JP6767896B2 - Programmable logic controller system, programmable logic controller, communication test support device, communication test support method, and computer program that can be executed by the communication test support device. - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is a programmable logic controller system, a programmable logic controller, a communication test support device, and a communication test support method capable of executing a communication test without transferring a ladder program for communication test to a programmable controller (hereinafter referred to as PLC). , And computer programs that can be executed by the communication test support device.

The PLC is a sequence control device widely used in an FA (Factory Automation) control system, and operates according to a dedicated program called a ladder program. At the time of mounting, it is necessary to confirm the operation of data reading for a general-purpose serial device connected to the PLC.

Specifically, a ladder program is created that describes various processes such as connection destination setting process, open process, command transmission process, response reception process, and close process via PLC, and the program is transferred from the support device to PLC to ladder. The communication test is performed by executing the program.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a programmable controller system capable of sequentially switching a plurality of communication specifications defined as a combination of a destination address information prepared in advance and communication conditions. In Patent Document 1, a communication test can be performed without being aware of the communication conditions between the PLC and the general-purpose serial device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-277733

As described above, in order to perform the communication test, it is essential to create a ladder program dedicated to the communication test. However, there is a problem that it takes a lot of time and effort to create a ladder program. Also, since the ladder program must be transferred from the support device, it is not possible to change the program dynamically, and if an error occurs, is it caused by a malfunction of the device (general-purpose serial device, etc.)? There was also a problem that it was difficult to isolate the cause, probably because of a program defect.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is a programmable logic controller system, a programmable logic controller, and a communication test support device capable of executing a communication test without transferring a ladder program for a communication test to a PLC. , A communication test support method, and a computer program that can be executed by a communication test support device.

In order to achieve the above object, the programmable logic controller system according to the first invention is assigned a program storage unit that stores a user program, a program execution unit that repeatedly executes the user program, and a device described in the user program. A device is assigned to a device storage unit having a designated device area, a communication unit that is connected to enable data communication with an external device, a frame definition of a command for the external device, and an element included in the frame definition. A command for the external device is generated based on the setting data storage unit that stores the assigned allocation information as setting data, the device value of the device, and the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit, and the program is executed. A first command issuing unit that issues a generated command to the external device connected to the communication unit when the device corresponding to the command issuance trigger to the external device is turned on by the unit. In a programmable logic controller system including a programmable logic controller including the above, and a communication test support device that is connected to the programmable logic controller so as to be capable of data communication and supports a communication test for the external device, the communication. The test support device includes a display unit that displays connection conditions with the external device, an input reception unit that accepts input of a character string included in a command for the external device, and a trigger issuance reception unit that accepts an issuance trigger of the command. , A command for the external device is generated based on the character string for which the input is accepted, and when the issue trigger of the command is received, the generated command is issued for the external device connected to the communication unit. It is characterized by having a second command issuing unit.

Further, in the programmable logic controller system according to the second invention, in the first invention, the second command issuing unit is based on a character string that receives input and setting data stored in advance in the setting data storage unit. It is preferable to generate a command for the external device.

Further, in the programmable logic controller system according to the third invention, in the first invention, the communication test support device includes a connection condition setting unit for setting connection conditions with the external device, and the second command issuing unit is , It is preferable to generate a command for the external device based on the character string for which the input is received and the connection condition set by the connection condition setting unit.

Further, in the programmable logic controller system according to the fourth invention, in the second invention, the communication test support device also includes the setting data storage unit, and the second command issuing unit is the communication test support device. It is preferable to generate a command for the external device based on the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit.

Further, in the programmable logic controller system according to the fifth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions, the communication test support device outputs a corresponding ladder program after issuing a generated command. Is preferable.

Further, in any one of the first to fifth inventions, the programmable logic controller system according to the sixth invention preferably includes at least a CPU unit and a communication unit.

Next, in order to achieve the above object, the programmable logic controller according to the seventh invention includes a program storage unit that stores a user program, a program execution unit that repeatedly executes the user program, and a device described in the user program. A device storage unit having a device area allocated to the device, a communication unit connected to enable data communication with an external device, a frame definition of a command for the external device, and a device for elements included in the frame definition. Generates a command for the external device based on the setting data storage unit that stores the allocation information assigned to the device as setting data, the device value of the device, and the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit. Issuance of a command to the external device by the program execution unit When the device corresponding to the trigger is turned on, the first command issuance to issue the generated command to the external device connected to the communication unit. It is provided with a unit and is connected to a communication test support device that supports a communication test for the external device so as to be capable of data communication. In the communication test support device, input of a character string included in a command for the external device is performed. Is received, a command for the external device is generated based on the character string for which the input is received, and the command issued when the issue trigger of the command is received is received.

Further, in the seventh invention, the programmable logic controller according to the eighth invention preferably includes at least a CPU unit and a communication unit.

Next, in order to achieve the above object, the communication test support device according to the ninth invention is described in the program storage unit for storing the user program, the program execution unit for repeatedly executing the user program, and the user program. For the device storage unit that has the device area to which the device is allocated, the communication unit that connects to the external device so that data communication can be performed, the frame definition of the command for the external device, and the elements included in the frame definition. A command for the external device is generated based on the setting data storage unit that stores the allocation information assigned to the device as setting data, the device value of the device, and the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit. The first command to issue a command generated to the external device connected to the communication unit when the device corresponding to the issue trigger of the command to the external device is turned on by the program execution unit. In a communication test support device that is connected to a programmable logic controller including a issuing unit so as to be able to perform data communication and supports a communication test for the external device, a display unit that displays connection conditions with the external device and a display unit. An input reception unit that accepts the input of a character string included in a command to the external device, a trigger issuance reception unit that accepts an issuance trigger of the command, and a command to the external device are generated based on the character string that receives the input. It is characterized by including a second command issuing unit that issues a generated command to the external device connected to the communication unit when the issuing trigger of the command is received.

Further, in the communication test support device according to the tenth invention, in the ninth invention, the second command issuing unit is based on a character string for receiving input and setting data stored in advance in the setting data storage unit. It is preferable to generate a command for the external device.

Further, in the ninth invention, the communication test support device according to the eleventh invention includes a connection condition setting unit for setting a connection condition with the external device, and the second command issuing unit receives an input character string. It is preferable to generate a command for the external device based on the connection condition set by the connection condition setting unit.

Further, in the tenth invention, the communication test support device according to the twelfth invention includes the setting data storage unit, and the second command issuing unit stores the setting data storage unit of the communication test support device. It is preferable to generate a command for the external device based on the setting data.

Further, it is preferable that the communication test support device according to the thirteenth invention outputs the corresponding ladder program after issuing the generated command in any one of the ninth to twelfth inventions.

Next, in order to achieve the above object, the communication test support method according to the fourteenth invention is described in the program storage unit for storing the user program, the program execution unit for repeatedly executing the user program, and the user program. For the device storage unit that has the device area to which the device is allocated, the communication unit that connects to the external device so that data communication can be performed, the frame definition of the command for the external device, and the elements included in the frame definition. A command for the external device is generated based on the setting data storage unit that stores the allocation information assigned to the device as setting data, the device value of the device, and the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit. The first command to issue a command generated to the external device connected to the communication unit when the device corresponding to the issue trigger of the command to the external device is turned on by the program execution unit. Execution in a programmable logic controller system composed of a programmable logic controller including a issuing unit and a communication test support device capable of data communication with the programmable logic controller and supporting a communication test for the external device. In the communication test support method capable of the above, the communication test support device has a step of displaying connection conditions with the external device, a step of accepting input of a character string included in a command to the external device, and issuance of the command. A process of accepting a trigger and a process of generating a command for the external device based on a character string for which input is received and issuing a generated command to the external device when the issue trigger of the command is received. It is characterized by including.

Further, in the communication test support method according to the fifteenth invention, in the fourteenth invention, the communication test support device is based on a character string receiving an input and setting data stored in advance in the setting data storage unit. It is preferable to generate a command for the external device.

Further, in the communication test support method according to the sixteenth invention, in the fourteenth invention, the communication test support device includes a step of setting connection conditions with the external device, and is a connection set with a character string that accepts input. It is preferable to generate a command for the external device based on the conditions.

Further, in the communication test support method according to the seventeenth invention, in the fifteenth invention, the communication test support device also includes the setting data storage unit, and the communication test support device is the setting of the communication test support device. It is preferable to generate a command for the external device based on the setting data stored in the data storage unit.

Further, in the communication test support method according to the eighteenth invention, in any one of the fourteenth to seventeenth inventions, the communication test support device outputs a corresponding ladder program after issuing a generated command. Is preferable.

Next, in order to achieve the above object, the computer program according to the nineteenth invention includes a program storage unit that stores the user program, a program execution unit that repeatedly executes the user program, and a device described in the user program. A device storage unit having an allocated device area, a communication unit connected to enable data communication with an external device, a frame definition of a command for the external device, and a device for an element included in the frame definition. The program generates a command for the external device based on the setting data storage unit that stores the assigned allocation information as setting data, the device value of the device, and the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit. A first command issuing unit that issues a generated command to the external device connected to the communication unit when the execution unit turns on the device that responds to the issue trigger of the command to the external device. In a computer program that is connected to a programmable logic controller that is capable of data communication and can be executed by a communication test support device that supports a communication test with respect to the external device, the communication test support device is used. A display means for displaying connection conditions with the external device, an input receiving means for receiving input of a character string included in a command for the external device, a trigger issuing receiving means for receiving a trigger for issuing the command, and a character string for receiving input. As a second command issuing means for issuing a generated command to the external device connected by the communication means when a command for the external device is generated and a trigger for issuing the command is received based on the above. It is characterized by making it work.

Next, in order to achieve the above object, the programmable logic controller system according to the twentieth invention is described in the program storage unit for storing the user program, the program execution unit for repeatedly executing the user program, and the user program. For the device storage unit that has the device area to which the device is allocated, the communication unit that connects to the external device so that data communication can be performed, the frame definition of the command for the external device, and the elements included in the frame definition. A command for the external device is generated based on the setting data storage unit that stores the allocation information assigned to the device as setting data, the device value of the device, and the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit. The first command to issue a command generated to the external device connected to the communication unit when the device corresponding to the issue trigger of the command to the external device is turned on by the program execution unit. In a programmable logic controller system composed of a programmable logic controller including a issuing unit and a communication test support device which is connected to the programmable logic controller so as to be capable of data communication and supports a communication test for the external device. The communication test support device has a display unit that displays connection conditions with the external device, an input reception unit that accepts input of a character string included in a command for the external device, and a trigger issuance that accepts an issuance trigger of the command. The programmable logic controller includes a reception unit, generates a command for the external device based on a character string input received by the communication test support device, and receives a trigger for issuing the command from the communication test support device. In this case, it is characterized by including a second command issuing unit that issues a generated command to the external device connected to the communication unit.

In the 1st, 7th, 9th, 14th, 19th, and 20th inventions, the communication test support device is used as a display unit for displaying connection conditions with an external device and a command for the external device. When an input reception unit that accepts the input of the included character string, a trigger issuance reception unit that accepts the command issuance trigger, and a command for an external device is generated based on the input character string and the issuance trigger is accepted. , A second command issuing unit that issues a generated command to an external device connected to the communication unit is provided. As a result, the communication test can be performed while dynamically generating commands without creating a ladder program, so that the communication test desired by the user can be easily and concisely performed. Further, when a communication error occurs, when the ladder program is not executed, it can be confirmed only by checking the communication command, and the error handling time can be shortened.

In the second invention, the tenth invention, and the fifteenth invention, since the command for the external device is generated based on the character string for which the input is accepted and the setting data stored in advance, the character string for which the input is accepted is used as it is. Communication tests can be performed while dynamically generating commands without creating a ladder program, not only when generating as commands but also when generating new commands. Therefore, it is possible to easily and concisely perform the communication test desired by the user. Further, when a communication error occurs, when the ladder program is not executed, it can be confirmed only by checking the communication command, and the error handling time can be shortened.

In the third invention, the eleventh invention, and the sixteenth invention, since the command for the external device is generated based on the character string for which the input is accepted and the set connection condition, the connection is made to the character string for which the input is accepted. The above information (IP address, etc.) can be added, and a communication test can be performed while dynamically generating commands without creating a ladder program. Therefore, it is possible to easily and concisely perform the communication test desired by the user. Further, when a communication error occurs, when the ladder program is not executed, it can be confirmed only by checking the communication command, and the error handling time can be shortened.

In the fourth, twelfth, and seventeenth inventions, the communication test support device also includes a setting data storage unit, and is an external device based on the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit of the communication test support device. Since the command for is generated, the command for the communication test can be generated without accessing the programmable logic controller, and the communication test can be performed at a desired timing.

In the fifth, thirteenth, and eighteenth inventions, the communication test support device outputs the corresponding ladder program after issuing the generated command, so that the program for sending the command transmitted in the communication test is sent. Can be easily created, and the communication test can be easily reproduced.

In the sixth invention and the eighth invention, since the programmable logic controller includes at least a CPU unit and a communication unit, it is possible to generate a command for a communication test without significantly increasing the processing load of the CPU unit. ..

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform a communication test while dynamically generating a command without creating a ladder program, so that it is possible to easily and concisely perform a communication test desired by the user. Further, when a communication error occurs, when the ladder program is not executed, it can be confirmed only by checking the communication command, and the error handling time can be shortened.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the PLC system using the communication test support apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the PLC connected to the communication test support apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an example diagram of the communication command generated by the PLC connected to the communication test support device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the CPU of the CPU unit of PLC connected to the communication test support apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the communication unit of PLC connected to the communication test support apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication test support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention when a control unit such as a CPU is used. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function of the communication test support apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the control part of the communication test support apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the CPU unit and the communication unit of PLC connected to the communication test support device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is an example figure of the setting screen of the communication test support device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the data structure of the command of the communication test of the communication test support apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the PLC connected to the communication test support apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function of the communication test support apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is an example figure of the display output designation screen of the ladder program of the communication test support device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is an example figure of the display output screen of the ladder program and the frame definition of the communication test support device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is an example figure of the display output screen of the processing flow of the communication test support apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is an example figure of the display output screen of the processing flow and frame definition of the communication test support device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention.

Hereinafter, a programmable logic controller (PLC) system using the communication test support device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a PLC system using the communication test support device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, the communication test support device 2 is connected to the PLC1.

The PLC 1 is also connected to an input device (external device) 3 such as various sensors, relay contacts, encoders, and switches, and an output device (external device) 4 such as a motor, lamp, and solenoid, and is input from the input device 3. Based on the signal, an output signal to the output device 4 is generated. The operation of the PLC1 is determined by the ladder program stored in the PLC1. The input device (external device) 3 or output device (external device) 4 includes, for example, an image processing device, a measuring instrument, a bar code reader, a marking device, a static eliminator, a temperature controller, an inverter, an actuator, or an electronic scale. Etc., a device (external communication device) capable of exchanging data with the PLC1 by communication may be included.

More specifically, the PLC1 is composed of a CPU unit that controls the entire PLC1 and one or a plurality of expansion units that are detachably connected to the CPU unit. The CPU unit includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit displays the operating status of each expansion unit connected to the CPU unit, and the display content of the display unit can be switched by operating the operation unit. Normally, the display unit displays the current value (device value) of the device referred to by the ladder program, error information generated in PLC1, and the like. That is, the CPU unit displays a desired device value on the display unit or changes (edits) the device value to another value (user's desired value) based on the user operation via the operation unit. Has the function of

The operation mode of the PLC1 is switched to an operation mode (so-called RUN mode) or a non-operation mode (so-called setting mode) by the user. In the operation mode, the ladder program is periodically and repeatedly executed, and in the non-operation mode, the execution of the ladder program is stopped.

The communication test support device 2 confirms whether or not the external device such as the input device 3 and / or the output device 4 operates normally by setting the device value in the device in the PLC1. When the communication test is executed by the PLC1 alone, the frame definition of the command for the external devices 3 and 4 and the allocation information in which the device is assigned to the element included in the frame definition are stored as the setting data (setting data). The storage unit may be provided in the communication test support device 2). When a command for external devices 3 and 4 is generated based on the device value of the device and the stored setting data, and the device corresponding to the command issuance trigger for the external devices 3 and 4 is turned on. Issue the generated command to the external devices 3 and 4.

On the other hand, the communication test support device 2 accepts the input of the character string included in the command for the external devices 3 and 4, and receives the input for the external devices 3 and 4 based on the received character string and the stored setting data. When a command is generated and an issue trigger is received, the generated command is issued to the external devices 3 and 4. As a result, the command for the communication test can be issued by both the PLC 1 and the communication test support device 2, and the communication test can be performed flexibly and easily. The issue trigger also includes a trigger for starting execution of a test function block (or a test instruction word).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of PLC1 connected to the communication test support device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The PLC1 according to the first embodiment is composed of a CPU unit 1a and an expansion unit (communication unit) 1b. By distributing the functions between the CPU unit 1a and the expansion unit 1b, it is possible to greatly reduce the processing load of the CPU unit 1a.

The type of expansion unit 1b is not particularly limited. In the first embodiment, a case where the expansion unit 1b is a communication unit capable of performing data communication with another external device will be described. Of course, it goes without saying that the functions may not be distributed between the CPU unit 1a and the expansion unit 1b, and may be composed of a single PLC1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the program execution unit 102 of the PLC 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a device memory (device storage unit) based on the ladder program 8 stored in the program memory (program storage unit) 103. ) 104, the arithmetic processing is executed, and the arithmetic processing result is stored in the device memory 104. The device memory 104 stores data acquired from other external devices.

The stored ladder program 8 is a program composed of a plurality of instruction codes and defining a sequence control procedure. The ladder program 8 is created by a user using a program creation device (not shown) and transferred to PLC1.

The program execution unit 102 executes arithmetic processing based on the stored ladder program 8. The arithmetic processing is performed with reference to the device memory 104, and the arithmetic processing result is also stored in the device memory 104. In the operation mode, the ladder program 8 is periodically and repeatedly executed by the program execution unit 102. Executing the ladder program 8 once is called "scan", and the scan of the ladder program 8 is repeated during the operation mode. On the other hand, in the non-operation mode, the scan of the ladder program 8 is stopped.

The storage area of the device memory 104 is divided into a plurality of small areas. The divided small area is called a "device", and one device usually has a storage capacity of one bit or one word or a plurality of words. In other words, a device that is a storage area (virtual storage area) that stores a 1-bit device value such as on / off is called a relay device (also called a bit device), and 1 such as an analog value '150'. A device that is a storage area (virtual storage area) that stores a word or a device value (analog value) of a plurality of words is called a word device. In the ladder program 8, the device to be referred to is described, and the arithmetic processing related to the data (device value) stored in the device is described. That is, the ladder program 8 describes a procedure of reading a device value from the device memory 104, performing arithmetic processing based on the read device value, and writing the arithmetic result to the device memory 104 as a device value.

First, the procedure for executing the communication test by the ladder program 8 will be described. The program execution unit 102 of the CPU unit 1a receives the program start trigger from the trigger reception unit 101, and starts executing the communication test by the ladder program 8. The ladder program 8 notifies the first command management unit 110 of the start of the communication test through the device memory 104 and the bus master 106 via the bus slave 107 of the communication unit 1b which is an expansion unit.

The first command management unit 110 notifies the first command generation unit 111 of the start of command generation. The first command generation unit 111 acquires the device value of the device memory 104 via the bus slave 107 and the bus master 106, acquires the setting data such as the frame definition from the setting data storage unit 115, and generates a command. .. The stored setting data includes the frame definition of the command for the external device 3 (4) and the allocation information in which the device is assigned to the element included in the frame definition.

FIG. 3 is an example diagram of a communication command generated by the PLC1 connected to the communication test support device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 3, the command is composed of a sequence of numbers and is composed of a plurality of data blocks. In the example of FIG. 3, in the example of FIG. 3, the first two digits are the station code part 31, the next two digits are the command type part 32, the next four digits are read from the start address part 33, and the next four digits are read from the point number part 34. The last two digits are configured as the check code unit 35.

Returning to FIG. 2, after the command generation is completed, the first command issuing unit 112 notifies the communication unit 108 of the issuance of the command, and the communication unit 108 communicates including information regarding the communication settings of the unit. The setting data is acquired from the communication setting unit 109, and a command is issued to the external devices 3, 4, and the like.

The communication unit 108 receives information on the execution result of the communication test from the external devices 3, 4, and the like, and passes it to the first command reception unit 113. The information about the execution result received by the first command receiving unit 113 is interpreted by the first command interpreting unit 114 with reference to the setting data storage unit 115, and the information about the interpreted execution result is the bus slave 107. , Stored in the device memory 104 via the bus master 106.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the CPU 10 of the CPU unit 1a of the PLC1 connected to the communication test support device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 10 of the CPU unit 1a determines whether or not the program start trigger has been received (step S401).

When the CPU 10 determines that the program start trigger has not been received (step S401: NO), the CPU 10 is in the reception waiting state. When the CPU 10 determines that the program start trigger has been received (step S401: YES), the CPU 10 starts executing the ladder program 8 (step S402). The CPI 10 notifies the communication unit 1b, which is an expansion unit, of the start of execution of the communication test (step S403).

The CPU 10 receives information regarding the execution result of the communication test from the communication unit 1b as a command interpretation result (step S404) and stores it in the device memory 104 (step S405). The CPU 10 determines whether or not the ladder program 8 has ended (step S406), and when the CPU 10 determines that the ladder program 8 has not ended (step S406: NO), the CPU 10 processes the process to step S402. Return and repeat the above process. When the CPU 10 determines that the ladder program 8 has ended (step S406: YES), the CPU 10 ends the process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the communication unit 1b of the PLC1 connected to the communication test support device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the communication unit 1b determines whether or not the notification of the start of execution of the communication test has been received (step S501).

When it is determined that the communication unit 1b has not received the notification of the start of execution of the communication test (step S501: NO), the communication unit 1b is in the reception waiting state. When the communication unit 1b determines that the notification of the start of execution of the communication test has been received (step S501: YES), the communication unit 1b acquires the device value of the device memory 104 (step S502).

The communication unit 1b acquires setting data such as a frame definition (step S503) and generates a command (step S504). The communication unit 1b issues a command to the external devices 3, 4, and the like (step S505).

The communication unit 1b receives information regarding the execution result of the communication test from the external devices 3, 4, and the like (step S506), and interprets the received information regarding the execution result of the communication test (step S507). The communication unit 1b transfers the information regarding the execution result of the interpreted communication test to the CPU unit 1a (step S508). The information regarding the execution result of the transferred communication test is stored in the device memory 104 of the CPU unit 1a.

When a communication test is performed on the PLC1 according to the ladder program 8 as described above, it is necessary to generate the ladder program 8 on an external computer or the like and transfer it to the PLC1. On the other hand, the first embodiment is characterized in that a communication test can be performed by generating a command in response to an operation by the user and issuing the generated command at a desired timing.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the communication test support device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention when a control unit such as a CPU is used. As shown in FIG. 6, the communication test support device 2 according to the first embodiment has at least a control unit (CPU) 21, a memory 22, a storage device 23 such as a hard disk, an I / O interface 24, a video interface 25, and communication. It consists of an interface 26, a portable disk drive 27, and an internal bus 28 that connects the above-mentioned hardware.

The control unit 21 is connected to each of the above-mentioned hardware parts of the communication test support device 2 via the internal bus 28, controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned hardware parts, and stores the operation in the storage device 23. Various software functions are executed according to the computer program 100. The memory 22 is composed of volatile memories such as SRAM and SDRAM, and a load module is expanded when the computer program 100 is executed to store temporary data and the like generated when the computer program 100 is executed. Further, the storage area of the memory 22 is divided into a plurality of small areas (hereinafter, devices) having the same size as the device of the PLC1.

The storage device 23 is composed of a built-in fixed storage device (hard disk), a ROM, and the like. The computer program 100 stored in the storage device 23 is downloaded by the portable disk drive 27 from a portable recording medium 90 such as a DVD or CD-ROM in which information such as a program and data is recorded, and is stored in the storage device 23 at the time of execution. Is expanded to the memory 22 and executed. Of course, it may be a computer program downloaded from an external computer connected to the network via the communication interface 26.

The I / O interface 24 is connected to an input device such as a keyboard 241 and a mouse 242, and accepts data input. Further, the video interface 25 is connected to a display device 251 such as a CRT monitor and an LCD to display a predetermined image.

The communication interface 26 is connected to the internal bus 28 and transmits / receives data to / from an external computer or the like by being connected to an external network such as the Internet, LAN, WAN, etc., or by being connected via USB. Is possible. In addition, it is possible to send and receive data to and from the PLC1 via a communication line.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the communication test support device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the trigger issuance receiving unit 203 of the communication test support device 2 accepts the trigger issuance, and sends a notification of the start of execution of the communication test to the second command management unit 204. The second command generation unit 211 acquires setting data such as connection destination setting information and command data from the input reception unit 202, and starts command generation.

The setting data may be stored in the setting data storage unit of the communication unit 1b, or the communication test support device 2 may be provided with the setting data storage unit. By storing it in the communication test support device 2, it is possible to generate a command for the communication test without accessing the PLC 1, and the communication test can be performed at a desired timing.

It should be noted that the input receiving unit 202 may accept an input by a number, for example, a character string (alphabet character, ASCII character, symbol string, etc.) indicating the command itself such as the character string "ABCD". Is also good. In this case, the character string "ABCD" that has received the input is generated as a command as it is and transmitted to the external device.

However, the command may include connection conditions with an external device such as a connection destination in an Ethernet (registered trademark) connection, an IP address, and a baud rate in a serial communication connection. Further, even if only a character string is accepted for input, it is preferable to add an IP address or the like which is information on the connection destination included as setting data when the command is generated.

In this case, for example, a connection condition setting unit 206 is separately provided to set connection conditions with an external device such as a connection destination for Ethernet (registered trademark) connection, an IP address, and a baud rate for serial communication connection, which are required for command generation. You may accept it. If communication is possible without adding information on the connection destination (for example, RS232 communication), this can be omitted.

After the command generation is completed, the second command issuing unit 212 transmits the generated command to the communication unit 108 of the communication unit 1b via the communication interface 205. As shown in FIG. 2, the communication unit 108 of the communication unit 1b acquires communication setting data including information related to the communication setting of the unit from the communication setting unit 109, and issues a command to the external devices 3, 4, and the like.

The communication unit 108 of the communication unit 1b receives information on the execution result from the external devices 3, 4, and the like, and passes it to the second command reception unit 213 via the communication interface 205. The information regarding the execution result of the communication test received by the second command receiving unit 213 is interpreted by the second command interpreting unit 214 with reference to the setting data, and the information regarding the interpreted communication test execution result is It is displayed on the display unit 201.

The display unit 201 can display connection conditions with an external device such as a connection destination in an Ethernet (registered trademark) connection, an IP address, and a baud rate in a serial communication connection. Of course, the display unit 201 of the communication test support device 2 may display in a multi-window, or may be displayed on the display device of another device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control unit 21 of the communication test support device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 21 of the communication test support device 2 accepts the trigger issuance as the execution start trigger of the communication test (step S801), and notifies the execution start of the communication test to the second command management unit 204. Send to.

The control unit 21 receives input of setting data such as connection destination setting information and command data (step S802). The control unit 21 starts command generation based on the input setting data (step S803). The control unit 21 transmits the generated command to the CPU unit 1a.

The control unit 21 receives information regarding the execution result of the communication test from the CPU unit 1a from the external devices 3, 4, and the like (step S804). The control unit 21 interprets the received information regarding the execution result of the communication test with reference to the setting data (step S805), and displays the information regarding the interpreted execution result of the communication test (step S806).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the CPU unit 1a and the communication unit 1b of the PLC1 connected to the communication test support device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the CPU unit 1a receives the generated command (step S901) and passes it to the communication unit 108 of the communication unit 1b.

The communication unit 1b acquires communication setting data including information related to the communication settings of the unit (step S902), and issues a command to the external devices 3, 4, and the like (step S903). The communication unit 1b receives information regarding the execution result of the communication test from the external devices 3, 4 and the like (step S904), and transmits the information to the communication test support device 2 (step S905).

FIG. 10 is an example diagram of a setting screen of the communication test support device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the connection destination setting area 151 accepts the setting of the IP address and the port number of the external device 3 (4) to which the command is transmitted.

In the transmission data setting area 153, a command generated as transmission data is set. In the example of FIG. 10, the hexadecimal number '4D 300D' is set as the transmission data. When the selection of the execution button 152 is accepted in this state, a command is issued and the communication test is executed.

Then, in the reception result display area 154, information regarding the execution result of the received communication test is displayed. In the example of FIG. 10, the hexadecimal number ‘4F 4B 0D 0A’ is received as the information regarding the execution result of the communication test.

Whether the command is generated by the PLC 1 or the communication test support device 2 may be controlled by the header information of the command. FIG. 11 is an example diagram of a data structure of a communication test command of the communication test support device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 11, in the command 1102 generated by the second command generation unit 211 of the communication test support device 2, information for identifying the expansion unit (communication unit) 1b is set as the header information 1101. On the other hand, header information is not added to the command generated by the first command generation unit 111 of the communication unit 1b.

As a result, by reading the header information in the communication unit 1b, it is possible to distinguish between the command generated by the first command generation unit 111 and the command generated by the second command generation unit 211. After issuing the command to the device 3 (4), it is possible to return the information regarding the execution result of the communication test to the second command receiving unit 213.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the communication test can be performed while dynamically generating commands without creating a ladder program, so that the communication test desired by the user can be easily and concisely performed. Is possible. Further, when a communication error occurs, when the ladder program is not executed, it can be confirmed only by checking the communication command, and the error handling time can be shortened.

In the first embodiment described above, the PLC1 is composed of the CPU unit 1a and the expansion unit (communication unit) 1b, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the CPU unit 1a alone is used for both units. The same effect can be expected even if the function is realized. Further, the setting data storage unit may be provided not only in the PLC 1 but also in the communication test support device 2.

(Embodiment 2)
Since the configuration of the PLC system using the communication test support device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted by adding the same reference numerals. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the second command management unit 130 (204) is provided in the CPU unit 1a of the PLC1.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of PLC1 connected to the communication test support device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The PLC1 according to the second embodiment is composed of a CPU unit 1a and an expansion unit (communication unit) 1b. By distributing the functions between the CPU unit 1a and the expansion unit 1b, it is possible to greatly reduce the processing load of the CPU unit 1a.

The type of expansion unit 1b is not particularly limited. In the first embodiment, a case where the expansion unit 1b is a communication unit capable of performing data communication with another external device will be described. Of course, it goes without saying that the functions may not be distributed between the CPU unit 1a and the expansion unit 1b, and may be composed of a single PLC1.

As shown in FIG. 12, the program execution unit 102 of the PLC1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a device memory (device storage unit) based on the ladder program 8 stored in the program memory (program storage unit) 103. ) 104, the arithmetic processing is executed, and the arithmetic processing result is stored in the device memory 104. The device memory 104 stores data acquired from an external device.

The stored ladder program 8 is a program composed of a plurality of instruction codes and defining a sequence control procedure. The ladder program 8 is created by a user using a program creation device (not shown) and transferred to PLC1.

The program execution unit 102 executes arithmetic processing based on the stored ladder program 8. The arithmetic processing is performed with reference to the device memory 104, and the arithmetic processing result is also stored in the device memory 104. In the operation mode, the ladder program 8 is periodically and repeatedly executed by the program execution unit 102. Executing the ladder program 8 once is called "scan", and the scan of the ladder program 8 is repeated during the operation mode. On the other hand, in the non-operation mode, the scan of the ladder program 8 is stopped.

The storage area of the device memory 104 is divided into a plurality of small areas. The divided small area is called a "device", and one device usually has a storage capacity of one bit or one word or a plurality of words. In other words, a device that is a storage area (virtual storage area) that stores a 1-bit device value such as on / off is called a relay device (also called a bit device), and 1 such as an analog value '150'. A device that is a storage area (virtual storage area) that stores a word or a device value (analog value) of a plurality of words is called a word device. In the ladder program 8, the device to be referred to is described, and the arithmetic processing related to the data (device value) stored in the device is described. That is, the ladder program 8 describes a procedure of reading a device value from the device memory 104, performing arithmetic processing based on the read device value, and writing the arithmetic result to the device memory 104 as a device value.

Since the procedure for executing the communication test by the ladder program 8 is the same as that in the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also in the second embodiment, the communication test can be performed by generating a command in response to an operation by the user and issuing the generated command at a desired timing.

In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the CPU unit 1a is provided with the second command management unit 130. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the communication test support device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIGS. 12 and 13, the trigger issuance receiving unit 203 of the communication test support device 2 accepts the trigger issuance, and the second command management of the CPU unit 1a notifies the start of execution of the communication test via the communication interfaces 205 and 105. It is transmitted to the unit 130. In the CPU unit 1a, the second command generation unit 131 acquires setting data such as connection destination setting information and command data from the input reception unit 202 of the communication test support device 2 via the communication interfaces 205 and 105. , Start command generation.

After the command generation is completed, the second command issuing unit 132 transmits the generated command to the communication unit 108 of the communication unit 1b via the bus master 106 and the bus slave 107. The communication unit 108 acquires communication setting data including information related to the communication setting of the unit from the communication setting unit 109, and issues a command to the external devices 3, 4, and the like.

The communication unit 108 of the communication unit 1b receives information on the execution result of the communication test from the external devices 3, 4, and the like, and passes it to the second command reception unit 133 via the bus slave 107 and the bus master 106. The information regarding the execution result of the communication test received by the second command receiving unit 133 is interpreted by the second command interpreting unit 134 with reference to the setting data, and the information regarding the interpreted communication test execution result is communicated. It is transmitted to the communication test support device 2 via the interfaces 105 and 205. Information about the interpreted communication test execution result is displayed on the display unit 201 of the communication test support device 2.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the communication test can be performed while dynamically generating the command without creating the ladder program, so that the communication test desired by the user can be easily and concisely performed. Is possible. Further, when a communication error occurs, when the ladder program is not executed, it can be confirmed only by checking the communication command, and the error handling time can be shortened.

In the second embodiment described above, the setting data storage unit 135 is also provided in the CPU unit 1a, but of course, it may be provided only in the communication unit 1b. In this case, when the setting data is required, the setting data is data-communicated between the CPU unit 1a and the communication unit 1b.

(Embodiment 3)
Since the configuration of the PLC system using the communication test support device 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted by adding the same reference numerals. The third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that the ladder program 8 is displayed and output based on the command used for the communication test generated by the second command management unit 204. The displayed and output ladder program 8 may be executed by the CPU unit 1a in the operation mode. Further, the frame definition and the flow that are displayed and output may also be executed in the operation mode.

The display output formats are (1) display output of ladder program 8, (2) display output of ladder program 8 and frame definition, (3) display output of flow of ladder program 8, and (4) flow of ladder program 8. And four types of display output methods of frame definition display output can be considered. FIG. 14 is an example diagram of a display output designation screen of the ladder program 8 of the communication test support device 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In the example of FIG. 14, the output button 1402 is displayed in the display output designated area 1401. When the user selects the output button 1402, the pull-down menu 1403 is displayed. In the pull-down menu, select one from "Ladder", "Ladder + frame definition", "Flow", and "Flow + frame definition" to convert the display output to formats (1) to (4). Can be changed.

For example, when the user selects "ladder", the ladder program 8 corresponding to the issued command is displayed and output. The display and output are a ladder for setting the IP address and the like of the communication destination, a ladder for setting the protocol, a ladder for transmitting a byte string of a command, a ladder for receiving, a ladder for closing, and the like.

When "ladder + frame definition" is selected, the frame definition is also displayed and output in addition to the ladder program 8. FIG. 15 is an example diagram of a display output screen of the ladder program 8 and the frame definition of the communication test support device 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 15, the frame definition is displayed and output in the frame definition display area 1502. Then, the ladder that executes the displayed frame definition is displayed and output to the ladder program display area 1501.

Further, when "flow" is selected, the processing flow is displayed and output instead of the ladder program 8. FIG. 16 is an example diagram of a display output screen of the processing flow of the communication test support device 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 16, the added processing flow is displayed and output in the processing flow display area 1601.

Then, when "flow + frame definition" is selected, not only the processing flow but also the frame definition is displayed and output. FIG. 17 is an example diagram of a display output screen of the processing flow and frame definition of the communication test support device 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 17, the frame definition is displayed and output in the frame definition display area 1702. Then, the flow of the process for executing the displayed frame definition is displayed and output to the process flow display area 1701.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, since the corresponding ladder program is output after issuing the generated command, it is possible to visually confirm what kind of communication test was performed and the result was completed normally. At the same time, the communication test can be easily reproduced.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes and improvements can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, in the first embodiment described above, the first command management unit is in the communication unit 1b (PLC1), the second command management unit is in the communication test support device 2, and in the second embodiment, the first command management. The unit is provided in the communication unit 1b, and the second command management unit is provided in the CPU unit 1a, but the present invention is not particularly limited to this, and the second command management unit may be provided separately in the PLC system.

1 PLC
1a CPU unit 1b Expansion unit (communication unit)
2 Communication test support device 10 CPU
21 Control unit 22 Memory 104 Device memory

Claims (20)

A program storage unit that stores user programs and
A program execution unit that repeatedly executes the user program, and
A device storage unit having a device area to which the device described in the user program is allocated,
A communication unit that connects to enable data communication with external devices,
A setting data storage unit that stores the frame definition of the command for the external device and the allocation information assigned to the device for the element included in the frame definition as setting data.
A command for the external device is generated based on the device value of the device and the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit, and the program execution unit turns on the device corresponding to the command issuance trigger for the external device. A programmable logic controller including a first command issuing unit that issues a generated command to the external device connected to the communication unit in the event of a state.
In a programmable logic controller system that is connected to the programmable logic controller so as to be capable of data communication and is composed of a communication test support device that supports a communication test for the external device.
The communication test support device is
A display unit that displays connection conditions with the external device,
An input reception unit that accepts input of character strings included in commands for the external device,
A trigger issuance reception unit that accepts the issuance trigger of the command,
A command for the external device is generated based on the input character string, and when a command issuance trigger for the command is received, the generated command is issued to the external device connected to the communication unit. A programmable logic controller system characterized by having a second command issuing unit. The second command issuing unit is characterized in that it generates a command for the external device based on a character string that receives an input and setting data stored in advance in the setting data storage unit. Programmable logic controller system described in. The communication test support device is
A connection condition setting unit for setting connection conditions with the external device is provided.
The second command issuing unit according to claim 1, wherein the second command issuing unit generates a command for the external device based on a character string that receives an input and a connection condition set by the connection condition setting unit. Programmable logic controller system. The communication test support device also includes the setting data storage unit.
The programmable according to claim 2, wherein the second command issuing unit generates a command for the external device based on the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit of the communication test support device. Logic controller system. The programmable logic controller system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the communication test support device outputs a corresponding ladder program after issuing a generated command. The programmable logic controller system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the programmable logic controller includes at least a CPU unit and a communication unit. A program storage unit that stores user programs and
A program execution unit that repeatedly executes the user program, and
A device storage unit having a device area to which the device described in the user program is allocated,
A communication unit that connects to enable data communication with external devices,
A setting data storage unit that stores the frame definition of the command for the external device and the allocation information assigned to the device for the element included in the frame definition as setting data.
A command for the external device is generated based on the device value of the device and the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit, and the program execution unit turns on the device corresponding to the command issuance trigger for the external device. It is provided with a first command issuing unit that issues a generated command to the external device connected to the communication unit when the state is reached.
It is connected to the communication test support device that supports the communication test for the external device so that it can perform data communication.
When the communication test support device accepts an input of a character string included in a command for the external device, generates a command for the external device based on the input-accepted character string, and receives a trigger for issuing the command. A programmable logic controller characterized by receiving commands issued to. The programmable logic controller according to claim 7, wherein at least a CPU unit and a communication unit are included. A program storage unit that stores user programs and
A program execution unit that repeatedly executes the user program, and
A device storage unit having a device area to which the device described in the user program is allocated,
A communication unit that connects to enable data communication with external devices,
A setting data storage unit that stores the frame definition of the command for the external device and the allocation information assigned to the device for the element included in the frame definition as setting data.
A command for the external device is generated based on the device value of the device and the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit, and the program execution unit turns on the device corresponding to the command issuance trigger for the external device. When a state occurs, it is connected to a programmable logic controller including a first command issuing unit that issues a generated command to the external device connected to the communication unit so that data communication can be performed. , In the communication test support device that supports the communication test for the external device,
A display unit that displays connection conditions with the external device,
An input reception unit that accepts input of character strings included in commands for the external device,
A trigger issuance reception unit that accepts the issuance trigger of the command,
A command for the external device is generated based on the input character string, and when a trigger for issuing the command is received, the generated command is issued to the external device connected to the communication unit. A communication test support device characterized by having a second command issuing unit. 9. The second command issuing unit is characterized in that it generates a command for the external device based on a character string that has received input and setting data that is stored in advance in the setting data storage unit. Communication test support device described in. A connection condition setting unit for setting connection conditions with the external device is provided.
The second command issuing unit according to claim 9, wherein the second command issuing unit generates a command for the external device based on the character string that receives the input and the connection condition set by the connection condition setting unit. Communication test support device. It is equipped with the setting data storage unit.
The communication according to claim 10, wherein the second command issuing unit generates a command for the external device based on the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit of the communication test support device. Test support device. The communication test support device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the corresponding ladder program is output after issuing the generated command. A program storage unit that stores user programs and
A program execution unit that repeatedly executes the user program, and
A device storage unit having a device area to which the device described in the user program is allocated,
A communication unit that connects to enable data communication with external devices,
A setting data storage unit that stores the frame definition of the command for the external device and the allocation information assigned to the device for the element included in the frame definition as setting data.
A command for the external device is generated based on the device value of the device and the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit, and the program execution unit turns on the device corresponding to the command issuance trigger for the external device. A programmable logic controller including a first command issuing unit that issues a generated command to the external device connected to the communication unit in the event of a state.
In a communication test support method that can perform data communication with the programmable logic controller and can be executed by a programmable logic controller system composed of a communication test support device that supports a communication test for the external device.
The communication test support device is
The process of displaying the connection conditions with the external device and
The process of accepting the input of the character string included in the command for the external device, and
The process of accepting the command issuance trigger and
It is characterized by including a step of generating a command for the external device based on a character string for which input is received, and issuing a generated command for the external device when a trigger for issuing the command is received. Communication test support method. 14. The communication test support device according to claim 14, wherein the communication test support device generates a command for the external device based on a character string that receives input and setting data stored in advance in the setting data storage unit. Communication test support method. The communication test support device is
Including the step of setting the connection conditions with the external device.
The communication test support method according to claim 14, wherein a command for the external device is generated based on a character string that receives an input and a set connection condition. The communication test support device also includes the setting data storage unit.
The communication test support according to claim 15, wherein the communication test support device generates a command for the external device based on the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit of the communication test support device. Method. The communication test support method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the communication test support device outputs a corresponding ladder program after issuing a generated command. A program storage unit that stores user programs and
A program execution unit that repeatedly executes the user program, and
A device storage unit having a device area to which the device described in the user program is allocated,
A communication unit that connects to enable data communication with external devices,
A setting data storage unit that stores the frame definition of the command for the external device and the allocation information assigned to the device for the element included in the frame definition as setting data.
A command for the external device is generated based on the device value of the device and the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit, and the program execution unit turns on the device corresponding to the command issuance trigger for the external device. When a state occurs, it is connected to a programmable logic controller including a first command issuing unit that issues a generated command to the external device connected to the communication unit so that data communication can be performed. , In a computer program that can be executed by a communication test support device that supports a communication test for the external device.
The communication test support device
A display means for displaying connection conditions with the external device,
An input receiving means for receiving an input of a character string included in a command for the external device,
When a command for the external device is generated based on the trigger issuance receiving means for receiving the issuing trigger of the command and the character string for which the input is received, and the issuing trigger for the command is received, the communication means is connected. A computer program characterized in that it functions as a second command issuing means for issuing a generated command to the external device. A program storage unit that stores user programs and
A program execution unit that repeatedly executes the user program, and
A device storage unit having a device area to which the device described in the user program is allocated,
A communication unit that connects to enable data communication with external devices,
A setting data storage unit that stores the frame definition of the command for the external device and the allocation information assigned to the device for the element included in the frame definition as setting data.
A command for the external device is generated based on the device value of the device and the setting data stored in the setting data storage unit, and the program execution unit turns on the device corresponding to the command issuance trigger for the external device. A programmable logic controller including a first command issuing unit that issues a generated command to the external device connected to the communication unit in the event of a state.
In a programmable logic controller system that is connected to the programmable logic controller so as to be capable of data communication and is composed of a communication test support device that supports a communication test for the external device.
The communication test support device is
A display unit that displays connection conditions with the external device,
An input reception unit that accepts input of character strings included in commands for the external device,
It is equipped with a trigger issuance receiving unit that accepts the issuing trigger of the command.
The programmable logic controller
When a command for the external device is generated based on a character string input received by the communication test support device and a command issuance trigger for the command is received from the communication test support device, the communication unit is connected. A programmable logic controller system characterized by having a second command issuing unit that issues commands generated to an external device.