JP3622554B2 - Sensor testing equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sensor test apparatus that actively sends an alarm signal including a self-address to a transmission line when an event to be sensed is sensed.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, by placing multiple sensors in the test chamber at the same time, the multiple sensors are exposed to the atmosphere of a predetermined event to be detected at the same time, and the alarm signal is output within a predetermined standard time. There has been a sensor testing device that tests whether or not. The predetermined detection target event includes a predetermined temperature atmosphere for a temperature sensor, a predetermined smoke concentration atmosphere for a smoke sensor, and a predetermined gas concentration atmosphere for a gas leak sensor.
[0003]
However, in the conventional sensor test apparatus, even if the conventional sensor is bus-connected to the transmission line from the transmission unit of the receiver, it is accessed from the receiver side for each sensor address, Since the information indicating whether or not the detection target event was detected was output as the response signal, each sensor was exposed to the same detection target event atmosphere at the same time, and reached a state where a notification signal could be output almost simultaneously. However, the receiver side assigns a reply signal transmission time zone for each sensor, and there is no inconvenience that a reply signal from each sensor collides to cause a transmission error. It was possible to confirm the time required for reporting from the start of exposure of each sensor to the transmission of the alarm signal, that is, to test whether or not it was a non-defective product that outputs the alarm signal within a predetermined standard time.
[0004]
Recently, however, new sensors have been developed. This is not a passive type in which only a sensor accessed from the receiver side returns a reply signal as in the prior art, but when an event to be detected is detected, an alarm signal including a self address is actively transmitted. To be sent to the receiver.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, in the newly developed sensor, as in the case of the conventional sensor, each sensor is exposed to the same sensing event atmosphere at the same time and reaches the state where it can output the alarm signal almost simultaneously. If this happens, the alarm signals from each sensor will collide, and a transmission error will occur in the transmission unit that connects to each sensor via the transmission line and receives the alarm signal from each sensor. There was a problem that the test equipment of the vessel could not work well.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to start an operation within a variation time range when the power is turned on, and to determine an event detection time zone and an alarm after the operation starts. The sensor operation including the time zone and the alarm signal transmission time zone is repeatedly executed at a predetermined operation cycle, and when the detection target event is detected, the alarm signal including the self address is actively transmitted to the transmission line. Even if a plurality of such sensors are collectively started to start exposure to a predetermined detection target event at the same time, a transmission error due to a collision of alarm signals from each sensor does not occur, and from the start of exposure of each sensor. An object of the present invention is to provide an excellent sensor test apparatus that enables confirmation of the time required for reporting until a notification signal is transmitted.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the first aspect of the invention, when the power is turned on, the steady operation is started within the variation time range, and after the steady operation is started, the event sensing time zone, the alert judgment time zone, and the alert signal transmission time zone are set. A plurality of detectors that collectively execute a detection signal including its own address to a transmission line when a detection target event is detected are repeatedly executed. This is a sensor test device that starts exposure at almost the same time as the detection target event and confirms the time required for reporting from the start of exposure of each sensor to the transmission of the reporting signal. When powering on each sensor, the alarm signal transmission time zone of each sensor when the sensors to be collectively tested are in steady operation does not overlap even if the variation time range is included. , Power on each sensor sequentially It is characterized in that so.
[0008]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the power is turned on, the steady operation is started within the variation time range ± α, and after the steady operation is started, the event detection time zone, the alert judgment time zone, and the alert signal transmission time zone A plurality of detectors that repeatedly execute _a detector operation including a self-address when an event to be detected is detected, and that actively transmit a notification signal including a self-address to a transmission line. In order to start exposure at the same time for a predetermined sensing target event at the same time, and to check the time required for reporting from the start of exposure of each sensor to the sending of a reporting signal, a power-on unit for each sensor, An exposure start detection unit that detects the start and outputs an exposure start signal, a timer unit that uses the exposure start signal as a trigger, and a timer unit that counts the trigger signal from the exposure start signal. And a transmission unit for receiving the sensor. A test apparatus, when the time width of the calling report signal transmission time period is _{T a3,} the value _{n = {T a / (2α} + T a3)} sought, integer value _{N max,} which rounded down value n with the maximum sensor number can be tested together, when in fact summarized sensors that make their check is N, the M an arbitrary positive integer including zero, the value _{T a (T a / N)} ≧ When T _A ≧ (2α + T _a3 ), the turn-on time interval T ₀ of the power-on unit for each sensor is T ₀ = (T _A + MT _a ).
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a sensor testing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a sensor test apparatus. 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the sensor used for the test. FIG. 2A shows the power supply voltage and FIG. 2B shows the time axis. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sensor testing apparatus, and FIG. 4 is a timing chart explaining the main part of the sensor testing apparatus.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor test apparatus includes a personal computer 1, a power-on unit 2, a transmission unit 3, a test tank 4, and a press switch 5 corresponding to an exposure start detection unit. Is done. The power-on unit 2 includes an input / output unit 20 and relays R _y1 ,... R _y5 . The input / output unit 20 is connected to the personal computer 1 and operates. The output unit is connected to one end of each relay R _y1 ,... R _y5 and the input unit is connected to one end of the push switch 5. Connected. The other _ends of the excitation parts of the relays R _y1 ,... R _y5 are connected to the power supply V _DD respectively. Relay R _y1 is normally open contact r _y1 , relay R _y2 is normally open contact r _y2 , relay R _y3 is normally open contact r _y3 , relay R _y4 is normally open contact r _y4 , and relay R _y5 is normally open. A contact point r _y5 is provided. The other end of the push switch 5 is grounded.
[0011]
Transmission unit 3 is intended to operate is connected to the personal computer 1, the two wires L _a, the transmission line L is drawn consisting of L _b. The test tank 4 is a constant temperature tank, for example, and the internal atmospheric temperature is set to 50 ° C., for example. A base B _1, ... B ₅ for attaching a sensor as a test sample is attached to the inner surface of the door of the test tank 4. Further, the door of the test chamber 4 turns off the push switch 5 in the open state and turns on the push switch 5 in the closed state.
[0012]
From one end of the base _{B 1} line _{L 1} is drawn, the line _{L 1} is connected to one of the wires _{L a} transmission line L via the normally open contact _{r y1.} From one end of the base _{B 2} the line _{L 2} is pulled out, the line _{L 2} is connected to one of the wires _{L a} transmission line L via the normally open contact _{r y2.} From one end of the base _{B 3} a line _{L 3} is pulled out, the line _{L 3} is connected to one of the wires _{L a} transmission line L via the normally open contact _{r y3.} From one end of the base _{B 4} line _{L 4} is pulled out, the line _{L 4} are connected to one of the wires _{L a} transmission line L via the normally open contact _{r y4.} From one end of the base _{B 5} line _{which L 5} is pulled out, the line _{L 5} represents connected to one of the wires _{L a} transmission line L via the normally open contact _{r y5.} The other ends of the bases B _1, ... B ₅ are connected to the other electric wire L _b of the transmission line L, respectively.
[0013]
The personal computer 1 incorporates an on signal of the push switch 5 corresponding to the exposure start signal via the input / output unit 20 and has a built-in timer unit (not shown) that uses this on signal as a trigger. Yes. The personal computer 1 includes various software such as software for transferring data to and from the transmission unit 3 and reading received data of the transmission unit 3, and software for monitoring and controlling the input / output unit 20. Installed.
[0014]
By the way, the sensor which is a specimen is a heat sensor having an event to be detected as an ambient temperature, for example, and sends an alarm signal when the ambient temperature reaches 50 ° C., for example. The sensor is operated as shown in FIG. That is, sensor, when the power supply is turned at time t _0, power supply voltage rises drawing a saturation curve as shown in FIG. 2 (a), so that immediately maintain a constant voltage. Meanwhile, the sensing unit completes the initializing operation, starts the steady operation from the time t _1.
[0015]
Detector that initiated the steady operation is carried out ambient temperature measurement to the event detection time period _{T a1} at time _{t 2} from time _{t 1,} from the time _{t 1} from time _{t 2} to alarm determination time period _{T a2} at time _{t 3} ambient temperature measured in the event detection time period T _a1 at time t ₂ performs a determination of whether or not reached 50 ° C, only when it is determined that the ambient temperature has reached 50 ° C, time t ₃ operates to delivering alarm signals to the alarm signal transmission time period T _a3 at time t ₄ from. Note that in the alarm determination time period T _a2 at time t ₃ from the time t _2, the if the ambient temperature is not reached the 50 ° C, the alarm signal transmission time at time t ₄ from time t ₃ The band T _a3 operates so that no signal is transmitted.
[0016]
Thereafter, the sensing instrument, the time _{t 4} again performs the ambient temperature measurement to the event detection time period _{T a1} at time _{t 5} from the time _{t 5} the time to alarm determination time period _{T a2} at time _{t 6} from time _{t 4} to t It is determined whether or not the ambient temperature measured in the event sensing time zone T _a1 of ₅ has reached 50 ° C., and so on. That is, the sensing instrument, a series of operations from the time t ₁ to time t ₄ as operation period T _a, sequentially repeating this operation cycle T _a. In addition, the operation period T _a including the series of event detection time period T _a1 , notification determination time period T _a2, and notification signal transmission time period T _a3 is accurately determined without error based on the internal clock signal of the sensor. Executed.
[0017]
In this sensor, it has been found that the initialization operation from time t ₀ to time t ₁ has a variation of ± α seconds. In addition, in this sensor, it is decided to set the address value immediately after manufacture or at the time of shipment to “0”. Further, in this sensor, power supply is received from the transmission unit 3 via the transmission line L.
[0018]
Therefore, a test is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. 3 using a sensor testing apparatus as shown in FIG. That is, the door of the test tank 4 set to an ambient temperature of 50 ° C. is opened, and sensors as test pieces are attached to the bases B _1, ... B ₅ provided on the inner surface side of the door. Then, the personal computer 1 is executed.
[0019]
Then, the personal computer 1, as well as power supply normally open contact r _y1 by instructs the output unit 20 energizes the excitation portion of the relay R _y1 ON (Fig. 3 time t _a1) and the line L ₁ and The transmission unit 3 is instructed to send a transmission signal for registering the address “1” to the sensor to the transmission line L. When the address “1” is written in the flash memory of the sensor attached to the base B ₁ , the personal computer 1 instructs the input / output unit 20 to cut off the excitation of the excitation unit of the relay R _y1. Thus, the normally open contact point r _y1 is turned off (time t _{a2 in} FIG. 3).
[0020]
Next, the personal computer 1, the power supply to the line _{L 2} and the normally open contact _{r y2} on (FIG. 3 time _{t a3)} by instructs the output unit 20 energizes the excitation portion of the relay _{R y2} At the same time, the transmission unit 3 is instructed to send a transmission signal for registering the address “2” to the sensor to the transmission line L. When the address “2” is written in the flash memory or the like of the sensor attached to the base B ₂ , the personal computer 1 instructs the input / output unit 20 to cut off the excitation of the excitation unit of the relay R _y2. Thus, the normally open contact r _y2 is turned off (time t _{a4 in} FIG. 3). The same is repeated from time t _a5 to time t _a6 in FIG. 3, and the personal computer 1 attaches address “3” to the sensor attached to the base B ₃ and attaches it to the base B _4. The address “4” is written in the sensor, and the address “5” is written in the sensor attached to the base B ₅ .
[0021]
Thereafter, the personal computer 1 instructs the input unit 20, the normally open contacts _r y1 to time _{t a8} from time _{t a7} in FIG. 3, ... are sequentially turned on at time intervals _{T 0} a _{r y5,} base _{B 1,} ... to supply power to each of the five sensors which are attached to B _5. This is an important point of the present invention, and this time interval T ₀ is set as follows.
[0022]
That is, in this sensor, it has been found that the initialization operation from time t ₀ to time t ₁ causes a variation of ± α seconds. Further, sensors that initiated the steady operation, the operation in the period T _a, precisely found that repeated sequentially and event detection time period T _a1 and alarm determination time period T _a2 and alarm signal transmission time period T _a3 ing.
[0023]
Therefore, first, the value n = {T _a / (2α + T _a3 )} is obtained, and the integer value N _max obtained by rounding down the decimal point of the value n is set as the maximum number of sensors that can be tested together. When the number of sensors to be performed is N (N = 5 in this embodiment), M is an arbitrary positive integer including zero, and the value T _A is (T _a / N) ≧ T _A ≧ (2α + T _In the range of _a3 ), the turn-on time interval T ₀ of the power-on unit 2 for each sensor is T ₀ = (T _A + MT _a ).
[0024]
Then, even if each sensor actively sends an alarm signal at an arbitrary time, the alarm signals do not collide with each other to cause a transmission error. Even if exposure is started at the same time as an event to be sensed (for example, an atmosphere at 50 ° C.), it is possible to accurately check the time required for reporting from the start of exposure of each sensor to the sending of a reporting signal.
[0025]
Now, in response to an instruction from the personal computer 1, the normally open contacts r _y1 ,... _{Ry 5} are sequentially turned on at the time interval T ₀ , and the sensors are sequentially turned on at the time interval T ₀ . Therefore, the test operator closes the door of the test tank 4. Then, the push switch 5 is turned on, and this on signal is transmitted to the personal computer 1 via the input / output unit 20, and the personal computer 1 keeps its own internal clock to measure the time required to issue the alarm of each sensor. Start with.
[0026]
Then, if there are variations in the alarm time required between each sensor of the quality stably have each sensor sequentially sends the alarm signal at intervals equal to the minimum value T _A of the on time interval T ₀ of the above Therefore, the transmission unit 3 can receive each notification signal without causing a transmission error, and the address data included in each notification signal and the data indicating that the detection target event has been detected. Can be transmitted to the personal computer 1.
[0027]
When the personal computer 1 receives the alarm signal data from the addresses “1” to “5”, the normally open contacts r _y1 ,... R _y5 are simultaneously turned off via the input / output unit 20 (time ta _{9 in} FIG. 3). At the same time, the time required for reporting for each sensor is determined by calculation, and the time required for reporting for each sensor is listed, and pass / fail is determined.
[0028]
Thereafter, the personal computer 1 instructs the input / output unit 20 to turn on the _normally open contact r _y1 (time t _{a10 in} FIG. 3) to supply power to the line L ₁ and to set the address “0” to the sensor. The transmission unit 3 is instructed to send a transmission signal to be registered to the transmission line L. When the address “0” is written in the flash memory or the like of the sensor attached to the base B ₁ , the personal computer 1 instructs the input / output unit 20 to turn off the _normally open contact r _y1 (FIG. 3 time). t _a11 ).
[0029]
Next, the personal computer 1 instructs the input / output unit 20 to turn on the _normally open contact r _y2 (time t _{a12 in} FIG. 3) to supply power to the line L ₂ and to address “0” to the sensor. Is transmitted to the transmission line L to the transmission unit 3. When the address “0” is written in the flash memory or the like of the sensor attached to the base B ₂ , the personal computer 1 instructs the input / output unit 20 to turn off the _normally open contact _{ry 2} (time in FIG. 3). t _a13 ). The personal computer 1 executes repeatedly that from time _{t a14} in FIG. 3 similar to time _{t a15,} base _{B 3, B} 4, _{B 5} to attached to the sensor in the address "0" Write each.
[0030]
When the test of a single sensor is completed as described above, the door of the test tank 4 is opened, and a sensor as a specimen is installed from the bases B _1, ... B ₅ provided on the inner surface side of the door. Remove each one. Then, again, a sensor as a new specimen is attached to the bases B _1, ... B ₅ . Then, the test worker executes the personal computer 1 again and repeats the same work as described above.
[0031]
Next, in this sensor, it is known that the initialization operation from time t ₀ to time t ₁ has a variation of ± α seconds, and the sensor that has started the steady operation has an operation period _Ta . , If it is known that the event detection time zone T _a1 , the alert determination time zone Ta ₂ and the alert signal transmission time zone _{Ta 3} are sequentially repeated accurately, the value n = {T _a / (2α + T _a3 )} The integer value N _max obtained by rounding down the decimal point of the value n is set as the maximum number of sensors that can be tested collectively, and the number of sensors that are actually checked together is N (in this embodiment, N = 5). If it is to have), the M an arbitrary positive integer including zero, when the range of the value _{T a (T a / N)} ≧ T a ≧ (2α + T a3), sensor every power-on part 2 of forming the on time interval _{T 0 T} 0 ₌ a _{(T a} + MT _a) Why, even though each sensor actively sends out an alarm signal, a plurality of sensors are put together to start exposure to a predetermined sensing target event (for example, an atmosphere at 50 ° C.) at the same time. However, it is possible to confirm the time required for accurate notification from the start of exposure of each sensor to the transmission of the notification signal without causing collision errors between the notification signals. Will be described with reference to FIG.
[0032]
That is, In this sensor has been found to cause variations in the ± alpha sec initializing operation from the time t ₀ in FIG. 2 to time t _1. Further, sensors that initiated the steady operation, at the operation cycle T _a, found that sequentially accurately repeated and event detection time period T _a1 and alarm determination time period T _a2 and alarm signal transmission time period T _a3 ing. Then, under such conditions, the value n = {T _a / (2α + T _a3 )} is obtained, and the integer value N _max obtained by rounding down the decimal point of the value n is collectively set to the maximum number of sensors that can be tested. If the number of sensors is up to N _max , the variation in initialization operation when the sensor power is turned on, ± α seconds, and the alarm signal transmission time period _Ta3 are taken into consideration, as shown in FIG. If timing is taken, it means that the alarm signals sent from the respective sensors can never collide. FIG. 4 shows a case where the maximum number of sensors N _max is N _max = 5.
[0033]
Moreover, in order to ensure that the alarm signals actively sent from the respective sensors do not collide, when all the sensors to be collectively tested are turned on and are in steady operation, It is only necessary that the detectors operate at timings such that the alarm signal transmission time periods T _a3 of the detectors do not overlap, and the turn-on time interval T ₀ of the power-on unit 2 for each detector is the operation cycle T _a. Obviously, even if it is delayed by an integral multiple of, there will be no problem.
[0034]
Therefore, when the number of sensors that are actually checked together is N (where N ≦ N _max ), M is an arbitrary positive integer including zero, and the value T _A is (T _a / N) ≧ T _A ≧ In the range of (2α + T _a3 ), if the power-on time interval T ₀ of the power-on unit 2 for each sensor is T ₀ = (T _A + MT _a ), the initialization operation upon power-on of the sensor is ± α seconds. Even if there is a variation, the alarm signal transmission time periods T _a3 of the sensors to be tested together never overlap.
[0035]
Usually, the alert signal transmission time zone _Ta3 is often made substantially equal to the signal length (packet length) of the alert signal sent from the sensor. Therefore, the alert signal transmission time zone _Ta3 may be calculated considering the signal length (packet length) of the alert signal.
[0036]
Further, in the above embodiment, as the operation cycle T _a of the sensor to be used for the test, the event detection time zone T _a1 , the alert determination time zone Ta _2, and the alert signal transmission time zone _{Ta 3} However, it is needless to say that the present invention includes these, even if it is executed cyclically including other rest periods. .
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first or second aspect of the present invention, when the power is turned on, the operation is started within a predetermined variation time range, and after the operation is started, the event detection time zone, the alarm judgment time zone, and the alarm signal transmission time zone are set. A plurality of detectors that are configured to repeatedly transmit a notification signal including a self-address to a transmission line when a detection target event is detected are repeatedly executed. Even if you start exposure at the same time as an event to be detected, the alarm signal will not collide and a transmission error will not occur, and it will be possible to efficiently check the time required for reporting from the start of exposure to the alarm signal. It is possible to provide an excellent sensor testing device that can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a sensor test apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of a sensor used for a test.
FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing the operation of the sensor testing apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining a main part of the sensor testing apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Power-on unit 3 Transmission unit 5 Exposure start detection unit L Transmission line T _a Operation cycle T _a1 Event detection time zone Ta _a2 reporting judgment time zone _Ta3 reporting signal transmission time zone

Claims (2)

When the power is turned on, steady operation is started within the variation time range, and after the steady operation starts, the sensor operation including the event detection time zone, the alarm judgment time zone, and the alarm signal transmission time zone is performed at a predetermined operating cycle. A plurality of sensors that are repeatedly executed and that are configured to actively send a notification signal including a self-address to a transmission line when a detection target event is detected, start exposure to a predetermined detection target event almost simultaneously, This is a sensor testing device that checks the time required for reporting from the start of exposure of each sensor to the transmission of a reporting signal. Each sensor is sequentially powered on so that the alarm signal transmission time zone of each sensor when it is in steady operation does not overlap even if the variation time range is included. A feeling characterized by Vessels of the test device. When the power is turned on, steady operation is started within the variation time range ± α, and after the steady operation is started, the sensor operation including the event detection time zone, the alarm judgment time zone, and the alarm signal transmission time zone is performed as the operation cycle T. _{When a} target event is detected repeatedly, a plurality of sensors that actively send out an alarm signal including a self-address to the transmission line when a target event is detected are exposed to a predetermined target event substantially simultaneously. In order to start and confirm the time required for reporting from the start of exposure of each sensor to the transmission of the report signal, a power-on unit for each sensor and the start of exposure are detected and an exposure start signal is output. Sensing provided with an exposure start detection unit, a timer unit for timing using an exposure start signal as a trigger, and a transmission unit connected to each sensor via a transmission line to receive a notification signal of each sensor A testing device for a vessel,
When the time width of the notification signal transmission time zone is T _a3 , the value n = {T _a / (2α + T _a3 )} is obtained, and the _maximum value that can be tested collectively with the integer value N _max rounded down after the decimal point of the value n with the sensor number, if it is indeed summarized sensors that make their check is N, the M an arbitrary positive integer including zero, the value _{T a (T a / N)} ≧ T a ≧ (2α + T a3 ), The sensor turning-on time interval T ₀ for each sensor is defined as T ₀ = (T _A + MT _a ).

Images