JP4793588B2 - Program development support device for safety controller - Google Patents

Description

  In the present invention, a control program for the safety controller is automatically generated through a series of user operations for describing a logic circuit diagram corresponding to a desired control specification in a programming field on the screen of the image display. The present invention relates to a program development support device for a safety controller.

  The safety controller incorporates a logic operation function and input / output control function similar to a general programmable controller (PLC), as well as a built-in self-diagnosis function for safety, thereby providing a high level of safety and reliability in its control. This function is provided and has a function (fail-safe function) for forcibly performing safe control so that self-control does not lead to danger when an abnormality is detected from the self-diagnosis result.

  More specifically, the term “safety” as used herein means that standardized safety standards are included. Safety standards include, for example, IEC61508 and EN standards. IEC 61508 (International Electrotechnical Commission on Functional Safety of Programmable Electronic Systems) defines the establishment of dangerous failures per hour (Probability of Failure per Hour), which establishes the SIL level (Safety Integrity Level). ) Is classified into 4 levels. Further, EN standards require that the risk of a machine be evaluated and that risk reduction measures be taken, and EN 954-1 defines the safety categories. The safety controller, safety I / O terminal, and the like referred to in this specification correspond to any of these safety standards.

  FIG. 35 shows a logic circuit diagram display example in a conventional program development support apparatus (safety network controller manufactured by OMRON Corporation, Japan) for creating a control program for a safety controller.

  This program development support device (first conventional example) has one type of function block (FB81 to FB85) selected from a plurality of types of function blocks prepared in advance in the programming field 801 on the screen of the image display. ) Are placed in sequence, and a specific parameter (not shown) necessary for each function block is set (in this example, the parameter is automatically set by dragging with the mouse for wiring drawing). The control program for the safety controller is automatically generated through a series of user operations for completing a logic circuit diagram corresponding to a desired control specification.

  In the figure, FB81 is a function block for emergency stop switch application, FB82 is a function block for safety light curtain application, FB83 is a function block for reset / restart application, and FB84 is for AND operation / application. FB85 is a function block for an external output device monitoring application. In the figure, T811 and T812 are a pair of input terminal displays to which two output signals of the emergency stop switch are input, and T821 and T822 are a pair of input terminal displays to which two output signals of the safety light curtain are input. , T83 is an input terminal display to which an output signal of the reset switch is input, and T84 is an input terminal display to which an external output device monitoring signal is input.

  Then, the circuit diagram data created corresponding to the logic circuit drawn on the programming field 801 by the user is subjected to a predetermined compilation process, and a setting file (that is, a safety file that can be directly decrypted and executed by the safety controller). Controller control program). The execution setting file obtained in this way is installed to the target safety controller via communication or via a portable recording medium.

  According to the first conventional example described above, the place where function blocks and terminal displays (hereinafter referred to as circuit elements) are not fixed on the programming field 801. Therefore, a desired circuit element is placed on the programming field 801. There is an advantage that the circuit element can be arranged at an arbitrary position and the degree of freedom of arrangement of circuit elements is high. On the other hand, in order to accommodate all of the desired circuit elements within the limited size programming field 801 and to arrange (lay out) the circuit elements in an easy-to-understand manner, There is a drawback that sense or suitability in design is required, and that those who are inferior in sense or suitability are inconvenient to use (see Non-Patent Document 1).

  A logic circuit diagram display example in another conventional program development support apparatus (manufactured by PILZ, Germany) for creating a control program for a safety controller is shown in FIG.

  This program development support device (second conventional example) also has one type of function block (FB91 to FB95) selected from a plurality of types of function blocks prepared in advance in the programming field 901 on the screen of the image display. ) Are placed sequentially and the necessary unique parameters (not shown) are set for each function block (in this example, the parameters are automatically set by dragging the mouse for wiring drawing) A control program for the safety controller is automatically generated through a series of user operations for completing a logic circuit diagram corresponding to a desired control specification.

  In addition, in the second conventional example, the function blocks are arranged in the programming field 901 according to the guidance by the function block arrangement template 900 displayed on the programming field 901. Are defined by defining a plurality of rows (R1, R2, R3...) And a plurality of columns (C1, C2, C3...) With the vertical direction on the screen as a reference direction. One end (left end) of the direction is defined as the input side, and the other end (right end) is defined as the output side, and the row (R1, R2, R3...) And column (C1, C2, C3...) A plurality of block arrangement possible positions (A11 to A33) are defined so as to correspond to the respective intersection positions.

  In the figure, FB91 is a function block for emergency stop switch application, FB92 is a function block for safety light curtain application, FB93 is a function block for AND operation / application, and FB94 is for reset / restart application. FB95 is a function block for an external output device monitoring application. In the figure, T911 and T912 are a pair of input terminal displays to which two output signals of the emergency stop switch are input, and T921 and T922 are a pair of input terminal displays to which two output signals of the safety light curtain are input. , T93 is an input terminal display to which an output signal of the reset switch is input, and T94 is an input terminal display to which an external output device monitoring signal is input.

  Then, the circuit diagram data created corresponding to the logic circuit drawn on the programming field 901 by the user is subjected to a predetermined compiling process as in the first conventional example, and can be directly decoded and executed by the safety controller. Is converted into a safe setting file (that is, a control program for the safety controller). The execution setting file obtained in this way is installed to the target safety controller via communication or via a portable recording medium.

According to the second conventional example described above, the placement location of the circuit element is predefined on the programming field 901. Therefore, after selecting a desired circuit element, the circuit element can be dragged with a mouse, for example. As long as it is close to a predetermined location, the dragged circuit element is automatically guided to the predefined location and placed, so those who do not have sense or suitability in design. Even in such a case, a plurality of selected circuit elements can be arranged in the programming field 901 in a proper manner, and the layout of the selected circuit element is not troubled as in the case of the first conventional example. There is an advantage to say (Non-Patent Document 2).
OMRON Corporation catalog (URL http://www.fa.omron.co.jp/product/32.html) PILZ catalog (URL http://www.pilz.jp/p_saferelay7.htm)

  By the way, in this kind of program development support device, when generating a logic circuit diagram corresponding to a desired safety control specification, not only the signal logic between input and output but also various situations peculiar to the safety controller. With consideration given, the necessary function blocks must be properly placed at the required positions on the logic circuit diagram.

  For example, when an input signal obtained from one or more input terminals indicates a predetermined logical value (danger), an output signal having a predetermined logical value (danger source stop) is transmitted from one or more output terminals. If this is an ordinary controller (PLC, etc.) that is not a safety specification, a functional block for logical operation corresponding to the logic between these input / output terminals is inserted between the input / output terminal strings. It would be enough to just place it.

  However, when this is a safety controller, the situation is slightly different. That is, in the case of a controller with safety specifications, even if an input signal indicating some danger is obtained from the input terminal, the input signal is used as an input device (emergency stop switch, light curtain, limit switch, door, etc.) that detects danger. Such as a switch) may be due to its own failure or the like, so such an input signal cannot be immediately captured and used for the necessary logical operations. For this reason, an input system function block in which an appropriate failure diagnosis function or the like is incorporated for each input device must be arranged at least before the logical operation function block.

  In addition, even if an input signal indicating some danger is obtained via such an input system function block, the input signal must be informed of the danger and the operator has entered the danger area for adjustment, maintenance, etc. Therefore, it may not be possible to immediately capture such an input signal and provide it to a necessary logical operation. Therefore, at least before the function block for logical operation, when a predetermined condition corresponding to the time of adjustment, maintenance, etc. is satisfied, a lock must be arranged with a disabling function having a function of disabling the input signal. In some cases.

  In addition, when an input signal indicating some danger is obtained via such an input diagnostic system function block and / or invalidation block, the state of the output signal is simultaneously restored from the state indicating danger to the state indicating safety. If the input signal cannot be taken immediately and used for the required logical operation due to safety laws and regulations that must not be restored (especially in the case of instantaneous operation / instantaneous return / contact input signal) There is also. Therefore, a set having at least the preceding stage of the function block for logical operation has a set function for holding the dangerous state of the input signal, a reset function for releasing the hold of the dangerous state, and a reset condition setting function for defining the reset condition / In some cases, it may be necessary to place a reset function block.

  Also, considering that there is a possibility of failure in the output device itself, it is not always appropriate to send the output signal of the function block for logic operation (for setting the output condition) unconditionally to the output device. . For this reason, an output diagnosis function block (for example, an external device monitoring function block such as an EDM function block) in which an appropriate failure diagnosis function or the like is incorporated for each output device is provided at least after the function block for logical operation. Must be placed.

  Furthermore, considering that each output device has its own operation delay time, it may not always be appropriate to send an output signal at the same timing from each of the plurality of output terminals. Therefore, an output mode designation function block having a function of delaying the ON timing and / or the OFF timing of the output signal may have to be arranged at least in the subsequent stage of the function block for logical operation.

  As described above, in the programming of the safety controller through the logic circuit diagram, the user is required to appropriately arrange the necessary function blocks at necessary positions on the signal path from the input terminal to the output terminal. The This work can only be done properly after fully considering the circumstances specific to the safety controller described above, so it is not easy for beginners unfamiliar with safety controller programming. Programming errors, such as missing positions, or necessary function blocks, but incorrect positions.

  In particular, in the first and second conventional examples described above, there is a strict correlation between the position where each function block is placed on the programming field and the type of function book placed at that position. Therefore, even if one of the function blocks that should originally be placed is accidentally missing or placed at a different location, it is immediately detected from the layout state of each function block. It is very difficult.

  Therefore, in these conventional examples, in order to find such a programming mistake, for example, a steady verification that the signal path is sequentially traced from the input terminal to the output terminal, with specific control circumstances in mind. Work is required, and the complexity of such verification work is one factor that hinders the spread of this type of safety controller.

  In addition, the types of function blocks used for programming safety controllers are expected to increase with the spread of safety controllers, so that there will be more types of function blocks in the future. However, there is a demand for a program development support apparatus for a safety controller that is unlikely to cause programming mistakes and that can easily find out if a programming mistake occurs.

  On the other hand, even if the necessary function blocks are arranged in the appropriate arrangement order (spatial arrangement order) at the required position on the signal path from the input terminal to the output terminal, the arrangement procedure (temporal arrangement order) There is also a problem that if it is inappropriate, a programming mistake is likely to occur.

  That is, in programming of this type of safety controller, function blocks that are sequentially arranged on a circuit diagram often require information on other function blocks that are already arranged at the time of the arrangement.

  Therefore, for example, when there are a plurality of function blocks FB1, FB2, and FB3, when the preferable spatial arrangement order is FB1 → FB2 → FB3 and the preferable temporal arrangement order is FB1 → FB2 → FB3, Even if the actual spatial arrangement order of the function blocks is FB1 → FB2 → FB3, if the temporal arrangement order is, for example, FB1 → FB3 → FB2, the function block FB2 is Since the function block FB3 has not been arranged yet, the function block FB3 cannot refer to the information of the function block FB2, which causes a parameter setting error regarding the function block FB3.

  In particular, since the function block adjacent to the input / output terminal of the logic circuit diagram is set by taking in the information of the input / output terminal, it is arranged later in time than the function block in the circuit. Then, parameter setting mistakes are likely to occur in the arrangement of function blocks in the circuit.

  The present invention has been made by paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to make it difficult for programming mistakes to occur, and if such programming mistakes occur, this is indicated in the function block. An object of the present invention is to provide a program development support device for a safety controller that can be easily found from a layout.

  Other objects and operational effects of the present invention will be easily understood by those skilled in the art by referring to the description of the specification.

  The above technical problem can be solved by a program development support apparatus for a safety controller having the following configuration.

  That is, this safety controller program development support device sequentially arranges one type of function block selected from a plurality of types of function blocks prepared in advance in the programming field on the screen of the image display. By setting the necessary unique parameters for each function block, the control program for the safety controller is automatically generated through a series of user operations to complete the logic circuit diagram corresponding to the desired control specifications. It has a basic configuration with a processing unit.

  In addition to the basic configuration described above, in this program development support device, the arrangement of function blocks in the programming field is displayed on the programming field and corresponds to each crossing position of a row and a column. The position where the block can be arranged is defined, and one end side in the row direction is defined as an input terminal side, and the other end side is performed according to guidance by a function block arrangement template defined as an output terminal side. .

  In addition, the function block layout template is positioned on the input side and includes an input side template including a series of a plurality of columns each accepting a predetermined type of function block layout related to the input signal, and is positioned on the output side and each output. And an output-side template including a series of a plurality of columns that accept the arrangement of a predetermined type of function block relating to a signal.

  According to the configuration including the processing unit that performs such an operation, the arrangement of the function block in the programming field is displayed on the programming field and corresponds to each crossing position of the row and the column. Since each function block is automatically arranged vertically and horizontally, the user does not have to worry about the layout of the function block.

  In addition, since each function block on the completed logic circuit is of the same type, the function block of the same type is arranged in each column for verification of the completed logic circuit. If a function block is missing for any row, it can be done with a mechanical check that says it is not forgotten to place the function block. It is easy to verify the logic circuit.

  In addition, the function block placement template is located on the input side and includes an input side template including a series of a plurality of columns each accepting the placement of a predetermined type of function block relating to the input signal, and is located on the output side and each output signal. Are separated into an output side template including a series of a plurality of columns that accepts the arrangement of function blocks of a predetermined type, so that a series of function blocks arranged in each row of the input side template has one common input signal In addition, each input / output signal system included in the created logic circuit handles a common output signal for a series of function blocks arranged in each row of the output side template. Between each and each row in each template Engagement is clarified, thereby there is an advantage that hardly occurs programming mistakes that said placing function blocks of the input (or output) signal system to another input (or output) signal system.

  At this time, if the processing unit processes the input side template and the output side template so that they can be alternatively displayed on the programming field, either the input side logic circuit or the output side logic circuit is provided. Since it is possible to concentrate on the arrangement of function blocks on the corresponding side, there is an advantage that programming errors are less likely to occur.

  In addition, a mechanism for selectively displaying both templates on the programming field is incorporated in the processing section so that the input template is displayed first and the output template is displayed later. For example, the user must complete programming related to the input side logic circuit and then move to programming related to the output side logic circuit. The programming result of the input side logic circuit is indispensable for programming the output side logic circuit. This also has the advantage that programming errors are unlikely to occur.

  As a program development support apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a function block selected by a user can be arranged in a block of a corresponding column on each template in accordance with an arrangement column and an arrangement procedure defined in advance for each type. A mechanism for guiding each function block to a predefined arrangement sequence with a predefined arrangement procedure so as to be arranged at a position may be incorporated in the processing unit.

  According to such a configuration, since the above-described “guidance mechanism” is incorporated, the function blocks selected by the user are not only arranged in a predefined arrangement row for each type, Other function blocks that need to be referenced when placing each function block, because they are placed at the block placement possible position of the corresponding column on each template according to the predefined placement procedure (temporal placement order) By defining the arrangement procedure so that the arrangement is always completed before that, it suppresses the occurrence of programming mistakes due to the non-arrangement of other function blocks required at the time of arrangement. be able to.

  At this time, as a mechanism for guiding each function block to a predetermined arrangement row with a predetermined arrangement procedure, a guidance display for prompting the user to perform an operation necessary for that purpose may be used.

  According to such a configuration, by appealing to the user's psychology via the guidance display, each function block can be guided to the planned arrangement sequence through the user's operation. it can.

  In addition, as a mechanism for guiding each function block to a planned arrangement sequence with a planned arrangement procedure, the function block selected by the user is an arrangement column other than the arrangement column predefined for each type, or It is designed to detect and prohibit actions placed on each template according to placement procedures other than the placement procedure, or to detect such actions and issue a warning to them. Also good.

  According to such a configuration, by eliminating erroneous function block placement operations due to prohibition measures and warnings, each function block is moved to a planned placement row through an operation of the user's arbitrary or forced. It can be guided with a planned placement procedure.

  At this time, if the template is an input side template, as a predefined arrangement procedure, a plurality of function blocks to be arranged in a predefined arrangement column are arranged in order from the column close to the input terminal. It may be the arrangement procedure.

  According to such a configuration, in order to facilitate the understanding of the circuit operation, in the case where a plurality of function blocks are arranged side by side so as to be processed in order from the closest to the input terminal in each column of the input side template. It is effective in suppressing programming mistakes.

  Further, if the template is an output side template, as a predefined arrangement procedure, a plurality of function blocks to be arranged in a predefined arrangement column are arranged in order from the column close to the output terminal. The said arrangement | positioning procedure may be sufficient.

  According to such a configuration, in order to facilitate the understanding of the circuit operation, in the case where a plurality of function blocks are arranged side by side so as to be processed in order from the closest to the input terminal in each column of the output side template. It is effective in suppressing programming mistakes.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a program development support device for a safety controller that is unlikely to cause a programming error and that can easily be detected from a function block layout when such a programming error occurs. can do.

  A preferred embodiment of a program development support apparatus for a safety controller according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a safety control system including a safety controller that is a target of a program development support apparatus according to the present invention. The safety control system shown in FIG. 2A is configured by connecting one safety controller 1 and one or more safety I / O terminals 5 via a bus network 2a. In the safety control system shown in FIG. 2A, the safety controller 1 functions as a master and the safety I / O terminal 5 functions as a slave.

  An input device 3 and an output device 4 are connected to the safety controller 1 and the safety I / O terminal 5, respectively. Examples of the input device 3 include a safety emergency stop switch, a safety light curtain, a safety limit switch, and a safety door switch. Examples of the output device 4 include a safety relay and a safety contactor.

  When applied to the master / slave type safety control system shown in FIG. 1A, the program development support apparatus 10 of the present invention is connected to the bus type network 2a connecting the safety controller 1 and each safety I / O terminal 5. Can be connected. On the other hand, when applied to the single type control system shown in FIG. 4B, the program development support apparatus 10 of the present invention is directly connected via a predetermined cable 2b. Thus, the safety-related control program generated by the program development support apparatus 10 is converted into a format that can be executed by each safety controller 1 and then sent to the safety controller 1.

  A schematic block diagram showing the electrical hardware configuration of the program development support apparatus according to the present invention is shown in FIG. As is apparent with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the program development support apparatus 10 is mainly composed of a notebook personal computer in the illustrated example. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the hardware configuration of a notebook computer includes a CPU 11, an input operation unit 12, an image display unit 13, a work RAM 14, a storage device 15, and a communication unit 16. The system bus 17 is connected.

  The CPU 11 is composed mainly of a microprocessor and controls the entire notebook personal computer. The input operation unit 12 is mainly composed of a mouse, a keyboard, and the like, and functions as a human machine interface for giving various commands to the notebook personal computer. The image display unit 13 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like, and a programming field 201 according to the present invention is displayed on the screen (screen) 13a as will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. It has become. The work RAM 14 is used as a work area when the CPU 11 executes a system program, an application program, etc., which will be described later. The storage device 15 is configured by a hard disk or the like, and an output image memory 15a, a system memory 15b, and a program memory 15c are arranged therein. In connection with the present invention, the output image memory 15a is used for storing various image data when various images are displayed on the screen 13a of the image display unit 13, and the system memory 15b is used for the notebook personal computer. Used to store the firmware (including the operating system) to configure the basic functions. The program memory 15c is used to store various application programs to be executed on the notebook personal computer. As described above, when the CPU 11 executes various programs and data stored in the output image memory 15a, the system memory 15b, and the program memory 15c, the programs and data are developed on the work area of the work RAM 14 and executed. It is well known that it is done.

  Next, a schematic block diagram showing the electrical hardware configuration of the safety controller is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the safety controller 1 includes a communication I / F unit 101, a central processing unit 102, an input terminal unit 104a, and an output terminal unit 104b.

  The communication I / F unit 101 is for realizing an interface function when communication is performed between the safety controller 1 and the networks 2a and 2b. The central processing unit 102 performs overall control of the safety controller 1 as a whole, and mainly includes a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

  The input terminal unit 104a includes a plurality of input terminals (terminal 1, terminal 2,..., Terminal n) for receiving a signal from the input device 3. On the other hand, the output terminal portion 104b includes a plurality of output terminals (terminal 1, terminal 2,..., Terminal n) for sending output signals to the output device 4.

  The input-side terminal abnormality diagnosis unit 103a has individual diagnosis units corresponding to the input terminals included in the input terminal unit 104a. Each individual diagnosis unit is configured as a general-purpose diagnosis unit corresponding to a plurality of input device types, and this diagnosis unit is configured according to the model by setting parameters according to each input device type. It is structured to be built. In the programming work described later, what appears as a parameter of the input function block is a parameter for specializing the terminal abnormality diagnosis unit 103a for each input device type.

  The terminal abnormality diagnosis unit 103b on the output side also has an individual diagnosis unit corresponding to each output terminal included in the output terminal unit 104b. This individual diagnosis unit is configured as a general-purpose diagnosis unit corresponding to a plurality of output device types, and by setting parameters corresponding to each output device, the individual diagnosis unit is specified as a diagnosis unit corresponding to the output device type. It is configured to be

  Next, a block diagram conceptually showing the functions of the program development support apparatus 10 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, when attention is paid to the configuration for realizing the present invention, the functional configuration required for the program development support device 10 includes a safety logic wizard DB 10a, logic circuit diagram data 10b, and setting parameters. A compiler 10c for creating and a setting parameter 10d converted from the logic circuit diagram data 10b through the compiler 10c can be cited. These functional components will be described later with reference to the charts shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 16 when the operation of the program development support apparatus according to the present invention is described later. It will be described in detail.

  Next, the operation of the program development support apparatus (first embodiment) according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the application programs shown in the flowcharts are those stored in the program memory 15c described above with reference to FIG. The operations shown in these flowcharts are collectively executed by the CPU 11 corresponding to the processing unit.

  Flow charts (No. 1 to No. 3) showing the software configuration of the program development support apparatus (first embodiment) are shown in FIGS.

  In FIG. 5, when the process is started, first, a process of accepting a user action for setting a safety input / output terminal is executed (step 101). Here, examples of the user action include a predetermined key input operation and a mouse operation in a notebook personal computer constituting the program development support apparatus 10. By this user action, various data related to the safety input / output terminal are set. Various data relating to the safety input / output terminal thus obtained is stored in the work RAM 14.

  FIG. 21 shows a screen explanatory diagram at the beginning of arrangement of function blocks (hereinafter also referred to as “FB”) in the input side template, and FIG. 26 shows a screen explanatory diagram at the initial stage of start of FB arrangement setting in the output side template.

  As shown in FIG. 21, a window 200 for an input safety logic wizard is opened on the screen 13 a of the image display unit 13 of the notebook personal computer constituting the program development support apparatus 10. Here, the “safety logic wizard” is a general term for various user support functions for creating a logic circuit diagram corresponding to a control program for a safety controller.

  In the window 200 thus opened, a horizontally long rectangular programming field 201 is defined, and an input template 202 which is a main part of the present invention is displayed in the programming field 201.

  The input side template 202 corresponds to each intersection of a row (R1, R2, R3,...) Extending in the horizontal direction of the screen and a column (C1, C2, C3) extending in the vertical direction of the screen. In this way, a plurality of block arrangement possible positions are provided. In addition, on the left side edge portion of the input side template 202, information related to the input terminal of the row is displayed in association with each row (R1, R2, R3, R4...).

  In this example, the first row (R1) is assigned to two input terminals [IN0 / 1], and these input terminals are a pair of NC (normally closed) signals from the safety emergency stop switch of the duplex specification. Is set to accept. The second row (R2) is assigned to two input terminals [IN2 / 3], and these input terminals are set to receive a pair of NC signals from a duplex safety door switch. Yes. The third row (R3) is assigned to one input terminal [IN4], and this input terminal is set to receive a signal from a non-redundant specification door switch.

  Corresponding to these input terminal settings, the first column (C1) of the input side template 202 has a self-diagnosis for each terminal corresponding to the terminal settings of each row (R1, R2, R3). Function blocks for realizing the functions are arranged. That is, the safety emergency stop switch function block (FB11) has a function corresponding to the second row at the block disposition position (horizontal rectangular small region) corresponding to the first row (R1) of the first column (C1). Redundant safety light curtain function block (FB12) is at the position where the block can be placed, and the non-redundant safety light curtain function block (FB13) is at the position where the function block can be placed corresponding to the third row (R3). Each is arranged.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the processing of steps 101 and 102 is executed, the above-described input terminal setting and function block arrangement are executed.

  Note that the input invalidation function block or the inter-input / output conduction function block (FB01) is arranged at the block arrangement position of each row of the second column (C2) in the input side template 202. Thus, the set / reset function block or the inter-input conduction function block (FB01) is arranged at the block arrangement position of each row of the third column (C3). These mechanisms are realized by making it possible to select function blocks that can be selected for each column only from the menu window.

  Then, at the upper edge of the input-side template 202, indexes 203-1 to 203-3 indicating the meaning contents of the function blocks to be arranged in the columns are provided so as to correspond to the columns (C1, C2, C3). It is displayed. Here, the content of the index 203-1 corresponding to the first column (C1) is “input” indicating an input function block, and the content of the index 203-2 corresponding to the second row (C2). Is an “invalidation” indicating that it is an input invalidation function block, and the content of the index 203-3 corresponding to the third column (C3) is “a set / reset function block” "Reset".

  On the other hand, on the right edge of the input template 202, the same input display information as that of the left edge is displayed for each row (R1, R2, R3, R4...). . That is, in this input side template, each row is allocated to one input signal in units of rows.

  Therefore, according to the input side template 202 having such a structure, function blocks related to the same input signal may be arranged in the same row, and function blocks of the same type may be arranged in the same column. Therefore, a programming error such that a function block to be arranged in one input signal path is arranged in another input signal path, or a plurality of function blocks to be arranged in one arrangement order is arranged in another arrangement order. There is an advantage that it is difficult to cause.

  Next, FIG. 26 shows a screen explanatory diagram at the beginning of the FB arrangement setting start in the output side template. As shown in the figure, in this example, the output side template 210 is displayed in the programming field 201 in the window 200 opened on the screen. In the output side template 210, block disposition positions (horizontal rectangular small regions) corresponding to the intersections of rows (C4, C5, C6) and columns (R1, R2, R3, R4...) ) Is defined.

  On the right edge of the output template 210, terminal information associated with each row is displayed so as to correspond to each row (R1, R2, R3, R4...). In the illustrated example, the first row (R1) is assigned to two output terminals [OUT0 / 1] having safety specifications, and each of the output terminals is connected to two safety relays. The The second row (R2) is assigned to one output terminal [OUT2], and this output terminal is connected to one safety relay. In this example, the third row (R3) and the fourth row (R4) are assigned to one output terminal [OUT3] and [OUT4], respectively, but the connection destinations of these output terminals are undetermined. Has been.

  On the other hand, the fourth column (C4) of the output template 210 is assigned to the output condition function block, the fifth column (C5) is assigned to the welding check (EDM) function block, and the sixth column (C6) is a terminal. Assigned to the mode function block.

  In order to clarify this, at the upper edge portion of the output side template 210, an index 203- which means a function block to be arranged in that column corresponding to each column (C4, C5, C6), respectively. 4 to 6 are displayed. Specifically, the content of the index 203-4 means that it is an output condition function block that determines when the output of each logical value of one or more input signals should be generated. Output conditions ”. The content of the index 203-5 is “welding check (EDM)” which means that it is a welding check (EDM) function block for performing welding check of the safety relay connected to the output terminal. The contents of the index 203-6 are “terminal mode” which means a terminal mode function block for setting terminal modes such as on-delay and off-delay.

  In this initial screen, the remote I / O function block (FB61) is arranged at the block arrangement possible position of the first row (R1) of the sixth column (C6), and the second row (R2). The remote I / O function block (FB62) is arranged at the block arrangement possible position.

  The important point here is that each column (C4, C5, C6) is assigned to a specific type of function block in the output side template as in the case of the input side template described above. In particular, since the column (C4) located in the first stage is assigned to the output condition function block, the output condition is at least at the block arrangement possible position of the row where the output condition function block is arranged in the column (C4). A function block related to an output signal obtained by satisfying is established.

  Therefore, according to such an output side template, a function block that performs processing related to the same output signal may be arranged in the same row as the row where the output condition function block that generates the output signal is placed, Since the same type of function blocks need only be placed in specific columns, the function blocks that should be placed in one output signal path are placed in another output signal path as in the case of the template on the input side. Or having a plurality of function blocks that should be arranged in a certain arrangement order is unlikely to cause a programming error.

  Furthermore, according to the program development support apparatus of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 26 separately, the entire template is displayed separately in the input side template 202 and the output side template 210. Therefore, there is also an advantage that programming errors are less likely to occur than when they are combined and displayed.

  That is, as described above, in each of the templates 202 and 210 on the input side or the output side, function blocks related to the same signal are arranged in each row (R1, R2, R3, R4...). However, if this is examined in detail, even in the same column, one is an input signal line and the other is an output signal line in the case of the input template 202 and the output template 210. It can be seen that the meanings of the signal lines are greatly different. Therefore, if the input side template 202 and the output side template 210 are combined together and a function block is placed in each column of the same row, a function block related to the input signal is placed in the output signal path, Conversely, programming errors such as function blocks to be arranged in the output signal path are likely to occur in the input signal path.

  On the other hand, if the entire template is separated into the input side template 202 and the output side template 210 as in the present invention, even if the boundary line is clearly indicated between the two, the user can Since it is understood that the meanings of the signal lines on each side differ from each other even if they are in the same line, such a programming error is less likely to occur.

  In addition, as in this embodiment, if the input side template 202 and the output side template 210 are alternatively displayed on separate screens as well as being simply separated into the input side and the output side, It is possible to reliably prevent an error in the arrangement of function blocks due to such misidentification of the input signal path and the output signal path.

  In FIGS. 21 and 26 described above, D1 is a scroll bar for scrolling the screen in the vertical direction, D2 is a “return” button for forcibly returning to the previous screen, and D3 is the next screen. "Next" button for forcibly proceeding to D4, D4 is a cancel button for canceling various commands.

  As is apparent from the presence of the scroll bar D1, the input side template 202 and the output side template 210 require 8 input points, 16 points, 32 points, 64 points, and so on. In addition, an arbitrary length can be extended. In this case, a specific line hidden from the screen can be drawn into the programming field 200 by operating the scroll bar D1.

  In the present invention, the above-described safety logic wizard is employed in the input template 202 and the output template 210 described above in order to prevent programming errors due to various causes. The contents of the safety logic wizard will be described in detail later with reference to the charts of FIGS.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when the storage of the safety input / output terminal setting is completed (step 102), the input template 202 to which the safety logic wizard is applied is then displayed as shown in FIG. 21 (step 102). 103) Thereafter, input side circuit diagram data generation processing (step 104), which is the main part of the present invention, is executed. This input side circuit diagram data generation processing is performed with the assistance of the safety logic wizard.

  As shown in FIG. 5, this input side circuit diagram data generation processing (step 104) is performed every time a user action for FB placement on the input side template is performed (step 104a). It is determined whether or not the FB is arranged according to the “column” and “arrangement procedure” (step 104b). When the FB is arranged according to the “arrangement column” and “arrangement procedure” defined in advance (step 104b). (YES) After storing (registering) the contents of the FB arrangement (step 104c), after confirming the user's intention to continue FB arrangement (step 105), the next user action (step 104a) is waited for and the same Repeat the process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the FB is not arranged according to the predefined “arrangement sequence” and “arrangement procedure” (NO in step 104b), without storing (registering) such FB arrangement contents, The process of displaying a predetermined warning on the screen (step 104d) is repeated as long as the user's intention to continue FB placement on the input side is confirmed (step 105).

  Here, the “predetermined arrangement column” serving as a determination criterion defines in which column on the input side template 202 each function block should be arranged. For example, as shown in FIG. These are stored in the work RAM 14 as safety program template data (input side).

  As shown in FIG. 17, this safety program template data (input side) is a function block that is allowed to be stored in each column (first column, second column, third column,...). “Type name” (input function block, etc.) and a list of individual function blocks included in the “type name” are stored in a table format in association with each other.

  Specifically, an input function block is to be stored in the first column. Such function blocks include an unused function block (Not Used), an emergency stop switch function block, and a safety light curtain. Contains function blocks. In the second column, an input invalidation function block is to be stored. This input invalidation function block includes an unused function block (Not Used), an OR operation function block (OR), a logical product, An OR operation function block (AND + OR) is included. In the third column, a set / reset function block should be arranged, and this set / reset function block includes an unused function block (Not Used) and a manual reset function block (Low-High-Low signal). , A manual reset function block (Rising Edge signal) is included.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in the determination process of step 104 b, the combination of the “column” specified by the user action (104 a) and the specific “function block name” is converted into the safety program template data ( By comparing with the input side), it is determined whether or not the FB is arranged according to the “arrangement sequence” defined in advance.

  On the input side template 202 shown in FIG. 21, for example, when the logical sum operation function block (FB21) is to be arranged at the block arrangement possible position of the second column (C2) of the first row (R1), the first row Click the (R1) pull-down button (PB2) with the mouse. Then, as shown in FIG. 22A, a menu window 204 is opened so as to overlap the input side template 202.

  In this menu window 204, three function blocks are displayed over three levels. That is, these are an input / output conduction function block (FB01), a logical sum operation function block (FB21), and a logical product and logical sum operation function block (FB22). In this state, if the logical sum operation function block (FB21) is selected by a predetermined operation of the mouse or the like, the selected function block (FB21) is displayed in the first row (R1) and the second column (C2). It is arranged at the specified block arrangement possible position.

  Similarly, for example, when the set / reset function block (FB31) is to be arranged at the block arrangement possible position located in the third column (C3) of the first row (R1), the pull-down button PB3 in the third column is operated. To do. Then, as shown in FIG. 22B, a menu window 205 is opened.

  The menu window 205 displays function blocks that can be selected in two upper and lower levels. They are an input / output conduction function block (FB01) and a set / reset function block (FB31). In this state, when the set / reset function block (FB31) is selected by a mouse click operation or the like, the selected function block (FB31) is located in the first column (C3) of the first row (R1). Arranged to a position where a block can be arranged. On the other hand, when the input invalidation condition is set from this state, the menu window 206 shown in FIG. 23 is further opened by a predetermined operation of the mouse.

  As shown in the figure, in this menu window 206, a signal name string for AND condition setting and a signal name string for OR condition setting are displayed, and each signal constituting the signal name string is displayed. Check box columns 207 and 208 are displayed at the head of the name.

  Therefore, when the OR operation is selected in the menu window 204 shown in FIG. 22A, as shown in FIG. 23A, the mouse condition is set in the AND condition setting area in the menu window 206. Insert a check mark by clicking. On the other hand, when an AND operation (not shown) is selected in the menu window 204 shown in FIG. 22A, the AND condition area in the menu window 206 is displayed as shown in FIG. Then, a check mark is inserted into the corresponding input signal name check box 207 by a mouse operation or the like. By such an operation, anyone can easily select the input invalidation function block and set the input invalidation condition.

  When setting the reset condition after selecting the set / reset function block, the corresponding reset condition is set by opening a menu window 209 as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the pull-down button D7 is operated with the mouse in the menu window 209, a reset condition list is displayed. As shown in FIG. 5B, a desired reset condition can be easily set by operating an OK button D8. In addition, what is necessary is just to operate the cancel button D9, if canceling in order to reset reset conditions.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of the input side template after selecting the function block and setting each condition in this way. As shown in the figure, the input function block, the invalidation condition function block, and the reset function block can be arranged as desired by the selection and designation operations described above.

  Returning to FIG. 5, in the input-side circuit diagram data generation processing 104 performed with the support of the safety logic wizard, it is also determined whether or not the FB is arranged according to a predefined “placement procedure”. Here, the predefined “arrangement procedure” is, for example, the block arrangement example in FIG. 25, even if the arrangement order is the same for each row (R1, R2, R3...) Regarding the temporal order of the arrangement, it is a rule that the arrangement must be made in order from the closest to the input terminal.

  An example of a process for guiding each FB to be arranged according to a predefined “placement procedure” is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In order to execute these processes, it is necessary to determine how the function blocks are currently arranged on the input side template. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 19, for example, logic circuit data (10b) created by the user is stored on the work RAM.

  As shown in the figure, in this logic circuit data (10b), what function blocks are currently arranged at each block possible arrangement position specified by a row and a column is stored. . Then, as will be described later, by referring to the logic circuit data (10b), it is determined whether or not the FB is to be arranged according to a predefined “placement procedure”.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing determination processing of “arrangement procedure” in disposing invalidation FBs. As shown in the figure, when the FB to be arranged by the user action is the input invalidation FB, the logic circuit data (10b) shown in FIG. 19 is referred to for the “row” designated by the user action. Thus, it is determined whether or not the arrangement of the input system FB has already been completed at that time (step 1042a).

  Here, if the arrangement of the input system FB has already been completed (step 1042a YES), the input invalidation FB desired to be arranged by the user action is stored in the memory as the logic circuit data shown in FIG. (Step 1043a). On the other hand, if it is determined at that time that the arrangement of the input system FB has not yet been completed (step 1042a), a predetermined warning is displayed on the screen (step 1044a).

  FIG. 9 shows the determination process of the “placement procedure” when the set / reset FB is to be placed. As shown in the figure, when the FB desired to be arranged by the user action is the set / reset FB, first, as in the previous case, it is determined whether or not the arrangement of the input system FB has been completed. Performed (step 1042b). Here, if it is determined that the arrangement of the input system FB has been completed (YES in step 1042b), the process proceeds to step 1043b, whereas the arrangement of the input system FB has not yet been completed at that time. If determined (NO in step 1042b), a predetermined warning display is performed on the screen (step 1044b).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the arrangement of the input system FB has been completed (step 1042b YES), it is further determined whether or not the arrangement of the input invalidation FB has been completed (step 1043b).

  Here, if it is determined that the placement of the input invalidation FB has already been completed (step 1043b YES), the set / reset FB desired by the user action is the corresponding block placement possible position as shown in FIG. Is stored (registered) (step 1045b). On the other hand, even if the arrangement of the input system FB has been completed (YES in step 1042b), if the arrangement of the input invalidation FB has not been completed (step 1043b), a predetermined warning is displayed on the screen. (Step 1046b).

  As described above, in the input side circuit diagram data generation process (step 104) shown in FIG. 5, every time a function block is arranged by a user action (step 104a), ”And“ arrangement procedure ”are determined, and only if both are affirmed, the desired FB arrangement contents are reflected in the logic circuit data (10b). On the other hand, if it is determined that either “arrangement sequence” or “arrangement procedure” is not predefined (NO in step 104b), such FB arrangement is rejected, and a predetermined value is displayed on the screen. A warning is displayed.

  Therefore, according to the input side circuit diagram data generation processing performed with the support of the safety logic wizard, each function block has an appropriate “arrangement sequence” and “arrangement procedure”. Will be placed correctly on top.

  When all desired function blocks are arranged on the input side template 202 in this way (step 105 NO), the process moves to FIG. 6 and waits for a user action (step 106) for operating the “next” button D3. Then, the process proceeds to the process related to the output side template.

  In the process relating to the output side template, first, the output side template 210 in which the safety logic wizard is incorporated is displayed in the programming field 201 (step 107).

  An example of the output template 210 displayed in the programming field 201 in the window 200 is shown in FIG. As described above, this output-side template corresponds to the intersection positions of the rows (R1, R2, R3, R4...) And the columns (C4, C5, C6). (Horizontal rectangular region) is defined, and the flow of the output signal is defined from the left side to the right side in the row direction.

  Each of the columns (C4, C5, C6) is assigned to a predetermined type of function block related to the output signal. Specifically, in this example, the column (C4) located in the first stage is the output condition function block, the next column (C5) is the welding check (EDM) function block, and the next column (C6). ) Is assigned to each terminal mode function block.

  Returning to FIG. 6, following the display of the output side template (step 107), an output side circuit diagram data generation process (step 108) performed with the assistance of the safety logic wizard is executed.

  This output side circuit diagram data generation processing (step 108) is the same as the input side circuit diagram data generation processing described above, and every time a user action for FB placement on the output side template 210 is performed. (Step 108a), it is determined whether or not the FB is arranged according to the predefined “arrangement sequence” and “arrangement procedure” (Step 108b). The process (step 108c) of storing (registering) the arrangement contents of the FB to be arranged as described above is repeated as long as the output-side FB arrangement is continued (YES in step 109). On the other hand, when the above judgment is denied (NO at step 108b), such an FB placement is rejected and a predetermined warning is displayed on the screen.

  Here, in this example, whether or not the FB is arranged according to the predefined “arrangement sequence” is determined based on the contents of the safety program template data (output side) shown in FIG. Is called. That is, as shown in FIG. 18, the safety program template data (output side) includes, for each column, the type names of function blocks that are allowed to be arranged in the columns, and specific types included in the type names The function block list is stored in association with each other.

  That is, in the illustrated example, an output condition function block can be arranged in the first column, and the output condition function block includes an unused function block (Not Used), an AND operation function block (AND ) Etc. are included. In addition, a welding check (EDM) function block can be arranged in the second column, and this welding check (EDM) function block includes unused function blocks (Not Used), EDM function blocks, and the like. Is set to Further, a terminal mode function block can be arranged in the third column, and this terminal mode function block includes an unused function block (Not Used), data received from the master (remote I / O), and logic. Output and auxiliary output are included.

  Here, the data received from the master is communicated from the remote I / O terminal (slave) when the safety controller is connected to the remote I / O terminal (slave) via the communication master unit. This means that the data received by the master is output. Moreover, the output from the logic means outputting the calculation result by the logic calculation inside the safety controller. Further, the auxiliary output means that the output from the safety controller is branched to be an auxiliary output.

  Each time a user action for FB placement on the output template is detected (step 108a), the “block placement possible position” and the “function block name” designated by the user action are shown in FIG. By comparing with the safety program template data (output side) shown in Fig. 4, it is determined whether or not the FB to be arranged is arranged according to a predefined "arrangement sequence". is there.

  More specifically, assuming that the output side template 210 shown in FIG. 26 is assumed, the welding check (EDM) is performed at the block arrangement possible position specified by the row (R1) and the column (C5). Assume that function blocks are placed.

  In such a case, first, the pull-down button PB5 in the row (R1) is operated with the mouse. Then, as shown in FIG. 27A, the menu window 211 is opened so as to overlap the output template 210. In this menu window 211, two function blocks are displayed over two levels. That is, they are the output side branch function block FB51 and the EDM function block FB52. Here, the user selects the EDM function block (FB52) by operating the mouse. Then, the selected function block (FB52) is arranged at a block arrangement possible position specified by the row (R1) and the column (C5).

  Further, when setting a welding check (EDM) feedback for the EDM function block (FB52), a menu window 212 is opened by a predetermined mouse operation as shown in FIG. In the menu window 212, a pull-down button D10, an OK button D11, and a cancel button D12 are arranged. In this state, the user displays the feedback signal list by operating the pull-down button D10 with the mouse, selects a desired feedback signal from the list, and confirms it by operating the OK button D11. In the example of FIG. 27B, the input signal IN7 is selected and set as the feedback signal.

  In addition, when a remote I / O function block that has been duplicated is placed at a block placement position specified by row (R1) and column (C6), it is specified by row (R1) and column (C6). The pull-down button PB6 located on the right side of the position where the block can be arranged is operated with the mouse. Then, as shown in FIG. 28A, a predetermined menu window 213 is opened so as to overlap the output side template 210.

  In this menu window 213, two function blocks are displayed in two upper and lower levels. In this example, these function blocks are a duplex-compatible remote I / O function block (FB61) and a non-duplex-compatible logic function block (FB62).

  Here, the user selects a redundant remote I / O function block (FB61) from the menu by operating the mouse. Then, the selected function block (FB61) is arranged at a block arrangement possible position specified by the row (R1) and the column (C6).

  Furthermore, in the case where a logic function block (FB64) that does not support duplication is arranged at the block arrangement possible position specified by the row (R2) and the column (C6), a pull-down button located on the right side of the block arrangement possible position PB6 is operated with a mouse. Then, as shown in FIG. 28B, a menu window 214 is opened so as to overlap the output side template 210.

  In this menu window 214, three function blocks are displayed over three levels. These are a remote I / O function block (FB63) that does not support duplication, a logic function block (FB64) that does not support duplication, and an auxiliary output function block (FB65). Here, the user selects a logic function block (FB64) that does not support duplication. Then, the selected function block (FB64) is arranged at a block arrangement possible position specified by the row (R2) and the column (C6).

  The selection and setting of the output condition function block is performed by selection setting using the menu window in the same manner as in the case of the welding check (EDM) function block (FB52) shown in FIG. When further setting the output condition for the output condition function block selected and set in this way, this embodiment is further provided with an excellent function considering user convenience.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 30, when the output condition is set for the selected output condition function block, the output condition setting window 215 is opened in response to a predetermined operation by the mouse. . In this output condition setting window 215, input signal names that are input candidates for the AND condition that is an output condition are displayed in series, and a check box 216 is provided at the beginning of each input signal name.

  The selection of an input signal as an output condition can be performed simply by inserting a predetermined check mark into the check box 216 using a mouse. In order to confirm this selection, it is only necessary to operate the OK button D13 with a mouse. Conversely, in order to cancel the setting, the cancel button D14 may be operated with the mouse.

  FIG. 29 shows the state of the output side template in which the terminal mode FB, the output condition FB, and the welding check FB are arranged in this way. As is apparent from the figure, it is understood that the selected function block (FB62, FB65, FB52, FB41) is arranged at each designated block arrangement possible position by the above selection setting process. It will be.

  Finally, FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of the confirmation screen when the FB arrangement is completed in the input template, and FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of the confirmation screen when the FB arrangement is completed in the output template. As is clear from these figures, by repeating the above function block selection and setting operations, necessary function blocks are appropriately arranged at necessary positions on the input side template and the output side template.

  In this state, by operating a predetermined completion button, the created circuit diagram is confirmed, the data conversion process (steps 111 to 113) and the download parameter generation process (steps) described above with reference to FIG. 114) is executed to finally generate a control program for the safety controller.

  As described above, in the output side circuit diagram data generation process (step 108) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the FB is arranged according to the predefined “arrangement sequence”. Only when it is determined that the FB is arranged according to the “arrangement sequence” (YES in step 108b), the arrangement content of the FB for which the arrangement is desired is stored (registered), and the logic shown in FIG. Circuit data (10b) is generated.

  Next, a process for determining whether or not an FB is arranged according to a predefined “placement procedure” will be described. Here, the predefined “placement procedure” means that, in this example, each function block is placed in order from the side closer to the output terminal for each row (R1, R2, R3,...). I mean.

  In order to perform such determination processing, the logic circuit data (10b) shown in FIG. 19 is referred to as in the case of the input side template. As described above, the logic circuit data (10b) stores information on what function block is currently arranged at a block arrangement possible position corresponding to each column of each row.

  In the judgment processing 108b in the output side circuit diagram data generation processing (step 108) shown in FIG. 6, by referring to the logic circuit data (10b), for each type of function block required to be arranged, Is determined according to the “arrangement procedure” defined in advance.

  Details of the specific “placement procedure” determination process for each function block type are shown in FIGS. First, processing corresponding to the terminal mode function block will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the user action for the placement of the terminal mode FB is performed (step 1081a), it is determined whether or not the placement of the output condition FB has already been completed for the “row” requested to be placed. (Step 1082a) When the arrangement of the output condition FB has already been completed (YES in Step 1082a), the terminal mode FB requested to be arranged is stored (registered) (Step 1083a), whereas the output condition If the FB placement has not yet been completed (NO at step 1082a), a predetermined warning is displayed on the screen (step 1084a).

  Details of processing corresponding to the EDM function block are shown in the flowchart of FIG. As shown in the figure, when a user action for EDM / FB placement is performed (step 1081b), the placement of the output condition FB has already been completed at that point in time for the requested “row”. Is determined (step 1082b), and if it is determined that it has already been completed (YES in step 1082b), then it is determined whether or not the arrangement of the terminal mode FB has been completed. Only when it is determined that the process has already been completed (step 1083b), the welding check (EDM) FB requested to be arranged is stored (registered) (step 1085b).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the arrangement of the output condition FB has not been completed yet (step 1082b), or when it is determined that the arrangement of the terminal mode FB has not been completed yet (step 1083b NO), A predetermined warning is displayed on each screen (steps 1084b and 1086b).

  The processing corresponding to the output condition function block is shown in the flowchart of FIG. When a user action for setting the output condition is performed (step 1081c), whether or not the arrangement of the output condition FB is completed (step 1082c), the arrangement of the terminal mode FB is completed (step 1083c), And whether or not the placement of EDM / FB has been completed (step 1085c) and only when both are affirmed (step 1082c YES, 1083c YES, 1085c YES), the EDM requested to be placed FB is stored (registered) (step 1087c).

  On the other hand, when any of those judgments is denied (step 1082c NO, 1083c NO, or 1085c NO), a predetermined warning is displayed on the screen (steps 1084c, 1086c, or 1088c). ). FIG. 33 shows a display example when the output condition FB and the welding check (EDM) FB are attempted to be arranged despite the terminal mode FB not being arranged. As shown in the figure, in such a case, the warning window 217 is opened so as to overlap the output-side function block, and a message “Please set the terminal mode to logic” is transmitted to the user. On the other hand, the user can interact with the system side by operating the OK button D15.

  As described above, in these “arrangement procedure” determination processes, when any function block arrangement is requested for any “row”, the block arrangement position on the side close to the output terminal in that line is set. On the condition that the scheduled function block is already arranged, control is performed so as to allow the arrangement of the function block.

  Returning to FIG. 6, when the necessary function block arrangement on the output-side template 210 is completed in this manner (step 109 NO), the user action corresponding to the operation of the “next” button D3 (step 110). 19), the logic circuit data (10b) shown in FIG. 19 generated by the above function block arrangement operation is converted into a data format readable by the safety controller for all function blocks (steps 111 to 113). The download parameters (safety controller control program) are generated by collecting the converted data (step 114).

  The download parameter generated in this way is installed in the target safety controller via communication or via a portable recording medium, as in the past.

  As described above, according to the software configuration of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 12, the entire function block arrangement template is separated into the input side template 202 and the output side template 210. Since the signal paths in the templates 202 and 210 are unified to the input signal path or the output signal path, a function block corresponding to the output signal is arranged in the input signal path, or vice versa. Function block placement errors such as function block placement are unlikely to occur.

  In both the input side template 202 and the output side template 210, the same input signal or output signal path exists in each row. As long as they are arranged in the same row in the table, there is an advantage that it is difficult to cause a programming error such that a function block to be arranged in a certain signal path is mistakenly arranged in another signal path.

  In addition, since the input side template 202 and the output side template 210 are alternatively displayed on the programming field 201, the above-described programming errors are compared with the case where they are displayed simultaneously on one screen while being separated. Is less likely to occur.

  When the input side template 202 and the output side template 210 are alternatively displayed on the programming field 201, the input side template 202 is displayed first and the output side template 210 is displayed later. Therefore, simply by following such a display procedure, the user must arrange the function blocks on the output side template 210 after completing the arrangement of the function blocks on the input side template 202. Considering that the function block placement and parameter settings above require the function block placement and parameter settings on the input template before that, this also has the advantage that programming errors are unlikely to occur. is there

  In addition, when placing a function block in any block placement possible position, first of all, a safety logic wizard that guides the function block to a predefined “placement row” according to its type. Since the mechanism is incorporated, there is no room for programming errors such that a plurality of function blocks are arranged in the wrong sequence in one signal path by the action of the safety logic wizard.

  On the other hand, the function block of the same type will always be placed in the same column by the action of such a safety logic wizard, so if you forgot to place the function block in any row by mistake, This type of safety program can be easily verified simply by searching for the missing part of the function block in units of columns.

  In addition, when placing the function block on the input side or output side template, secondly, since the safety logic wizard that leads to the “placement procedure” defined in advance for each function block type acts, In either the input-side template or the output-side template, not only the “arrangement sequence” but also the “arrangement procedure” will be guided in an appropriate order, and a programming error due to an error in the temporal arrangement order will also occur. There is no room.

  Next, flowcharts showing the software configuration of the program development support apparatus (second embodiment) according to the present invention are shown in FIGS. As described above, the application program shown in the flowchart is stored in the program memory 15c of FIG. 3, and is executed and executed by the CPU 11 in an integrated manner. In this second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, for the input side template, safety logic including a determination as to whether or not an FB is arranged according to a predefined “placement sequence” and “placement procedure”. Although the wizard is adopted (step 204), as shown in FIG. 14, the output side template stores the FB arrangement contents under the restriction of the “arrangement sequence” (step 209), but the “arrangement procedure” The arrangement content storage of the FB under the constraint is not adopted (step 209).

  As described above, even when the FB arrangement content storage process (step 204 c) is executed only on the input side template under the restrictions of the “arrangement sequence” and “arrangement procedure”, occurrence of programming errors is sufficiently suppressed. be able to.

  15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the software configuration of the program development support apparatus (third embodiment). The application programs shown in these flowcharts are stored in the program memory 15c of FIG. 3, and are executed and executed by the CPU 11 in an integrated manner. In the third embodiment, as is apparent with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the “arrangement string” constraint is imposed on both the input side circuit diagram data creation processing and the output side circuit diagram data creation processing. Although the FB arrangement content storage (steps 305 and 310) below is performed, the FB arrangement content storage under the restriction of the “arrangement procedure” is not performed. Even with such a configuration, programming errors can be sufficiently suppressed.

  As described above, according to the program development support device of each embodiment described above, the entire template is separated into the input side template and the output side template as shown in FIG. The signal paths related to the same signal exist in the same row.

  In addition, each column (C1 to C6) in each template is guided so that the same type of function block is arranged by the action of the safety logic wizard. Moreover, because of the function of the safety logic wizard, the same type of function blocks are arranged alone in the same column, so even if you forget to place any function block, after the program is completed It is easy to debug this kind of safety controller control program by checking the presence of function blocks for each column and if there is no function block in any row, intensively checking that part Can be done.

  Therefore, according to the structure of the input side template or the output side template, function blocks that should be placed in the same signal path can be separated from each other only by customizing the function blocks related to the same signal in the same row. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent programming mistakes such as misplacement in the signal path and placement of function blocks to be placed in the input signal path in the output signal path.

  In addition, the function on the input side template has already been arranged in the stage where the function block on the output side template is arranged by presenting the input side template to the user prior to the output side template. Since the arrangement of the blocks is completed, it is possible to prevent programming mistakes by the user.

  Furthermore, regarding the arrangement of any function block for any row, the input side template is guided to be arranged in order from the input terminal side as indicated by the arrow AR1, and the output side template is As shown by the arrow AR2, the guidance is performed in order from the output terminal side. Therefore, as long as such guidance is followed, other functions necessary for setting the function block are required at the stage where each function block is arranged. The function block is always arranged before that, and it is possible to reliably prevent programming mistakes.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a program development support device for a safety controller that is unlikely to cause a programming error and that can easily be detected from a function block layout when such a programming error occurs. can do.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the safety control system containing a safety controller. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the function of a program development support apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the electrical hardware constitutions of a program development assistance apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the electrical hardware constitutions of a safety controller. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the software structure of a program development assistance apparatus (1st Embodiment). It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the software structure of a program development assistance apparatus (1st Embodiment). It is a flowchart (the 3) which shows the software structure of a program development assistance apparatus (1st Embodiment). It is a detailed flowchart (processing corresponding to invalidation / function block) of input side circuit diagram data generation processing. It is a detailed flowchart (process corresponding to a set / reset / function block) of input side circuit diagram data generation processing. It is a detailed flowchart (corresponding to a terminal mode / function block) of output side circuit diagram data generation processing. It is a detailed flowchart (process corresponding to an EDM function block) of output side circuit diagram data generation processing. It is a detailed flowchart (processing corresponding to an output condition / function block) of output side circuit diagram data generation processing. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the software structure of a program development assistance apparatus (2nd Embodiment). It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the software structure of a program development assistance apparatus (2nd Embodiment). It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the software structure of a program development assistance apparatus (3rd Embodiment). It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the software structure of a program development assistance apparatus (3rd Embodiment). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of safety program template data (input side). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of safety program template data (output side). It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the logic circuit data (10b) produced by the user. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the setting parameter data (control program) downloaded to a safety controller. It is screen explanatory drawing in the initial stage of FB arrangement | positioning in an input side template. It is explanatory drawing of the menu window for FB selection. It is explanatory drawing of the menu window for an input invalidation condition setting. It is explanatory drawing of the menu window for reset condition setting. It is screen explanatory drawing of the input side template by which the input FB, the invalidation condition FB, and the reset FB are arrange | positioned. It is screen explanatory drawing at the beginning of FB arrangement | positioning setting start in an output side template. It is screen explanatory drawing of the various menu windows regarding a welding check. It is explanatory drawing of the menu window for terminal mode setting. It is screen explanatory drawing of the output side template by which the terminal mode FB, the output condition FB, and the welding check FB are arrange | positioned. It is explanatory drawing of the window for an output condition setting. It is explanatory drawing explanatory drawing at the time of completion of FB arrangement | positioning in an input side template. It is explanatory drawing explanatory drawing at the time of FB arrangement | positioning completion in an output side template. It is screen explanatory drawing of the warning window shown when the arrangement | positioning procedure of FB is wrong. It is explanatory drawing of the preferable arrangement | positioning example and arrangement | positioning procedure of each FB. It is a logic circuit diagram display example by a program development support device (first conventional example). It is a logic circuit diagram display example by a program development support device (second conventional example).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Safety controller 1a Setting parameter 2a Bus type network 2b Direct connection type network 3 Input device 4 Output device 5 Safety I / O terminal 6 User 10 Program development support device 10a Safety logic wizard database (DB)
10b Logic circuit diagram data 10c Compiler 10d Setting parameter 11 CPU
12 Input operation unit 13 Image display unit 14 Work RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Memory | storage device 15a Output image memory 15b System memory 15c Program memory 16 Communication part 17 System bus 101 Communication interface part 102 Central processing part 103a Input side terminal abnormality diagnosis part 103b Output side terminal abnormality diagnosis part 104a Input terminal part 104b Output terminal Section 200 Window 201 Programming field 202 Input side template 203-1 to 203-6 Index 204 Menu window 205 Menu window 206 Menu window 207 Check box 208 Check box 209 Menu window 210 Output side template 211 Menu window 213 Menu window 214 Menu window 215 Menu window 216 Check box 17 Warning window AR1 Arrow indicating the placement procedure of the input side template AR2 Arrow indicating the placement procedure of the output side template C1 to C6 row D1 Scroll bar D2 Return button D3 Advance button D4 Cancel button D5 OK button D6 Cancel button D7 Pull down button D8 OK Button D9 Cancel button D10 Pull-down button D11 OK button D12 Cancel button D13 OK button D14 Cancel button D15 OK button FB01 I / O conduction function block FB11 Safety emergency stop switch function block FB12 Redundant safety light curtain function block FB13 Safety not redundant Light curtain FB21 logical sum operation function block FB22 Logical product and logical sum operation function block FB31 Set / reset function block FB52 Welding check (EDM) function block FB61 Redundant compatible remote I / O function block FB62 Redundant compatible logic function block FB63 Redundant incompatible remote I / O function Block FB64 Logic function block that does not support duplication FB65 Auxiliary output function block PB2, PB3 Pull-down button R1, R2, R3, R4 lines

Claims (8)

In the programming field on the screen of the image display, one kind of function block selected from a plurality of kinds of function blocks prepared in advance is sequentially arranged, and necessary unique parameters are set for each function block. A safety controller program development support apparatus in which a control program for a safety controller is automatically generated through a series of user operations for completing a logic circuit diagram corresponding to a desired control specification,
The layout of the function block in the programming field is displayed on the programming field and the block layout position is defined so as to correspond to each crossing position of the row and the column. The side is performed according to the guide by the template for function block arrangement defined as the input terminal side and the other end side as the output terminal side,
The template for function block arrangement includes an input side template including a series of a plurality of columns that are located on the input side and each accepts a predetermined type of function block arrangement relating to the input signal, and a predetermined template that is located on the output side and that relates to the output signal. A safety controller program development support device, which is separated into an output side template including a series of a plurality of columns that accepts arrangement of function blocks of a type.   The safety controller program development support device according to claim 1, wherein the input side template and the output side template can be alternatively displayed on a programming field.   2. A mechanism for selectively displaying both templates on a programming field is incorporated so that the input side template is displayed first and the output side template is displayed later. Program development support device for the safety controller described in 1.   Each function block is defined in advance so that the function block selected by the user is arranged at the block arrangement possible position in the corresponding column on each template according to the arrangement column and arrangement procedure defined in advance for each type. The safety controller program development support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a mechanism for guiding to a predetermined arrangement sequence is incorporated with a predetermined arrangement procedure.   The mechanism for guiding each function block to a predetermined arrangement row with a predetermined arrangement procedure is a guidance display for prompting a user to perform an operation necessary for the function block. Procrum development support device for safety controllers.   The mechanism that guides each function block to the planned arrangement sequence with the planned arrangement sequence is that the function block selected by the user is an arrangement column other than the arrangement column predefined for each type, or other than the arrangement procedure It is designed to detect and prohibit the action placed on each template according to the placement procedure of, or to issue a warning to such action. The program development support device for a safety controller according to claim 4.   The template is an input side template, and the predefined arrangement procedure is such that a plurality of function blocks to be arranged in a predefined arrangement column are arranged in order from the column close to the input terminal. A program development support apparatus for a safety controller according to any one of claims 4 to 6.   The template is an output side template, and the predefined arrangement procedure is such that a plurality of function blocks to be arranged in a predefined arrangement column are arranged in order from the column close to the output terminal. A program development support apparatus for a safety controller according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

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