JPH09330250A - Program simulator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform the debugging of a sequence program by executing desk- top simulation including the operation of a machine to be a controlled system or static simulation stopping the motive force source of the machine through one programmable controller and external tools for program preparation and data setting display connected to this controller. SOLUTION: This device is provided with a microprocessor 8 for performing the ON/OFF control of a control output signal by executing control arithmetic based on a control program stored in a program memory 17, programmable controller 1 equipped with output memories 13 and 14 for storing the ON/OFF state of the control output signal, and external tool 20 equipped with a program memory 27 storing a pseudo program simulating the operation of a system to be controlled, microprocessor 21 for performing the pseudo operation of the system to be controlled by fetching the contents of output memories 13 and 14 of the programmable controller 1 into the pseudo program, and output image memory 18a for storing the pseudo control output signal based on the simulation operated result.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a desk-top simulation including the operation of a machine to be controlled or a stationary simulation with a power source of the machine stopped, and a programmable controller and an external device connected to the programmable controller. The present invention relates to a line program simulation apparatus that executes a program and debugs the execution of a sequence program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a conventional programmable controller (hereinafter referred to as PLC) sequence program when the operation is simulated in accordance with an actual machine. is there.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a first PLC having an input terminal block 2 and an output terminal block 3, and the PLC has a first sequence program 6 (FIG. 7) to be simulated. (See the ladder circuit of) is stored.

In the figure, reference numeral 1a is an input terminal block 2
a second PLC 1a including an output terminal block 3a, and the second PLC 1a includes a second sequence program 6a for simulating the operation of the machine controlled by the first PLC 1.
(See the ladder circuit in FIG. 7) is stored.

In the first PLC 1, 4 is a simulator.
The simulation switch 4 corresponds to a manual operation switch (not shown) (provided on the machine controlled by the first PLC 1) at the time of the desk-top simulation of the sequence program.

When a ready-made set product is used as the simulation switch 4, the first PLC is used.
1 may be connected to all inputs, but for the inputs to which sensor switches such as limit switches, photoelectric switches, proximity switches, etc. provided in the machine to be controlled are to be connected, Switch 4 on
It is necessary to FF.

Reference numeral 5 designates a large number of output relays built in the first PLC 1, the outputs Y0, Y1, Y2 ... Of which are connected to the inputs X0, X1, X2 ... Of the second PLC 1a. Has been done. Reference numeral 5a is a large number of output relays built in the second PLC 1a, and their outputs Y0, Y1, Y2 ...
... are inputs X0, X1, X2 of the first PLC1 above.
‥‥It is connected to the. However, the input corresponding to the manual operation switch provided on the controlled machine is the above simulation
Since the connection switch 4 is connected, connection to these inputs is unnecessary.

Even if all the outputs of the second PLC 1a are uniformly connected to all the inputs of the first PLC 1,
The second sequence program 6a in the second PLC 1a
In FIG. 7, since no unnecessary control output corresponding to the manual operation switch of the machine is generated, there is no practical problem.

The operation of the conventional PLC will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows a first P constructed as shown in FIG.
It is the thing which shows the relay ladder figure in order to explain the synthetic operation and operation of LC1 and 2nd PLC1a. Figure 7
In 6, the contents of the first sequence program (that is, the sequence program to be simulated) programmed in the first PLC 1 is relayed.
It is represented graphically and operates as follows.

First, the simulation switch 4 shown in FIG.
Among them, when the switch connected to the code X0 of the input terminal block 2 is turned on, the normally open contact X0 in the relay ladder diagram is turned O.
N, the output relay Y0 operates through the normally closed contact X10 of the right limit switch.

After that, even when the input X0 of the simulation switch 4 is turned off, the operation of the output relay Y0 is continued by the self-holding normally open contact Y0 of the output relay Y0. The output relay Y0 is, for example, a truck driving mode.
If it is the right action action of the data, the normally closed contact X10 of the right limit switch (not shown) opens and the output relay Y0
Becomes a non-operation and tries to stop the rightward movement.

Reference numeral 6a represents the contents of the second sequence program (that is, the simulation program corresponding to the operation of the machine to be controlled) programmed in the second PLC 1a in a relay ladder diagram. And operates as follows.

The operation of the output relay Y0 of the first PLC 1 is as shown in the relay ladder diagram (6a) from the output Y0 in the output terminal block 3 of FIG. 6 through the input X0 of the input terminal block 2a. The normally open contact X0 of is turned on. As a result, the second P
The timer T0 in LC1a is driven, and its set time K1
After 0 (for example, 10 seconds), the normally open contact T0 is closed.

Therefore, the output relay Y of the second PLC 1a
10 operates to open the normally closed contact X10 in the relay ladder diagram (6) through the output Y10 of the output terminal block 3a and the input X10 of the input terminal block 2 to perform the rightward movement of the actuator. Will stop.

As described above, the second sequence program 6a simulates the operation of the machine to be controlled by the first PLC 1, and the timer T0 is an actuator.
It is set to correspond to the rightward movement time of the data.

The above first sequence program 6
Shows a small part for machine control, and is generally complicated based on a complex combination of a large number of inputs and outputs and a safe operation procedure. On the other hand, the second sequence program 6a has various types of actions.
This is a straightforward expression of the response of the sensor accompanying the driving of the data, and it is common to program many simple timer circuits as shown in FIG.

In the case of a static output load such as an indicator lamp provided on the machine to be controlled, the first PLC 1
Since it is possible to confirm the operation by the output display LED provided in, it is not necessary to create a simulation program.

[0018]

As described above, in the conventional PLC, at the final stage of the sequence program development, even if there is no machine to be controlled by the PLC, the sequence program simulating the machine operation is executed. By processing, the operation of the sequence program can be simulated in accordance with the machine operation.

However, in this case, the PLC for executing the sequence program and the PLC for simulating the operation of the machine to be controlled are required, and the operation of the sequence program cannot be easily simulated. I got a point.

In order to solve such a problem, a PLC having a large number of input / output points as well as a data storage capacity is used.
The operation of the sequence program can be simulated by connecting an input / output for simulation to an extra input / output terminal block portion.

However, in such a case, the PLC is increased in size due to a function that is not normally required, which unnecessarily increases the cost, and the input / output wiring for simulation must be arranged in a complicated manner. There was a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to use only one PLC having the same number of input / output points as a practical PLC, and to simulate it. If a connection switch and an external tool are connected, it is possible to provide a program simulation device capable of performing a desktop simulation of machine operation without the need for other input / output wiring for simulation. .

A second object of the present invention is to provide a power source for a machine, that is, a power source for a motor and a hydraulic pressure, even after the PLC is already installed and wired in the machine to be controlled. By stopping the pressure source of the pneumatic equipment, an equivalent operation simulation can be performed in a stationary state.

Further, a third object of the present invention is to carry out a desk-top simulation of a sequence program suitable for an actual machine in carrying out a desk-top simulation of the PLC without attaching a simulation switch to the PLC. It is a thing.

[0025]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program simulation apparatus which performs a control calculation based on a control program stored in a program memory,
A programmable controller including a microprocessor for controlling ON / OFF of a control output signal, an output memory for storing the ON / OFF state of the control output signal, and a pseudo program storing a pseudo program for simulating the operation of the controlled system. An external unit including a program memory, a microprocessor for incorporating the contents of the output memory of the programmable controller into the pseudo program to perform a pseudo operation of a controlled system, and a pseudo output memory for storing a pseudo control output signal according to the result of the pseudo operation. A programmable controller, the programmable controller stores a pseudo control output signal stored in a pseudo output memory of the external tool in a pseudo control output signal memory, and the stored pseudo control output signal and a control input from the outside. The input signal is logically synthesized by the microprocessor. It is an control signal for the operation.

According to a second aspect of the program simulation apparatus of the first aspect, the programmable controller logically sums the pseudo control output signal and the control input signal in the microprocessor.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the program simulation device according to the first aspect, wherein the programmable controller selects the pseudo control output signal and the control input signal by the microprocessor.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program simulation apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the programmable controller outputs the pseudo control output to a part of a plurality of control input signals in the microprocessor. Signals are selected with priority.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program simulation device in which the external tool is
Of the plurality of control input signals input to the programmable controller, a pseudo control output signal corresponding to a control input signal by manual operation is stored in advance in a pseudo data memory, and a control input signal by manual operation is input from the programmable controller. Then, the pseudo control output signal corresponding to the control input signal is read from the pseudo data memory and input to the programmable controller.

According to a sixth aspect of the program simulation apparatus of the present invention, in the first aspect, the external tool is
A pseudo control output signal corresponding to the control output signal input from the programmable controller is stored in advance in the pseudo data memory, and when the control output signal is input from the programmable controller, the pseudo control output signal corresponding to this control output signal Is read from the pseudo data memory and input to the programmable controller.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program simulation apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the external tool is
Turning on the pseudo control output signal by manually operating the control input signal
The timed output is stored in the pseudo data memory in the form of a timed output in response to ON / OFF, and the timed output is transferred to the pseudo output memory of the programmable controller.

A program simulation apparatus according to the invention of claim 8 is the program simulation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the external tool is
The pseudo control output signal is stored in the pseudo data memory in the form of a timed output in response to ON / OFF of the control output signal, and the timed output is transferred to the pseudo output memory of the programmable controller.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program simulation apparatus, wherein the parameter memory of the programmable controller stores an ON or OFF signal indicating execution or non-execution of a simulation of a control program by operating the external tool. Then
When the microprocessor reads the OFF signal from the parameter memory during the calculation process, the pseudo control output signal is excluded and the control input signal is input to perform the control calculation for the external load.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program simulation apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the external tool is a program creating apparatus for a programmable controller or data setting / setting for an internal device of the programmable controller. It is a display unit.

[0035]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the PLC according to this embodiment. In the figure, 7 is a PLC main body according to the present embodiment. Reference numeral 8 denotes a microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as CPU) that performs data processing operation in a predetermined procedure based on a system program stored in the system memory 9.
10 is an input interface for connecting a large number of input switches 11 provided outside the PLC 7 to the CPU 8. The input interface 10 is for converting the level of the signal voltage to be input and between the external device and the CPU 8. In addition to performing the optical isolation, the ON / OFF signal of the input switch 11 is supplied to the CPU 8 in units of 8 points or 16 points by sequentially selecting a plurality of data selectors (not shown).

Reference numeral 12 is an input image memory, and the input image memory 12 stores the ON / OFF signal of the input switch 11 via the CPU 8. However, CPU8
In the PLC of the type in which the ON / OFF signal of the input switch 11 required for control is directly incorporated from the input interface 10 each time it is needed, the input image memory 12 is not always necessary.

Reference numeral 13 is an output image memory, and this output image memory 13 stores the sequence program stored in the program memory 17 and the input image memory 12.
(Or, the ON / OFF signal of the output command controlled by the CPU 8 is stored based on (or the ON / OFF signal of the input switch 11 from the input interface 10)).

Incidentally, the CPU 8 generates an output command while referring to the ON / OFF signal in the output image memory 13 in the course of the arithmetic control.

14 is an ON / O in units of 8 points or 16 points.
A plurality of output latch memories for handling FF signals, and ON / OF of the output image memory 13 while being sequentially selected.
The F signal is stored. The storage timing is either a direct method, which is performed each time the contents of the output image memory 13 are updated, or a refresh method, which is cyclically performed when a series of operations of the CPU 8 is completed.
The output image memory 13 and the output latch memory 14 form an output memory.

Reference numeral 15 is an output interface directly connected to the output latch memory 14 for converting the signal voltage level and performing optical isolation between the output latch memory 14 and the external output load. A large number of devices such as a solenoid valve and a pilot lamp are connected to the outside of the PLC 7 as an output load 16.

Reference numeral 18 is a pseudo output image memory (pseudo output control memory).
An external tool 20 through a tool interface 19
The ON / OFF command for the simulation that causes is stored. The simulation ON / OFF command stored in the pseudo output image memory 18 is based on the contents of the output image memory 13, for example, M100.
0, M1001, M1002, ..., ON / OFF signals of serial numbers accompanied by the supplementary symbol M are stored.

Reference numeral 22 is a composite input image memory. The contents of the composite input image memory 22 are the contents of the input image memory 12 (or the ON / O of the input interface 10).
The FF signal) and the contents of the pseudo output image memory 18 are combined by the logical connection described later.

Reference numeral 23 denotes various internal device memories such as a timer, a counter, a data register, and an auxiliary relay provided inside the PLC 7, which can be freely used in the sequence program. 19 is a tool interface
This tool interface 19 transfers the sequence program created by the external tool 20 to the program memory 14, and the external tool 20 causes various image memories and device memories. This is for communicating an ON / OFF command for artificially changing the settings of 23, displaying on a monitor, or simulating.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an external tool which is connected to the PLC 7 by communication via the tool interface 19, and the configuration thereof will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 24 is a parameter memory described later with reference to FIG. Various memories and interfaces are bus-connected to the CPU 8 so that they can communicate with each other via the CPU 8.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the details of the external tool 20. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 21 denotes a microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as CPU) which cooperates with the system memory 28 to display a predetermined screen on the screen display unit 26 in response to a key operation of the key operation unit 25, and a PLC 7 19a. RS422 or RS connected to the tool interface 19 of
Tool for performing signal communication based on standards such as 232C
The tool interface 13a is a tool interface 1
Output image memory 13 of PLC 7 via 9, 19a
Is an input image memory for storing the contents of the output image memory 13 and handling the contents of the output image memory 13 as an input for a pseudo operation of the machine.

Reference numeral 18a is an output image memory (pseudo output memory). The output image memory 18a outputs a pseudo operation of the CPU 21 based on the contents of the input image memory 19a and the contents of the program memory (pseudo program memory) 27. Is stored. And the pseudo operation output is
It is transferred to the pseudo output image memory 18 of the PLC 7 via the rule interfaces 19a and 19.

As will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, the contents of the program memory 27 are created by the user while referring to the key operation of the key operation unit 25 and the display screen of the screen display unit 26.

24a is a parameter memory, and this parameter memory 24a is a parameter equipped in the PLC 7.
Data memory 24 to the tool interfaces 19a, 1
Transfer parameters via 9. Parameter memory 2
The contents of 4a are the key operation of the key operation unit 25 and the screen display unit 2
It is created by the user while referring to the display screen of No. 6.

Reference numeral 17a is a sequence program memory, and this sequence program memory 17a is an external tour memory.
The sequence prepared by the user with reference to the key operation of the key operation unit 25 and the display screen of the screen display unit 26, which is equipped when the rule 20 is used as a sequence program creation device of the PLC 7. The program is stored, and PL is also available via the tool interfaces 19a and 19
The sequence program is transferred to the program memory 17 of C7.

Reference numeral 23a denotes a device memory. This device memory 23a is provided when the external tool 20 is a data setting / display device for various devices of the PLC 7, and is provided via the tool interfaces 19a and 19. PL
It communicates with the internal device memory 23 of C7.

These various memories and tool interfaces
The CPU 19a, the key operation unit 25, and the screen display unit 26 are the CPU 2
1 is connected to the bus by a bus and constitutes the external tool 20 as a whole. Reference numeral 28 is a system memory in which pseudo output signals are stored in advance in the form of timer output signals corresponding to the output signals of the PLC 8 and the manual input signals.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the flow of each processing step for explaining the operation and operation of the PLC 7 configured as in FIG. In FIG. 3, in step 30, a large number of input switches 11 connected to the outside of the PLC 7 are turned on / off.
The signal is taken into the input image memory 12 via the input interface 10 and the CPU 8.

Then, in step 31, the contents input to the input image memory in step 30 and the contents input to the pseudo output image memory 18 in step 36, which will be described later, are combined to generate a combined input image memory 22. To store.

Then, in step 32, the CPU 8 of the PLC 7
Is a composite input image memory 22 and an output image memory 1
3, the internal device memory 23 and the sequence program memory 17 generate the sequence control output shown in 6 of FIG. 7 and store it in the output image memory 13.

The sequence control output stored in the output image memory 13 in step 32 is transferred to the output latch memory 14 in step 33 and drives a large number of loads 16 via the output interface 15.

In step 32, the output image memory 13
The sequence control output stored in the program memory 27 of the CPU 21 is transferred to the external tool 20 via the tool interfaces 19 and 19a and stored in the input image memory 13a in step 34.
Output image memory 18a based on the application program
Controls ON / OFF contents of to generate a pseudo output of machine operation.

Further, in step 35, the key operation section 25 is operated to substitute one of a large number of input switches 11 of the PLC 7 which corresponds to a manually operated switch, and an ON / OFF signal is output to the output image memory 18a. To supply.

The pseudo output of the machine operation stored in the output image memory 18a is stored in the pseudo output image memory in the PLC 7 from the external tool 20 through the tool interfaces 19 and 19a in step 36. .

The contents of the pseudo output image memory 18 and the contents of the input image memory 12 (or the ON / OFF signal of the input interface 10) are logically combined in step 31 to be combined and input. It is stored in the memory 22 and serves as a control input for the sequence program.

Therefore, if either the ON / OFF signal in the input image memory 12 or the pseudo output image memory 18 is ON, the corresponding signal in the composite input image memory 22 is also turned ON. is there. As mentioned above,
The PLC 7 of the present embodiment automatically or-combines the input signal to itself and the pseudo output signal on the system program, so that the user does not have to make a sequence program in consideration of the pseudo output signal. Is also good.

Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment, the PL
It has been described that the simulation switch 11 is connected to the input of C7 and all the inputs other than the input corresponding to the manual operation switch of the machine are turned off to perform the desktop simulation.

On the other hand, when the PLC 7 is already installed and wired in the machine to be controlled and the stationary operation simulation is performed with the power source of the machine stopped,
The simulation switch is not necessary and the manual operation switch of the actual machine can be used as it is.

However, among the sensor inputs such as the limit switch, photoelectric switch, proximity switch, etc., which are interlocked with the operation of the machine, when the input switch which is currently in the ON state is connected to the input of the PLC 7, this input is invalidated. Processing is required.

If the number of such input switches in the ON state is small, the wiring of the input terminal may be removed, but if a large number of unspecified input switches are in the ON state, the handling becomes poor. Also, these inputs can be collectively removed and the entire input terminal block can be removed, but this is not the preferred processing method.

The PLC according to the second embodiment of the present invention is
In order to improve such a problem, the parameter memory 24 shown in FIG. 1 is used. Here, as a promise item of the data stored in the parameter memory 24, for example, the input number of the input switch of the manual operation system is X0 to X10.
And the input number of the sensor system input is, for example, the old group of X11 to X19. The input numbers belonging to the young group and the old group are stored by the user in the parameter memory 24 of the PLC 7 through the tool interface 19 using the external tool 20.

Then, the CPU 8 compares the input number, which is sequentially incremented and set, with the input number stored in the parameter memory 24, and whether the set input number belongs to the young group or the old group. Group belonging to the group.

The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flow chart of FIG.
Explanations will be made using charts. This flowchart collates the set input number with the input number stored in the parameter memory 24, and determines whether the set input number belongs to the young group or the old group. The process up to the transfer of the logical sum of the contents of the input image memory 12 and the contents of the pseudo output image memory 18 to the synthetic input image memory 22 on the basis of the judgment result of FIG.

First, in step 40, the operation state of the special auxiliary relay M9000 in the internal device memory 23, which is in the operation state when performing the simulation operation, is determined. As a result of the judgment in step 40, the special auxiliary relay
When M9000 is inactive (OFF), the contents of the input image memory 12 are transferred to the composite image memory 22 as they are in step 41.

Actually, the contents of the composite input image memory 22 are ignored, and the contents of the input image memory 12, that is,
If the sequence program processing is performed using the ON / OFF signal of the input interface 10, the synthetic image memory 2
The transfer process to 2 is unnecessary. Further, in step 41, the signal communication for the simulation with respect to the external tool 20 is unnecessary.

Note that the special auxiliary relays include many general-purpose auxiliary relays in the internal device memory 23, M.
0, M1, M2, ..., And the like are different in that the operation is defined in advance in the system memory 9, for example, P
M that turns ON / OFF in response to LC RUN / STOP
8000, M8067 which operates when a PLC error occurs, and the like, although the number is different depending on the PLC manufacturer, is widely used. Here, M9000 is newly added for the present invention.

When the special auxiliary relay M9000 is inactive (that is, when the simulation is not performed), the input image memory 12 and the pseudo output image memory 18 are not combined and the input image memory 18 is not processed. -By treating the contents of the image memory 12 as they are as the contents of the combined input image memory 22, the load of the CPU 8 for the combining process is reduced.

If it is determined in step 40 that the special auxiliary relay M9000 is operating (ON), step 45
In step 42, the input number incremented by 1 is set. At the start of the operation, the input number is set to the input number X0 in accordance with the terminal block shown in FIG. 6, for example.

In step 43, it is determined whether the input number X0 set in step 42 belongs to the young group set in the parameter memory 24. When it is determined that the set input number is the young group, step 4
In 4, the input image memory 1 accessed at this time
2 and the contents of the pseudo output image memory 18 (ON or O
The logical sum of the FF state) is transferred to the synthetic input image memory 22.

For the purpose of this embodiment, the contents of the input image memory 12 may be simply transferred to the composite input image memory 22. Composite image memory 22
After being transferred to the
Is added to set the input number to X1 and the input number is set in step 42. Of course, since the setting input number is a small number, the logical sum of the contents (ON or OFF state) of the input image memory 12 and the pseudo output image memory 18 accessed at this time is transferred to the composite input image memory 22. To do. The above process is repeated until it is determined in step 43 that the input setting number is not the lowest number.

If steps 42 to 45 are repeated and it is determined in step 43 that the input setting number belongs to the old number group, the process proceeds to step 46 and the input setting number is set to the preset PL.
It is determined whether or not the maximum input number of C7, for example, X20 is exceeded. Then, when it is determined that the excess is not reached, the contents of the pseudo output image memory 18 accessed at that time are transferred to the composite input image memory 22 in step 47. actually,
Even if this transfer process is not performed, the CPU 8 ignores the contents of the composite input image memory 22 and reads the contents of the pseudo output image memory 18 when the setting number belonging to the old number group is input. You may make it available.

As described above, the processing step 41 when the simulation operation is not performed, the processing step 44 for the input of the young group (that is, the manual operation system input), and the input of the old group (that is, the sensor system) The processing such as the processing step 47 for the input) is executed according to the procedure defined by the system program in the system memory 9 (FIG. 1).

In addition, all the inputs of PLC7 are
When the input number of the parameter memory 24 is set so as to be treated as a group, all the inputs are subjected to the logical sum synthesis processing, and in this case, this corresponds to the first embodiment.

Regarding the grouping of input numbers, it is not just the two groups of the younger number / older number, but the parameter can be mixed even if the same two groups are used.
It is also possible to set the data.

As described above, the old input group of the sensor input system
For the input, the input of the PLC 7 is replaced by the output signal of the pseudo output image memory 18 ignoring the contents of the input image memory 12, so that the sensor input in the ON state is connected to the PLC. Even if the
Can be executed.

However, when the simulation control is completed,
When the PLC is practically operated (that is, when the special auxiliary relay M9000 is not operated), the contents of the input image memory 12, that is, ON / OFF input from the input interface 10 are processed by the processing step 41. The synthesis process has been canceled so that the signal itself is valid.

The composite input image memory 22 is logical and does not necessarily require a special memory as hardware. For example, the same purpose can be achieved even if the CPU 8 performs the combining process each time or the selecting process is performed.

Third Embodiment In the above-described first and second embodiments, the control output signal output from the PLC 7 is transmitted to the external tool 20.
, The control output signal was processed there by a sequence program simulating the mechanical operation, and a pseudo output of the mechanical operation was generated and input to the PLC 7. However,
The sequence program for simulating the mechanical operation is ON or OF after delaying the output signal with respect to the input signal for a predetermined time.
It is generally represented by a timer circuit for F.

Therefore, by creating a table in the memory in which mode (delay time, logical inversion of the signal) the pseudo output is generated and output for the control output signal from each PLC 7, It is not necessary to load the sequence program in the program memory 27 of the tool 20.

FIG. 5 corresponds to the first to third embodiments and corresponds to the pseudo output of the machine operation to be stored in the system memory 28 (see FIG. 2) of the external tool 20 and the manual operation input to the PLC 7. 7 is a list chart for explaining a method of programming a corresponding command output.

The table at the top or bottom of FIG.
No. 0 is selected by the key operation of the key operation unit 25 and displayed on the screen display unit 26. However, only the item name on the top line is displayed as an article on the initial screen, and the output number of PLC 7, the set time, the mode number described later, and the pseudo output number are sequentially keyed in by the operator, and the contents Are stored in the system memory 28 as a table.
The numerical value corresponding to ** of the pseudo output number M10 ** corresponds to the input ** of the PLC 7. Therefore, PLC7
When the control output signal of YXX is input to the external tool 20, the pseudo output signal of the pseudo output number is turned ON after the corresponding set time from the table of the system memory 28, and PL
It is output as the input signal of C7.

For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the set time is 10 seconds for the output Y0 and the pseudo output number is M1010 (that is, logically connected to the input X10). The reason why the pseudo output number M is in the 1000's range is to avoid confusion with the general auxiliary relays M00, M01 ..., And an appropriate number area defined by the PLC7 system is used. .

On the other hand, regarding the output mode number, as shown in the time chart in the lower column, for example, in mode 1, the PLC
When the output Y ○○ of 7 turns on, M10 ** turns on with a delay of the time set by the set time. M10 in mode 2
The operation of ** is reversed compared to mode 1. Modes 3 and 4 are output ON / OF of modes Y and Y for modes 1 and 2.
The F logic is inverted.

The table in the lower part of FIG. 5 is unique to the third embodiment, in which the operator inputs the desired manual operation system input number X ** of the PLC 7 and its output mode in the table. Then, the output mode of the pseudo output corresponding to ON of the manual input signal of each number is input into the system memory 18.
Since the pseudo output number in this case is automatically determined by M10 **, there is no need to key in, and it is merely a reference display.

The output mode numbers are as shown in the time chart in the lower column. For example, in mode 11, when the input X ** is turned on, the pseudo output M10 ** is also turned on.
In mode 12, the logic of M10 ** is inverted. Mode
In modes 13 and 14, M10 ** operates for a very short predetermined time beyond the signal transmission of PLC7 and the execution time of the sequence program in response to the operation of the input X **, and the input corresponding to the push button switch. Suitable for handling. In addition,
As a method of programming the program memory 27, a time chart as shown in each mode is selected and displayed, and an output number, a set time, a pseudo output number, etc. are keyed in the screen. good.

[0090]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a microprocessor for performing a control operation based on a control program stored in a program memory to control ON / OFF of a control output signal, and an ON of the control output signal. Programmable controller including an output memory for storing the ON / OFF state, a pseudo program memory for storing a pseudo program that simulates the operation of the controlled system, and a program for loading the output memory of the programmable controller into the pseudo program. An external tool including a microprocessor that performs a pseudo operation of a control system and a pseudo output memory that stores a pseudo control output signal according to a result of the pseudo operation, wherein the programmable controller is stored in the pseudo output memory of the external tool. Pseudo control output signal stored in pseudo control output signal memory Since the control input signal input from the stored pseudo control output signal and the external was set as the control signal for the arithmetic and logic synthesis by the microprocessor, the program development stage of PLC,
One PLC for desktop simulation that also uses a simulation switch when performing operation simulation including the operation of the machine to be controlled, and static operation simulation in the state where it is embedded in the machine and wired. And external tools
This has the effect of increasing the efficiency of debugging the sequence program and helping prevent the machine from being operated by an incorrect sequence program.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the programmable controller is configured such that the microprocessor logically sums the pseudo control output signal and the control input signal. By automatically logically combining the input signal and the pseudo output signal on the system program in the programmable controller, the user does not have to create a sequence program that is aware of the pseudo output signal, which improves program creation efficiency. It has the effect of improving.

According to the invention of claim 3, in the programmable controller according to claim 1, the microprocessor selects the pseudo control output signal and the control input signal, respectively. There is an effect that the static operation simulation in the controlled state can be executed by one programmable controller and an external tool.

According to the invention of claim 4, in claim 1, the programmable controller gives priority to the pseudo control output signal with respect to a part of the control input signals of the plurality of control input signals in the microprocessor. Therefore, the static operation simulation in the state of being built in the machine and wired can be executed by one programmable controller and an external tool.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the external tool outputs a pseudo control output signal corresponding to a control input signal manually operated from among the plurality of control input signals input to the programmable controller. Is stored in the pseudo data memory in advance, and when a control input signal by manual operation is input from the programmable controller,
Since the pseudo control output signal corresponding to this control input signal is read from the pseudo data memory and input to the programmable controller, it is possible to use an actual machine without loading a sequence program simulating the operation of the control system into an external tool. There is an effect that the operation simulation of the sequence program according to the standard can be performed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the external tool stores a pseudo control output signal corresponding to a control output signal input from the programmable controller in a pseudo data memory in advance, and the programmable controller When a control output signal is input, the pseudo control output signal corresponding to this control output signal is read from the pseudo data memory and input to the programmable controller, so that the operation of the control system is simulated by an external tool. Operation of the sequence program according to the actual machine without loading the sequence program
Is effective.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the external tool stores the pseudo control output signal in the pseudo data memory in the form of a timed output in response to ON / OFF of the control input signal by a manual operation. Since it is stored and the timed output is transferred to the pseudo output memory of the programmable controller, various sequence programs conforming to the actual machine can be used without loading a sequence program simulating the operation of the control system into an external tool. There is an effect that driving simulation can be performed.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, the external tool stores the pseudo control output signal in the pseudo data memory in the form of a timed output in response to ON / OFF of the control output signal, Since the timed output is transferred to the pseudo output memory of the programmable controller, it is possible to perform various operation simulations of the sequence program according to the actual machine without loading the sequence program simulating the operation of the control system into the external tool. Is effective.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first to eighth aspects, by operating the external tool, an ON or OFF signal indicating that the simulation of the control program is executed or not is stored in the parameter memory of the programmable controller. When the processor reads the OFF signal from this parameter memory during the calculation process,
Since the control input signal is input and the control calculation for the external load is performed, there is an effect that the simulation operation of the control program and the control operation of the actual machine based on the simulation result can be easily switched.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the first to ninth aspects, the external tool is a program creating device for the programmable controller or a data setting / display unit for the internal device of the programmable controller. Therefore, since the external tool can be shared as a program tool of the programmable controller and a data setting display unit, there is an effect that the external tool can be made multi-functional.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a programmable controller (PLC) according to first and second embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an external tool.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the program simulation device in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the role of the parameter memory according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a list explaining a method of generating a simulation program in the first to third embodiments.

FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram when performing simulation by a conventional PLC.

FIG. 7 is a relay ladder diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the sequence program of the first and second PLCs in FIG.

[Explanation of reference numerals] 7 programmable controller, 8, 21 microprocessor, 11 many input switches, 12 input image memory, 13 output image memory, 16 many output loads, 17 program memory, 18 pseudo output image Image memory, 18a, an output image memory (in an external tool) storing pseudo outputs corresponding to machine operations, 19
Tool interface, 20 external tools, 22 synthetic input image memory (for storing synthetic ON / OFF signal), 24 parameter memory.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A control calculation is performed based on a control program stored in a program memory, and a control output signal is turned on.
A programmable controller including a microprocessor for controlling ON / OFF, an output memory for storing the ON / OFF state of the control output signal, a pseudo program memory for storing a pseudo program simulating the operation of a controlled system, and An external tool including a microprocessor that incorporates the contents of the output memory of the programmable controller into a pseudo program to perform a pseudo operation of a controlled system, and a pseudo output memory that stores a pseudo control output signal according to the pseudo operation result, The programmable controller stores the pseudo control output signal stored in the pseudo output memory of the external tool in the pseudo control output signal memory, and stores the stored pseudo control output signal and the control input signal input from the outside. Logic synthesis by microprocessor and control for operation Program simulation apparatus characterized by a degree. 2. The program simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the programmable controller logically sums the pseudo control output signal and the control input signal in the microprocessor. 3. The program simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the programmable controller selects the pseudo control output signal and the control input signal by the microprocessor. 4. The programmable controller preferentially selects the pseudo control output signal with respect to some of the control input signals of the plurality of control input signals in the microprocessor. 1. The program simulation device according to 1. 5. The external tool stores, in a pseudo data memory, a pseudo control output signal corresponding to a control input signal by a manual operation among a plurality of the control input signals input to the programmable controller in advance, and the programmable data is programmable. 2. When a control input signal by a manual operation is input from the controller, a pseudo control output signal corresponding to the control input signal is read from the pseudo data memory and input to the programmable controller. Program simulation device. 6. The external tool stores a pseudo control output signal corresponding to a control output signal input from the programmable controller in a pseudo data memory in advance, and when the control output signal is input from the programmable controller, The pseudo control output signal corresponding to the control output signal is read from the pseudo data memory and input to the programmable controller.
The program simulation device according to 1. 7. The external tool stores a pseudo control output signal in a pseudo data memory in the form of a timed output in response to ON / OFF of a control input signal by a manual operation, and the timed output is stored in a programmable controller. 6. The program simulation device according to claim 5, wherein the program simulation device transfers the program output to the pseudo output memory. 8. The external tool stores a pseudo control output signal in a pseudo data memory in the form of a timed output in response to ON / OFF of the control output signal, and outputs the timed output to a pseudo output of a programmable controller. The program simulation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the program simulation is performed in a memory. 9. An external tool is operated to store an ON or OFF signal, which indicates whether a control program simulation is executed or not, in a parameter memory of the programmable controller, and when the microprocessor reads an OFF signal from the parameter memory in a calculation process. 9. The program simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a pseudo control output signal is excluded and a control input signal is input to perform control calculation for an external load. 10. The external tool is a program creation device for a programmable controller or a data setting / display unit for an internal device of the programmable controller. A program simulation device according to claim 1.