JPH08307971A - Communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To improve the degree of the freedom of wiring of input and output equipments and to prevent erroneous wiring in a communication equipment to which the input and output equipments are connected. CONSTITUTION: Plural terminals for connection 55 to 58 to which the input and output terminals are connected to are arranged in the state of a straight line and both side (upper and lower sides in the graphic) terminals of walls 62 to 64 between the respective terminals 55 to 58 are made into an opened state so as to connect the input or output equipments from both sides of the terminals for connection 55 to 58 through this opened part. In addition, among the terminals for connection 55 to 58, the wall 62 of the terminal for connection 55 for a power source is made thicker than the other walls 63 and 64 to discriminate the terminal for connection 55 for the power source from the other terminals 56 to 58 so that an operator can consciously wire the terminal for connection 55 for the power source.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention receives, for example, an on / off control signal from a controller for output to an air valve or actuator of a machine tool or the like, or from a limit switch or various sensors. The present invention relates to a communication device that captures an on / off state signal and transmits it to a control controller.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A control controller inputs an on / off state signal from an input device such as a limit switch and various sensors, and outputs an on / off control signal based on the input state signal to output devices such as an air valve and an actuator. However, if the control controller and the output device, or the control controller and the input device are individually wired directly, the wiring configuration becomes complicated, and the wiring work is complicated and the number of wires increases. The cost will increase accordingly.

Therefore, as a control communication system with reduced wiring, as shown in FIG. 24, a master station 31 connected to a control controller 30 and an output device such as an actuator or an input device such as various sensors are connected. is provided with a plurality of the slave station 32 ₁ ～32N was, and outputs a control signal on-off to be transmitted from the master station 31 to slave station 32 ₁ receives and output device in ～32N, or off from the input device There is a configuration in which the status signal of ( ₁ ) is taken into the slave stations 32 ₁ to 32 n and transmitted to the master station 31.

[0004]

FIG. 25 is an external perspective view of such a conventional slave station, FIG. 26 is a plan view with the terminal cover 85 removed, and FIG. It is the side view.

The slave station 32 has 16 connecting terminals 80 at the upper stage and the lower stage at the front side shown in FIG. 27 so that 16 input devices such as various sensors can be connected.
_{1-80 16,} 81 ₁ provided with a to 81 _16, a pair of upper and lower terminals 80 _1, 81 _1; 80 _2, 81 _2; 80 _3, 81 ₃ ... 8
Each input device is connected to 0 ₁₆ and 81 ₁₆ . The slave station 32 also includes a signal terminal 82 and a power supply terminal 83 for transmitting a signal to the master station 31.

However, in such a conventional slave station 32, these terminals 80 ₁ to 80 ₁₆ , 81 _{1 to} 81 ₁₆ , 8 are respectively provided.
2 and 83 are surrounded by a continuous wall 84 having a U-shape in a plan view on the left and right sides (the left and right sides in FIG. 26) and the inner side (the upper side in FIG. 26), and therefore, the inputs connected to the slave station 32. The device or the output device can pull out the cable only in one direction on the front side (the lower side in FIG. 26), and therefore,
There are drawbacks in that the cable that connects the slave station 32 and each input device or output device becomes complicated, which requires a large amount of space and the wiring work is inefficient.

Further, since all the terminals have the same arrangement, including the terminals that may be damaged by incorrect wiring, it is necessary to pay sufficient attention to the wiring. There is a drawback that the efficiency is reduced.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is a communication device for receiving a signal and outputting it to an output device or transmitting a signal input from an input device. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication device in which the degree of freedom of wiring of devices and output devices is increased and erroneous wiring is prevented.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is constructed as follows.

That is, according to the present invention of claim 1, at least one of an input device and an output device is connected, an input signal input from the input device is transmitted to another communication device, and another communication is performed. A communication device that receives a transmission signal from a device and outputs the signal to the output device, the wall having a plurality of connection terminals to which the input device or the output device is connected and interposed between adjacent terminals. The wall is configured such that both ends of the wall surface are in an open state, and the input device or the output device can be connected from both sides of the connecting terminal through the open portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the first aspect, the plurality of connection terminals are arranged in a straight line.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to the second aspect, there is provided a pair of connection connector portions for connecting another communication device, and the pair of connection connector portions includes the plurality of connection connector portions. The connection terminals are arranged in a straight line on both sides.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to third aspects, between a specific connection terminal of the plurality of connection terminals and a connection terminal adjacent to the terminal. The shape of the wall interposed between the two is different from the shape of the remaining wall.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the communication device according to any one of the first to third aspects, between a specific connection terminal of the plurality of connection terminals and a connection terminal adjacent to the terminal. The wall intervening in the wall is formed thicker than the remaining wall, and at the end face of this wall, an operation unit that is operated to confirm whether communication is normal is arranged and Then, a display unit for displaying whether or not the communication is normal is arranged.

[0015]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the walls interposed between the adjacent terminals are open at both ends thereof. From the open portions on both sides to the connecting terminal, the input device or the output terminal is opened. Since the device can be connected, it is possible to connect to the connection terminal from at least two directions, and the degree of freedom in routing the wiring is improved.

According to the present invention of claim 2, since the plurality of connecting terminals are arranged in a straight line, the wiring work is easy.

According to the present invention of claim 3, since the pair of connecting connector portions are arranged in a straight line on both sides of the plurality of connecting terminals, another communication device is provided through one connecting connector portion. , And further communication devices can be sequentially connected via the other connector part.

According to the present invention of claim 4, the shape of the wall interposed between the specific connection terminal and the connection terminal adjacent to the specific connection terminal is different from the shape of the remaining wall. In the wiring work, the worker can carry out the work while paying attention to a specific connection terminal, for example, a power supply terminal that may be damaged due to erroneous wiring, thereby preventing erroneous wiring.

According to the present invention of claim 5, in addition to the effect of claim 4, the wall can be effectively used.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a control communication system using a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The control communication system of this embodiment comprises a programmable controller 1 and a master station 2 as a communication device.
When (in this example, four) multiple in accordance with the present invention is the slave station 3 ₁ and a to 3 _4, the master station 2 and four slave stations 3 ₁ to 3 ₄ as a communication apparatus, They are connected in cascade via a cable 50, and the master station 2 side is the upstream side.

In this embodiment, each slave station 3 ₁ except the most downstream slave station (hereinafter also referred to as "END station") 3 ₄
To 3 ₃ are connected with input devices 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ such as various sensors, and the master station 2 controlling the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ is the slave station 3 ₁ to.
The ON / OFF state signals of the input devices 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ transmitted from 3 ₃ are given to the programmable controller 1, and the programmable controller 1 controls a machine tool or the like (not shown) based on the signal.

Power is supplied to each of the input devices 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ through a power supply line of each of the slave stations 3 ₁ to ₃ 3 connected in cascade from the master station 1.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing a connection state between the master station 2 and the slave stations 3 ₁ and 3 _{4 in} FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, the slave station 3 ₁ and the end station on the most upstream side are shown. 3 ₄ is shown only, and the other slave stations 3 ₂ and 3 ₃ and the input devices 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ are
Illustration is omitted.

The data of the master station 2 is sequentially shifted from the upstream (master station 2) side to the downstream side and transmitted to the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ , and the data of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ is transferred from the downstream side. The signals are sequentially shifted to the upstream side and transmitted to the master station 2.

In this embodiment, as described above, each slave station 3
_{1 to} 3 ₃ are dedicated to inputs in which only input devices 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ such as various sensors are connected, and in a normal operating state, as will be described later, from input devices 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ Each slave station 3 ₁
The data taken in by ~ 3 ₃ are sequentially shifted and transmitted to the master station 2 side, and the master station 2 gives the data to the programmable controller 1 and also sequentially shifts the data again to make the slave stations 3 ₁ ... 3 is ₄ to repeat the operation of returning to.

[0028] The most downstream slave station 3 _4, the output device such as an input device or actuator is not connected, as described below, in order to detect the abnormality of the transmission path such as disconnection, transmitted from the master station 2 The processed data is inverted and returned to the master station 2.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the master station 2.

The master station 2 is a data signal terminal connected to a control signal terminal 5 connected to a control signal line and a data signal line for inputting / outputting data between the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 _4. 6 and a ground terminal 7.

Further, the master station 2 is connected to the slave station 3 ₁
To 3 to ₄ volume and number registration circuit 8 to register as described later, a data input-output circuit 9 for outputting data data to the input or the programmable controller 1 from the programmable controller 1, the data of the end station 3 ₄ An end station check register 10 for monitoring, an input / output register 11 for holding data, a command for controlling the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ and a control signal composed of a shift clock for sequentially shifting data are generated. A control circuit 12 for controlling transmission, a synchronizing circuit 13 for synchronizing each block, a control signal output circuit 14 for outputting a control signal, and an input / output for inputting / outputting data between the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 _4. The output circuit 15, the short circuit detection circuit 40 for detecting a short circuit in the wiring, the basic function of the master station 2 and an error described later. A display unit 41 for displaying the cause, when an error occurs, and a reset switch 42 which is operated to know the cause of the error.

Up to eight slave stations can be connected to the master station 2 of this embodiment, and the input / output register 11 has an 8-bit configuration so as to hold 1-bit data of each slave station.

The command transmitted from the master station to each slave station is
Send data from the master station side to the slave station side, send data from the slave station side to the master station side, output the slave station data to the output device connected to the slave station, and connect to the slave station. There are four types of data input from existing input devices to the slave station.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the master station 2, and FIG.
7 is a plan view of the master station 2 with the terminal cover removed, FIG.
Is a side view thereof, and portions corresponding to FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals.

The master station 2 has a connector section 51 for connecting the above-mentioned control signal lines and data signal lines to the respective slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ and also for connecting to the programmable controller 1 and the like. It has a plurality of terminals 52.

Further, on the upper surface of the master station 2, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a power source display LED 43 for displaying power supply (POWER OUT) in order to display a basic function.
And an operation display LED 44 for displaying normal operation (RUN) and an error display LED 45 for displaying abnormality (ERR) are provided. When an error occurs, the cause of the error is displayed. The reset switch 42, which is pressed by a pen tip or the like for knowing, is provided.

FIG. 7 shows the slave stations 3 ₁ to ₃ 3 other than the end station 3 _4.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG.

The slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₃ are connected to the control signal line, the data signal line and the ground line of the master station 2 or the upstream slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₂ respectively, and a control signal terminal 16 u and a data signal. In addition to having a working terminal 17u and a ground terminal 18u, each terminal 16d, 17d, 18d is connected to the corresponding line of the slave stations 3 _{2 to} 3 ₄ on the downstream side.

The slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₃ are input latch circuits for latching ON / OFF state signals from the input devices 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ such as various sensors and operation signals of the check switch 27 for operation confirmation described later. 20, the upstream and downstream input / output circuits 21u and 21d, 1-bit shift registers 22 _{1 to} 22 ₃ to which data is written or read via the input / output circuits 21u and 21d, and the shift register 22
An output latch circuit 24 for latching the contents of _{1 to} 22 ₃ via the input / output circuit 21d and outputting them to an output device such as the display LED 23 or an actuator, and a control signal from the master station 2 are input to the shift register Two
And a controller 25 for controlling the 2 _{1-22 3,} the shift register 22 ₁ to 22 _3, in conjunction with commands from the controller 25 is made to be able to switch the input and output direction.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₃ , and FIG.
Is a side view of a slave station 3 ₁ to 3 _3, 10 slave station 3 ₁ to 3 ₃
11 is a plan view of the main body of FIG. 11, and FIG. 11 is a plan view of the covers of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₃ .

The slave station 3 ₁ to 3 _3, the main body 53, and a removable cover 54 for covering the upper surface thereof, the body 53 has a built-in circuit board (not shown), further ,
Input device 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ or 4 for connecting output device
A pair of connector parts 59, 6 for connecting the master station 2 or the slave station, as well as having one connection terminal 55-58.
Has 0. Each connector 59 and 60, as shown in FIG. 8, the connector 61 of the cable 50 are connected, respectively, whereby, as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the master station 2 and the slave station 3 ₁ to 3 ₃ are cascaded.

Further, marks 67 and 68 indicating the master station 2 side (upstream side) are provided on the upper end portions of the main body 53 and the cover 54.
Are attached respectively. The cover 54 includes a terminal cover and connector portion 59 for covering the connection terminals 55 to 58.
The connector cover that covers 60 is also used, and the number of parts is reduced.

[0043] In this embodiment, four connection terminals for connecting the input device ₄₁ to ₃ or the output device 55-5
8 are arranged in a straight line in the central portion of the main body 53 along the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 10) of the main body 53, and walls 62 to 64 that partition them are erected between adjacent terminals. And the wall 6 between the connector parts 59 and 60.
5, 66 are erected.

Each of the walls 62 to 66 has both ends (upper and lower ends in FIG. 10) of the wall surface in an open state. Therefore, the open portions on both sides, that is, the lower side in FIG. (From the front side of FIG. 9), or
Connection terminals 55 to 5 from the upper side of FIG. 10 (back side of FIG. 9)
Input devices 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ or output devices can be connected to 8.

In this way, the connection terminals 55 of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₃ are connected.
Relative to 58, it becomes possible to connect the input device ₄₁ to ₃ or the output device from both sides, whereas in comparison with the conventional example can not be derived only from the side, increasing the degree of freedom of wiring, wiring The work can be performed efficiently, and the routing of the wiring is simplified to improve the space efficiency.

In this embodiment, the connecting terminals 55-58 are provided.
Are arranged in a straight line, but the present invention is not limited to a straight line, and may be arranged at a position deviated from the straight line. In addition, the wall 62 between the terminals 55 to 58
Although each of -64 has a flat plate shape, it may have a bent plate shape as long as both ends of the wall are open and connection terminals 55 to 58 can be connected from both sides.

In this embodiment, four connection terminals are provided, but the present invention is not limited to four, and it is needless to say that connection terminals less than or more than that may be provided. is there.

Further, in this embodiment, the wall 62 between the connection terminal 55 and the connection terminal 56, which is a + power supply terminal, is provided.
Is formed thicker than the remaining walls 63 and 64, whereby the connection terminal 55 is connected to the other connection terminals 56-5.
Differentiating from eight.

Therefore, the worker can carry out the wiring work while paying attention to the connection terminals 55 which may be damaged by erroneous wiring, as compared with the conventional example in which the connection terminals are not differentiated. It is possible to prevent miswiring while improving efficiency.

Further, the connector portion 59 for connecting to the master station 2 or the upstream slave station and the connector portion 60 for connecting to the downstream slave station are provided on both sides of the connecting terminals 55 to 58. Since the terminals are arranged in a straight line like the connecting terminals 55 to 58, as shown in FIG. 2, the parent station 2 and the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ are wired in a straight line via the cable 50. You can do it.

In this embodiment, the check switch 27 for confirming the operation and the display LED 23 are arranged on the upper surface of the thick wall 62.

[0052] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the end station 3 _4, FIG. 13 is a perspective view thereof, the portions corresponding to FIGS. 7 and 8, the same reference characters.

[0053] The end station 3 _4, the output device such as an input device or an actuator such as various sensors are not connected, not provided with an input latch circuit, the output latch circuit 2
The output of No. 4 is given to the input / output circuit 21u on the upstream side via the inverter 26.

[0054] The end station 3 _4, appearance, as shown in FIG. 13 is provided with the connection terminals 69 to 72, an input device or output device is not connected, also, slave station, Since only the upstream side is connected, the connector part 59
Is provided only on the upstream side, and the downstream side is covered with the lid 73.

Other configurations are the same as those of the other slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₃ .

In the control communication system of this embodiment, when data is transmitted from the master station 2 to the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ , the data in the input / output register 11 of the master station 2 responds to the shift clock of the control signal. 1 bit at a time from the upstream slave station to the downstream end station 3 ₄ in sequence, and conversely, when transmitting data from the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ to the master station 2, each slave station 3 4 _{1 to} 3 ₄ shift registers 22 ₁ to 2
2 ₄ data, and transmit the output register 11 of the master station 2 by sequentially shifted from the downstream side to the upstream side.

[0057] FIGS. 14 and 15 is a timing chart showing the state of the transmission, FIG. 14, the slave station 3 ₁ to 3 ₄ in the case of transmitting the data to the master station 2 slave station 3 ₁ to 3 ₄ control signal lines, shows the signal of the data signal lines of the upstream and downstream side, FIG. 15, the signal of the slave station 3 ₁ to 3 ₄ in the case of transmitting the data from the slave station 3 ₁ to 3 ₄ to the master station 2 The signal on the line is shown.

In the case of transmitting data from the master station 2 to the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ , in response to the shift clock of the control signal of FIG. 14A, the upstream side shown in FIG. 14 input data is shifted one bit at a time.
It is output to the downstream side as shown in (C).

When data is transmitted from the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ to the master station 2, in response to the shift clock of the control signal of FIG. 15 (A), the downstream shown in FIG. 15 (B). The input data from the side is shifted bit by bit and output to the upstream side as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, in order to automate the registration of the numbers of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ and to eliminate the work of setting the address numbers of the slave stations and the work of registering the numbers, the following configuration is adopted. .

FIG. 16 shows the input / output register 11 of the master station 2 and the slave stations 3 ₁ to 3 for explaining the procedure for registering the number of units.
3 is a diagram showing 1-bit shift registers 22 _{1 to} 22 ₄ of 3 ₄ .

First, when the system is started up, such as when the power is turned on, the master station 2 as shown in FIGS.
“1” is input to each bit of the 8-bit input / output register 11.

Next, in synchronization with the eight shift clocks following the command to transmit the data of the master station 2 to the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ , the 8-bit data of the input / output register 11 is transferred to the upstream side. Are sequentially shifted to the downstream side and are input to the 1-bit shift registers 22 _{1 to} 22 ₄ of the respective slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ as shown in FIG.

Next, in synchronization with the eight shift clocks following the command to transmit the data of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ to the master station 2, the data of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ are transferred to the downstream side. Are sequentially shifted to the upstream side and are input to the 8-bit input / output register 11 of the master station 2 as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, four slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ are connected to the master station 2 to which a maximum of 8 slave stations can be connected, so that it is shown in FIG. respect as in the 8-bit data for all the high level transmission, from the slave station 3 ₁ to 3 _4, that only 4 bits sent back data the high level as shown in FIG. (D) become.

As shown in FIG. 17, the master station 2 shifts the shift clock shown in FIG. 17A during the high level period of the data shown in FIG. 17B returned from the most upstream slave station 3 ₁ . The number of slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ is grasped and registered in the number registration circuit 8 by counting the number of
Since it is arranged on the most downstream side, it recognizes that the _fourth slave station from the master station 2 is the end station 3 ₄ , and thereafter, this slave station 3 ₄
Data corresponding to the give the end-station check register 10, the data sent back from the end station 3 ₄ constantly monitors whether or not it is inverted processed.

As described above, when the system is started up such as when the power is turned on, the predetermined data is transferred from the master station 2 to the slave station 3
_{1 to} 3 ₄ , and the master station 2 obtains and registers the number of units based on the data returned from the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ , so that the address number setting work and registration are performed as in the conventional example. No need to set the number of units.

In this embodiment, predetermined data is transmitted from the master station 2 and the number of units is calculated based on the data returned from the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 _4. However, as another embodiment of the present invention, For example, when starting up the system, each slave station 3 ₁ ~
Input "1" into the shift registers 22 _{1 to} 22 ₄ of 3 ₄ ,
The data of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ may be transmitted to the master station 2 in accordance with the eight shift clocks, and the master station 2 may determine the number as in the above.

In the above-described embodiment, the high level data is used as the predetermined data and the positive logic is used. However, as another embodiment of the present invention, the low level data is used as the predetermined data and the negative data is used. It may be configured by logic.

Next, a normal operation procedure after the registration of the number of vehicles is completed as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

[0071] In this embodiment, first, the input device ₄₁ to ₃
A command to input the ON / OFF state signal of _{No. 1} to each slave station 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ is transmitted, and accordingly, for example, FIG.
As shown in, each of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₃ fetches the data of the input device into the 1-bit shift registers 22 _{1 to} 22 ₄ via the input latch circuit 20 as an input unit. At this time, the end station 3 ₄ does not have an input latch circuit, and the data in the shift register 22 ₄ remains unchanged. Next, in synchronism with the eight shift clocks following the command to transmit the data of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ to the master station 2, the fetched data is converted into the data shown in FIG. The data is transmitted to the input / output register 11 of the master station 2, and the master station 2
The transmitted data is output to the programmable controller 1.

Next, as to synchronize the data of the master station 2 to the command eight shift clocks subsequent to the event to 3 ₄ transmitted to the slave station 3 _1, shown in the figure (C), O return the data of the register 11 to the slave station 3 ₁ to 3 _4, slave station 3 ₁ to 3 ₄
Each slave station 3 ₁ according to the command to output the data
To 3 ₄ and latches output data of the shift register 22 ₁ to 22 ₄ to the output latch circuit 24 as shown in FIG. (D). In this embodiment, since the output device is not connected, the display LED 23 remains on or off depending on the data.

Therefore, the on / off state of the input devices 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ can be grasped by the display LED 23, and
Depending on the off state of the input device ₄₁ to _3, the display LE
By confirming that D23 is turned on or off, it can be confirmed that the data transmission between the master station 2 and the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₃ is normally performed.

The end station 3 ₄ latches the data of the shift register 22 _{4 in} the output latch circuit 24 in response to the command to output the data of the slave station.
As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 12, the latched data is transferred to the shift register 22 ₄ via the inverter 26.
, Which inverts the data in the shift register 22 ₄ as shown in FIG.

[0075] Then, again, similar to FIG. (A), captures the data of the input device 41 _{to 3} in the shift register 22 ₁ to 22 ₃ of each slave station 3 ₁ to 3 _3, as described above Is repeated. When the data of the input devices 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ is taken in, the data of the shift register 22 ₄ of the end station 3 ₄ remains the inverted data shown in FIG.

In this way, the end station 3 ₄ inverts the data from the master station 2 and sends it back to the master station 2. The master station 2 always inverts the data from the end station 3 _4. The fact that the data is being transmitted is monitored, and when the inverted data is not transmitted, an error is displayed on the display unit 41 as described below, indicating that the transmission line is abnormal due to disconnection or noise.

[0077] In this embodiment, the end station 3 _4, but configured to return the data inversion process to, another embodiment of the present invention, the end station, the pulse width of the data from the master station It may be configured to be changed and returned.

In this embodiment, in order to easily confirm whether or not the data transmission between the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ and the master station 2 is normally performed, each of the slave stations 3 ₁ to 3 is able to be confirmed. As described above, the check switch 27 is provided in the switch ₄ , and the display LED 23 for displaying the data from the master station 2 is provided in the switch ₄ .

Therefore, in order to confirm whether or not the data transmission is normally performed, the input devices 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ connected to the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ to be confirmed are turned off. The check switch 27 shown in FIG. 10 is pressed with a pen tip or the like. As a result, the high-level monitor data has 1-bit shift registers 22 _{1 to} 22 ₄
Incorporated into, according to the above-described operation, is transmitted to the master station 2, further sent back its data from the master station 2 is given to the shift register 22 ₁ to 22 _4, the shift register 22 ₁ to 22 ₄ of the high-level Data is output latch circuit 2
4 and the display LED 23 is turned on.

Therefore, when the check switch 27 is operated to turn on the display LED 23, it can be determined that the LED is normal.

Referring again to FIG. 3, in this embodiment,
Abnormality of the transmission line due to disconnection or noise between the master station 2 and the end station 3 ₄ is detected by the end station check register 10, and the master station 2, the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ and between them are detected. The short circuit of the wiring is detected by the short circuit detection circuit 40.

That is, the end station check register 10
Is to check that the data transmitted from the master station 2 is inverted and returned by the end station 3 ₄ .
When inverted data from the end station 3 ₄ is not returned, the control circuit 1 as a line failure due to disconnection or noise or the like between the master station 2 and the end station 3 ₄
2 gives the detection output.

Further, the short circuit detection circuit 40 detects the short circuit by monitoring the signal levels of the control signal line and the data signal line, and when the short circuit is detected, the control circuit 12 is provided with a detection output.

The control circuit 12 controls the power source display LED 43, the operation display LED 44, and the error display LED 45 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 described above in accordance with these detection outputs as follows.

FIG. 19 shows each display LED 43, 44, 4
5 shows the lighting or extinguishing state in each state.

When power is supplied and the device is operating normally, the control circuit 12 controls the operation of FIG.
As shown in (A), the power supply display LED 43 and the operation display LED 44 are turned on and the error display LED is displayed.
45 is off.

When the detection output is given from the end station check register 10 or the short circuit detection circuit 40, the control circuit 12 informs the abnormality, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG.
And the LED 44 for operation display is turned off, and L for error display is displayed.
Turn on the ED 45.

As a result, the user operates the reset switch 42 in order to know the occurrence of the abnormality and to grasp the cause of the abnormality. In response to the operation of the reset switch 42, the control circuit 12 outputs the detection output from the end station check register 10, that is,
If the abnormality is due to disconnection, noise, etc., FIG.
As shown in FIG. 19C, when the power supply display LED 43 is turned on and the detection output from the short circuit detection circuit 40 is detected, that is, when the abnormality is caused by a short circuit, FIG.
As shown in (D), the power supply display LED 43 is not turned on but kept turned off.

Therefore, if the user operates the reset switch 42 and the power source display LED 43 is turned on, the user can know that there is an abnormality due to disconnection, noise, or the like.
If the power display LED 43 does not light up, it can be known that there is a short circuit.

As described above, when an abnormality occurs in the transmission line due to disconnection, short circuit, noise or the like, the error display shown in FIG. 19B is displayed, so that the user can immediately know the occurrence of the abnormality. If the user operates the reset switch 42 according to the cause of the abnormality,
Since the display shown in FIG. 9 (C) or FIG. 19 (D) is made, the user can easily understand the cause of the abnormality, and thereby the work of returning to the normal operation state can be performed.
It can be performed more quickly than the conventional example.

In this embodiment, by operating the reset switch 42, the display is made according to the cause of the abnormality. However, as another embodiment of the present invention, the reset switch 42 is omitted and an error is displayed. It is also possible to add a display element and, when an error occurs, turn on the error display element according to the cause.

Further, in this embodiment, although the display according to the cause of the abnormality is performed by turning on or off the power supply display LED 43 when the reset switch 42 is operated, the power supply display LED 43 may be replaced with the power supply display LED 43 or the power supply display LED In addition to the display LED 43, other display LEDs 44 and 45 may be used.

Furthermore, not only turning on or off,
You may display according to the cause of abnormality by blinking display.

Here, when the abnormality of the transmission line due to the disconnection or noise is detected, the specification of the abnormal portion will be described.

First, when the end station check register 10 detects an abnormality due to wire breakage, noise, etc., FIG.
When the error display shown in FIG. 19B is displayed and the user operates the reset switch 42 in order to know the cause of the abnormality, the power display LED 4 is displayed as shown in FIG.
3 is turned on, and the user can know that there is an abnormality due to disconnection or noise.

[0096] Thus, the user can know that the abnormality due to disconnection or noise between the slave station 3 ₄ on the most downstream side and the master station 2 has occurred. Therefore, in order to identify the abnormal portion, the connection position of the end station 3 ₄ to return to invert the data from the master station 2 changes to the upstream side. For example, disconnect the _third slave station 3 ₃ from the master station 2 and connect the end station 3 ₄ to operate it. Also in this case, if an abnormality due to disconnection or noise is detected, the master station 2 and the master stations 2 to 3 are detected.
If an abnormality has occurred with the second slave station and no abnormality is detected, the slave stations from the master station 2 to the third slave station and the slave stations on the most downstream side (master stations 2 to 4) An abnormality has occurred between them.

[0097] Thus, to try to change the connection position of the remote station 3 ₄ to return data inversion process to the from the master station 2 will be able to determine where the relative ease abnormal.

In the above embodiment, the case where only the input devices 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ such as various sensors are connected to the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₃ for input only is explained, but other embodiments of the present invention are described. as a sub-stations 3 ₁ to 3 ₃ to the actuator or air valve or the like output device only connected when the output-only and each slave station 3 ₁ to 3 ₃ to an input device or output device is connected the output combination of The case will be described.

Since the transmission procedure is different between the input-only, output-only and input / output mixed, the manufacturer or the user operates the setting unit (not shown) of the master station 2 to input-only, output-only or input / output mixed. One of these is to be initialized. Further, in any case, the registration of the number of slave stations is the same as that in the above-mentioned embodiment, and therefore its explanation is omitted.

FIG. 20 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 18 in the case of output only.

First, a command to input the data of the input latch circuit 20 to each of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₃ is transmitted, and in response thereto, as shown in FIG. ₁ to ₃
Is a command to fetch the data of the input latch circuit 20 to which the input device is not connected to the 1-bit shift registers 22 _{1 to} 22 ₃ respectively and to transmit the data of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ to the master station 2. In synchronism with the eight shift clocks following, the captured data is transmitted to the input / output register 11 of the master station 2 as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2C, the on / off control signal from the programmable controller 1 is loaded into the input / output register 11.

Next, in synchronization with the eight shift clocks following the command to transmit the data of the master station 2 to the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ , as shown in FIG. transmitting the data of the register 11 to the slave station 3 ₁ to 3 _4, slave station 3 ₁ to 3 ₄
Each slave station 3 ₁ according to the command to output the data
To 3 _4, as shown in Fig. 2 (E), and outputs the latched data in the shift register 22 ₁ to 22 ₄ to the output latch circuit 24 to an output device such as an actuator. The end station 3 ₄ inverts the data in the shift register 22 ₄ in response to the command to output the data from the slave station.

After that, the data of the input latch circuit 20 is again fetched into the shift registers 22 _{1 to} 22 ₃ of the respective slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₃ and the same operation as described above is performed, as in the case of FIG. It repeats.

FIG. 21 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 18 in the case of mixed input and output. In this embodiment, input devices are connected from the upstream side to the first and third slave stations 3 ₁ and 3 _3. The output device is connected to the _second slave station 3 ₂ .

First, a command for inputting the data of the input latch circuit 20 to each of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₃ is transmitted, and in response thereto, as shown in FIG. _{1-3 4}
Captures the data of the input latch circuit 20 into the 1-bit shift registers 22 _{1 to} 22 ₃ , respectively, and the slave stations 3 ₁ to
As shown in FIG. 2B, the input data of the master station 2 is input and output in synchronization with the eight shift clocks following the command to transmit the data of 3 ₄ to the master station 2. Then, the master station 2 outputs the transmitted ON / OFF state signal from the input device to the programmable controller 1, and then, as shown in FIG. The control signal is taken into the input / output register 11.

Next, in synchronization with the eight shift clocks following the command to transmit the data of the master station 2 to the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ , as shown in FIG. transmitting the data of the register 11 to the slave station 3 ₁ to 3 _4, in accordance with a command and should output the data of the slave station, the slave station 3 ₁ to 3 _4,
As shown in FIG. 8E, the shift registers 22 ₁ ...
The data of 22 ₄ is latched by the output latch circuit 24 and output to an output device such as an actuator. In addition, end station 3
₄ responds to the command to output the data of the slave station,
The data in the shift register 22 ₄ is inverted.

After that, the data of the input latch circuit 24 is fetched into the shift registers 22 _{1 to} 22 ₄ of the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ again and the same operation as described above is repeated, as in the case of FIG. Of.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the master station can be connected to a maximum of eight slave stations, but the present invention is not limited to eight, and 16 or any other number can be connected. Of course, it is okay.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the power supply lines from the master station 2 are connected in cascade to supply power to the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ and are connected to the slave stations 3 _{1 to} 3 ₃ . Input device 4 ₁
Although it was to supply power as needed to 4 _3, as shown in Figure 22, when an increase in the number of slave stations is the distance to the downstream side of the slave station becomes long, the downstream slave station Then
Insufficient power is not supplied to the input device or output device,
Therefore, it is necessary to separately provide a power source for each slave station.

Therefore, as another embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
3, the child station 3n on the most downstream side from the parent station 2
In addition to the power supply line VL1 cascade-connected to each other, for example, the power supply line VL2 may be directly connected from the most downstream child station 3n to the parent station 2.

As a result, the double transmission distance can be secured without using a separate power source for each slave station.

Although the end station is provided on the most downstream side in the above-mentioned embodiment, as another embodiment of the present invention, the end station is constructed so that the slave stations can be connected in cascade also on the downstream side thereof.
It may be arranged on the upstream side. In this case, the master station may be configured to be able to set which is the end station, and the master station may select a slave station that is processing data by transmitting data multiple times. It may be configured so that it is recognized as an end station.

Further, the end station may be configured so that an input device or an output device can be connected.

[0114]

As described above, according to the present invention, both ends of the wall interposed between the adjacent terminals are in an open state, and the open portions on both sides are connected to the input terminal or the output device. Since it is possible to connect the device, it is possible to connect the device to both sides of the connection terminal, the degree of freedom in routing the wiring is improved, and the wiring work can be performed efficiently.

By arranging the plurality of connecting terminals in a straight line, the wiring work can be performed more efficiently.

Further, according to the present invention, since the pair of connecting connector portions are arranged in a straight line on both sides of the plurality of connecting terminals, another communication device can be connected through one connecting connector portion. , Another communication device can be sequentially connected via the other connector part.

Further, according to the present invention, the shape of the wall interposed between the specific connection terminal and the connection terminal adjacent to the specific connection terminal is made different from the shape of the remaining wall. In the work, the worker can work while paying attention to a specific connection terminal, for example, a power supply terminal or the like that may cause damage due to miswiring, so that miswiring can be prevented. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a connection state of a master station and a slave station.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a master station.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a master station.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the master station with a terminal cover removed.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a master station.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a slave station.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a slave station.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the slave station.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the main body of the slave station.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the cover of the slave station.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an end station.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an end station.

FIG. 14 is a signal waveform diagram when data is transmitted from a master station to a slave station.

FIG. 15 is a signal waveform diagram when data is transmitted from a child station to a parent station.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing register data when registering the number of vehicles.

FIG. 17 is a signal waveform diagram for explaining determination of the number of vehicles.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing register data at the time of normal operation.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a lighting state of a display LED in each state.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing register data during normal operation according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing register data in normal operation according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

22 is a diagram showing power supply in the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing power supply according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a configuration diagram of a conventional example.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a conventional slave station.

FIG. 26 is a plan view of a conventional slave station.

FIG. 27 is a side view of a conventional slave station.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 Master station 3 _{1 to} 3 ₄ Slave station 4 ₁ to 4 ₃ Input device 55 to 58 Connection terminal 59, 60 Connector section 62 to 66 Wall

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. At least one of an input device and an output device is connected, and an input signal input from the input device is transmitted to another communication device, and a transmission signal from another communication device is received. A communication device for outputting to the output device, having a plurality of connection terminals to which the input device or the output device is connected, having a wall interposed between adjacent terminals, the wall, The communication device is characterized in that both ends of the wall surface are in an open state, and the input device or the output device can be connected from both sides of the connection terminal through the open portions. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of connection terminals are arranged in a straight line. 3. A pair of connecting connector portions for connecting another communication device, wherein the pair of connecting connector portions are arranged in a straight line on both sides of the plurality of connecting terminals. Item 2. The communication device according to item 2. 4. The shape of a wall interposed between a specific connection terminal of the plurality of connection terminals and a connection terminal adjacent to the terminal is different from the shape of the remaining wall. Item 4. The communication device according to any one of Items 1 to 3. 5. A wall interposed between a specific connection terminal of the plurality of connection terminals and a connection terminal adjacent to the terminal is formed thicker than the remaining wall, and the wall is formed. At the end face of the device, an operation unit that is operated to confirm whether communication is normal is arranged, and a display unit that displays whether communication is normal or not is arranged according to the operation. Item 4. The communication device according to any one of Items 1 to 3.