JPH06202712A - Simulation device for programmable controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a PC (programmable controller) simulation device capable of simulating the program of a PC without special condition setting operation for simulation. CONSTITUTION:This device is provided with a storage means 13 where a function module set file consisting of function models of control units and input/ output signals and operation times about these models is stored, simulation operation processing parts 11 and 15 which take the output signal based on the operation result of the program of the PC as the input and select a function model of the function module set file based on this output signal and send a pertinent input signal to the operation part side of the PC after the lapse of the operation time of this function model and obtains the operating state of the function model by calculation, and a display device 16 on which the function model selected by the simulation operation processing part and its operating state are displayed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a programmable controller (hereinafter referred to as PC) simulation apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the problems to be solved by the invention
When simulating a PC program, P
An input time schedule is set separately from the program of C, and while executing the program, a signal according to a preset input time schedule is given to the PC. In this method, a time chart for the operation of the controlled machine must be created in advance, a time chart for the input portion must be set from the time chart, and a simulation must be performed by linking the PC and the simulation device. There is a problem in that the work is troublesome and takes time for the user.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and provides a PC simulation apparatus capable of simulating a PC program without an operation of setting special simulation conditions. The purpose is to provide.

[0004]

A PC simulation apparatus according to the present invention comprises a storage unit for storing a functional module setting file including a functional model of a control unit, input / output signals and operating time for the model. ,
Input the output signal based on the operation result of the program of the programmable controller, select the function model of the function module setting file based on the output signal, and if the operation time of the function model elapses, the operation unit side of the programmable controller A simulation operation processing unit that sends out an input signal corresponding to the above and calculates the operation state of the functional model, and a display device that displays the function model selected by the simulation operation processing unit and the operation state thereof.

[0005]

According to the present invention, the function module setting file including the function model of the control unit, the data including the signal number of the input / output signal and the operation time for the model is stored in the storage means. Then, when the program of the PC is executed and the output signal is sent out, the simulation calculation processing section selects a functional model to be controlled from the storage means based on the output signal, and at the same time Read the operating time. Then, when the operation time elapses, the corresponding input signal of the functional model is transmitted to the PC.
Sent to the calculation unit side of. The arithmetic unit of the PC shifts to the next arithmetic processing according to the input signal. In this way, the PC sends out the output signal and takes in the input signal in the same manner as when controlling the actual machine, and advances the arithmetic processing. Then, the operating state of the functional model at that time is displayed on the display device, and the user can check whether the program is normal or abnormal by viewing it.

[0006]

1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a simulation apparatus and a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the programmer 10 is used as a simulation device. Programmer 10 is C
It has a PU 11, and the CPU 11 performs arithmetic processing according to a system program stored in the ROM 12. CP
RAM13,14,15 is connected to U11,
The RAM 13 stores a function module setting file, which will be described later, and the RAM 14 stores other data. A simulation program is stored in the RAM 15. The CPU 11 further includes a display device 16, a keyboard 17, and an interface circuit (hereinafter referred to as IF) 1
8 is connected.

On the other hand, the PC 30 has a CPU 31, and the CPU 31 performs arithmetic processing according to a system program stored in the ROM 32. RAM3 for CPU31
3, 34 are connected, and the program file of the PC is stored in the RAM 33. The RAM 34 functions as an I / O memory that stores input / output signals. The input / output port 36 is connected to the CPU 31 via the gate circuit 35. An IF 38 is further connected to the CPU 31, and the IF 38 and the IF 18 on the programmer 10 side are connected, and signals are exchanged between the programmer 10 and the PC 30.

The function setting module setting file stored in the RAM 13 of the programmer 10 sets the relation between the output of each functional model and the confirmation signal of its operation and the response time, and is the object of this setting. There are the following types of functional modules, for example. -Power module with operation check detector * type (example: single solenoid valve) -Time control output module * type (example: output at any time) -Inter-device handshake module * type (example: Command + Responsive wait type) -Discrimination Module * type (example: multiple branch type) -Operation module * type (example: start + cycle stop type) -Loop control module * type (example: 2-point range detection + ON)
/ OFF control type) -Dynamic I / O function module * type (Example: Contact matrix type) -Pulse train output module * type (Example: CW / CCW output type)

When the table entry format is adopted when setting this functional module, for example, the following table is displayed on the display device 16 and data is written.

[0010]

[Table 1]

The contents of the setting items in the above table are as follows. Confirmation signal: The number or signal name of the input signal for confirming that the output is completed. Operation time: The time required for the output to complete the operation (the operation time may be limited even if it is not a mechanical name operation). Even if you do not set it here, you can set it by teaching the actual machine. When performing a simulation in which the temporal accuracy of the operation does not matter, the operation time may be set uniformly. Monitoring time: The operation time of the output or the time to judge that the time from the start of operation of the output to the confirmation of the confirmation signal is longer than that (operation time × redundancy). If this time is not set, the operation time may be multiplied by a uniform redundancy. However, some operation models do not have this setting. (Example: Waiting for work) Operating condition: Absolute condition for the output to operate (more than one may be required.) Prohibited condition: Condition for the output not to operate (more than one may be required) .) Pose P: Sets whether the output is forcibly turned off or held when an abnormality occurs or the bose function is activated. Message: This area is used to set the message type when an error occurs. Normally, it is automatically selected depending on the function model and details of the error detection. Set when the user selects a message type to be created separately. Abnormal processing: When an abnormality occurs, set special abnormal processing other than the pause function and message output processing (P
C pause or PC stop).

The above-mentioned setting items are used by the user for designing a program and for realizing an auto simulation / safety circuit design / automatic device diagnostic function / automatic device diagnostic message function. Such items may be set in the PC 30 in advance at the time of shipment, and the data may be corrected only by reading them into the programmer 10 and changing them. Examples of data in that case include the examples shown in Table 2 below.

[0013]

[Table 2]

Further, the simulation program stored in the RAM 15 of the programmer 10 is provided with an operation function of a functional module, and performs a simulation operation as described later. Further, the simulation program has a function of operating an input signal which is a response of the output when the operation time of the functional model corresponding to the output signal output by the execution of the program has elapsed. Further, since the gate circuit 35 is provided in the PC 30 between the I / O memory 34 and the input / output port 36, the input / output signal is input / output port 36 during the simulation operation.
It should not be exchanged with the input / output module (not shown) connected to (the offline simulation does not require this function).

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which a program (stage type) created by the programmer 10 is graphically displayed. In this program, S1, S2, and S3 respectively indicate the stage numbers, and the stage S1 is "waiting for work detection", and when a signal is input to the input number I20, it is assumed that the work is detected and the next stage S2 is detected. Move on to. In the stage S2, "pusher out" processing is performed, and an output signal is sent to the output number Q45 to turn on the solenoid valve. When a signal is input to the input number I23, it is determined that the operation end has been reached, and the process proceeds to the next stage S3. In stage S3, "pusher return" processing is performed. In this stage, since the solenoid valve is in the off state, the pusher returns to its original position, and when the signal is input to input number I24, it is assumed that the original position has been reached. , Move to the next stage.

The program configured as shown in FIG. 2 is a PC
The operation in the case of simulating this program, which is stored in the RAM 33 of 30, will be described below.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation when simulating the program of the PC 30. (1) When the programmer 10 is started, the operation mode designation screen is displayed on the display device 16. (2) When the user wants to perform a simulation operation, he or she looks at the operation mode designation screen and selects the automatic operation mode. (3) The calculation of the simulation program is started by the above selection by the user, and the operation screen of the start button is displayed on the display device 16. (4) When the user turns on the start button, it is taken into the CPU 31 via the IF 18 and the IF 38. Then, the CPU 31 starts executing the calculation of the program stored in the RAM 33. The simulation program grasps each functional module in the execution stage of the program of the PC 30 and operates as if connected to the machine. That is, in the actual machine, when the start operation is performed, the first output is output from the PC 30, and the output returns the response by actually operating the machine and moves to the next operation. In this simulation operation, PC3 by simulation operation
The 0 output signal is read, and after the output operation time of the output has elapsed, the input signal is given to the PC 30 to move to the next operation. Then, the operation status of the functional model is displayed on the display device 16 by the calculation of the simulation program.

(5) In this embodiment, the first stage S1 is "workpiece detection wait", and its operation time is not set in the functional module. Programmer 10
CPU 11 of the I / O memory 34 of the PC 30 I
It is read through F18 and 38, and the function setting module setting file is referenced to grasp that it is in the "work detection wait" state. Since the required operating time is not specified here, the preset required time is read out in that case, and the operating state (workpiece detection state) of the functional model is calculated and displayed based on the required time at that time. Display on the device 16. Then, when the required time elapses, the CPU 1
1 sends out a signal corresponding to a work detection signal to the PC 30 side via the IF 18. CPU31 of PC30 is IF
The signal is taken into the I / O memory 34 via 38.
The signal at that time is captured as I20. When the work detection signal is input in this manner, the CPU 31 advances the calculation of the next stage S2 of the program in the program file.

(6) The next stage S2 is "pusher output", in which the output signal Q45 is turned on and stored in the I / O memory 38, and then sent out to the programmer 10 side through the IF 38. The CPU 11 of the programmer 10 reads out the corresponding function model from the function module setting file based on the output signal Q45, and displays it on the display device 16. At this time, the time required to move to the operation end of the pusher is written in the function module setting file, so the operation state of the function model is displayed based on the time required. FIG. 4 shows the state. Then, when the required time elapses, a signal corresponding to the detection signal at the operating end is sent to the PC 30 side via the IF 18. On the PC10 side, the signal is transmitted via the IF 38 to the I
/ O memory 34. The signal at that time is taken in as I23. When the operation end detection signal is input in this way, the CPU 31 advances the operation of the next stage S3 of the program.

(7) The next stage S3 is "pusher return", and the CPU 11 of the PC 30 outputs its output signal Q4.
Turn off 5. Output signal Q45 on the programmer 10 side
When it detects that the switch has changed from ON to OFF, it is considered that the pusher has entered the return operation state, and the return time is read from the function module setting file. And
The operating state of the functional model is displayed on the display device 16 according to the return time. FIG. 5 shows the state at that time. When the return time elapses, a signal corresponding to the original position detection signal is sent to the PC 30 via the IF 18.
Send to the side. On the PC 30 side, the signal is taken into the I / O memory 34 via the IF 38. The signal at that time is I
Taken as 24. When the original position detection signal is input in this manner, the CPU 31 advances the calculation of the next stage.

By the above simulation, the program of the PC 30 operates as if it is connected to the machine, and the operating state of the functional model at that time is displayed, so that the user is stalled in the execution of the program or abnormally operating. Can be checked on the monitor, and defects in the program can be found. In addition, when a condition that violates the operating condition of the output set in the function module setting file occurs, the simulation system automatically notifies the abnormality.

It is to be noted that what is displayed on the display device 16 is not limited to the example of the above-mentioned embodiment, and it is automatically displayed on the monitor in the form of SFC / stage diagram / time chart depending on the form of the program. To do. Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the functional module setting file and the simulation program are set on the programmer 10 side to realize the simulation device by the programmer 10, but the simulation device of the present invention may be realized by the PC 30. .

[0023]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the program of the PC is executed and the output signal is transmitted, the input signal is input to the PC after the set operation time of the functional model to be controlled has passed. Since it is sent to the calculation unit side of and the operation state of the functional model at that time is displayed on the display device, almost perfect simulation can be performed without setting a troublesome time chart etc. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a simulation device and a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which a program (stage type) created by a programmer is graphically displayed.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation when simulating a PC program.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operating state (part 1) of the functional model.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operating state (part 2) of the functional model.

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] January 20, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The function setting module setting file stored in the RAM 13 of the programmer 10 sets the relation between the output of each functional model and the confirmation signal of its operation and the response time, and is the object of this setting. There are the following types of functional modules, for example. -Multiple types of power modules with operation check detectors (example: single solenoid valve) -Multiple types of time control output modules (example: output from time to time) -Multiple types of inter-device handshake modules (example: Command +
Response wait type ・ Multiple types of discrimination module (eg: Multiple branch type) ・ Multiple types of operation module (eg: Start + cycle stop type) ・ Multiple types of loop control module (eg: 2 point range detection + O)
N / OFF control type) ・ Dynamic I / O function module multiple types (eg contact matrix type) ・ Pulse train output module multiple types (eg CW / CCW output type)

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0011

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The contents of the setting items in the above table are as follows. Confirmation signal: The number or signal name of the input signal for confirming that the output is completed. Operation time: The time required for the output to complete the operation (the operation time may be limited even if it is not a mechanical name operation). Even if you do not set it here, you can set it by teaching the actual machine. When performing a simulation in which the temporal accuracy of the operation does not matter, the operation time may be set uniformly. Monitoring time: The operation time of the output or the time to judge whether the time from the start of operation of the output to the confirmation of the confirmation signal is abnormally long or short (operation time x margin). If this time is not set, the operation time may be multiplied by a uniform redundancy. However, some operation models do not have this setting. (Example: Waiting for work) Operating condition: Absolute condition for the output to operate (more than one may be required.) Prohibited condition: Condition for the output not to operate (more than one may be required) .) Pose P: Sets whether the output is forcibly turned off or held when an abnormality occurs or the pause function is activated. Message: This area is used to set the message type when an error occurs, but is usually selected automatically depending on the functional model and the error detection content. Set when the user selects a message type to be created separately. Abnormal processing: When an abnormality occurs, set special abnormal processing other than the pause function and message output processing (P
C pause or PC stop).

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0018

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

(5) In this embodiment, the first stage S1 is "workpiece detection wait", and its operation time is not set in the functional module. Programmer 10
CPU 11 of the I / O memory 34 of the PC 30 I
It is read through F18 and 38, and the function setting module setting file is referenced to grasp that it is in the "work detection wait" state. Since the required operating time is not specified here, the preset required time is read out in that case, and the operating state (workpiece detection state) of the functional model is calculated and displayed based on the required time at that time. Display on the device 16. When the required time elapses, the CPU
Reference numeral 11 sends out a signal corresponding to a work detection signal to the PC 30 side via the IF 18. CPU31 of PC30 is I
The signal is fetched into the I / O memory 34 via F38. The signal at that time is captured as I20. When the work detection signal is input in this way, the CPU 3
1 is the next stage S of the program in the program file
Proceed to operation 2.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0019

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

(6) The next stage S2 is "pusher output", in which the output signal Q45 is turned on and stored in the I / O memory 38, and then sent out to the programmer 10 side through the IF 38. The CPU 11 of the programmer 10 reads out the corresponding function model from the function module setting file based on the output signal Q45, and displays it on the display device 16. At this time, the time required to move to the operation end of the pusher is written in the function module setting file, so the operation state of the function model is displayed based on the time required. FIG. 4 shows the state. Then, when the required time elapses, a signal corresponding to the detection signal at the operating end is sent to the PC 30 side via the IF 18. On the PC10 side, the signal is transmitted via the IF 38 to the I
/ O memory 34. The signal at that time is taken in as I23. When the operation end detection signal is input in this way, the CPU 31 advances the operation of the next stage S3 of the program.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A storage unit for storing a functional module setting file consisting of a functional model of a control unit, input / output signals and operating time data for the model, and an output signal based on a calculation result of a program of a programmable controller. , Select the functional model of the functional module setting file based on the output signal, when the operating time of the functional model has elapsed, send the corresponding input signal to the arithmetic unit side of the programmable controller, and A simulation device for a programmable controller, comprising: a simulation calculation processing unit that calculates and calculates an operation state; and a display device that displays the functional model selected by the simulation calculation processing unit and the operation state thereof.