting shown in the connection setting information includes a connection permission setting indicating that the communication coupler permits online connection with the information processing device via the communication interface, and the information processing device via the communication interface. Connection prohibition setting indicating that online connection should be prohibited,
The control unit, when the connection prohibition setting is indicated, when an abnormal operation is occurring in the network composed of the communication coupler and the slave device of the communication coupler, the information processing device online connection with the communication coupler And when the occurrence of abnormal operation is not detected in the network, prohibiting online connection with the communication coupler by the information processing device,
The communication coupler according to claim 1. The controller permits online connection with the communication coupler by the information processing apparatus when the operation of the communication coupler is an abnormal operation when the connection prohibition setting is indicated;
The communication coupler according to claim 1. When the control unit detects that the connection prohibition setting is indicated and the operation of the slave device connected to the communication coupler is a degenerate operation, the control unit performs online connection with the communication coupler by the information processing device. To give permission,
The communication coupler according to claim 1. The setting shown in the connection setting information includes a connection permission setting indicating that the communication coupler permits online connection with the information processing device via the communication interface, and the information processing device via the communication interface. Connection prohibition setting indicating that online connection should be prohibited,
The control unit prohibits online connection with the information processing apparatus when the connection prohibition setting is indicated and the communication coupler is operating normally and the operation of the slave apparatus is not a degeneration operation. To
The communication coupler according to claim 1. The information processing apparatus can be connected online with the arithmetic unit;
The communication coupler is connected to the arithmetic unit connected to the information processing device via a field network, and receives the update of the connection setting information from the information processing device via the arithmetic unit.
The communication coupler according to claim 1. The setting shown in the connection setting information includes a connection permission setting indicating that the communication coupler permits online connection with the information processing device via the communication interface, and the information processing device via the communication interface. Connection prohibition setting indicating that online connection should be prohibited,
The communication coupler is
Detecting the occurrence of an abnormality in the field network based on communication processing via the field network;
The control unit permits online connection with the information processing apparatus when the connection prohibition setting is indicated and an occurrence of an abnormality in the field network is detected;
The communication coupler according to claim 1. The setting shown in the connection setting information includes a connection permission setting indicating that the communication coupler permits online connection with the information processing device via the communication interface, and the information processing device via the communication interface. Connection prohibition setting indicating that online connection should be prohibited,
The communication coupler is
Detecting a connection with the field network;
The control unit permits online connection with the information processing apparatus when the connection prohibition setting is indicated and connection with the field network is not detected.
The communication coupler according to claim 1. The controller is
When the communication coupler is online with the information processing apparatus, accepting an update of the connection setting information by the information processing apparatus connected online;
The communication coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 8. An information processing apparatus that can be connected to a communication coupler via a communication interface,
The communication coupler is
Connection setting that is connected to the arithmetic unit of the controller via a field network, functions as a master device, can communicate with a slave device via a system bus, and indicates whether online connection between the information processing device and the communication coupler is possible Including a storage unit for storing information;
The information processing apparatus includes:
Based on the connection setting information, an acquisition unit that acquires a determination result of whether to connect to the communication coupler,
A display unit that displays on the monitor that the connection with the communication coupler is not possible in accordance with the setting content of the connection setting information when the information processing apparatus and the communication coupler are indicated as not connectable in the determination result; Prepare
Information processing device. A control method for controlling the operation of a communication coupler connected to an arithmetic unit of a controller via a field network,
The communication coupler functions as a master device, can communicate with a slave device via a system bus, and has a communication interface for connecting to an information processing device for setting operation of the communication coupler, and the information processing device and the communication coupler. A memory for storing connection setting information indicating whether online connection is possible or not,
The control method is:
Including a step of restricting online connection with the information processing apparatus based on the connection setting information when the communication coupler is connected to the information processing apparatus and the communication coupler via the communication interface. ,
Control method. A program for controlling the operation of a communication coupler connected to an arithmetic unit of a controller via a field network,
The communication coupler functions as a master device, can communicate with a slave device via a system bus, and includes a communication interface for connecting to an information processing device for setting operation of the communication coupler, a processor, and the information processing device. A memory for storing connection setting information indicating whether or not online connection with the communication coupler is possible,
The program is stored in the processor.
When the information processing apparatus and a communication coupler are connected via the communication interface, based on the connection setting information, the step of restricting online connection with the information processing apparatus is executed.
program.

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