JPS6043777A - Design support system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain an automatic designing process for an input/output circuit by separating a hardware circuit part from a program logic part of a programmable controller based on the position or the attribute of each symbol or connection line. CONSTITUTION:The symbol terminals are arranged on X and Y axes with 5mm. pitches to an original point, and the symbol NO is given to a graphic as an attribute for these symbols respectively. For tool symbols, for example, the tool number, the tool specifications, the terminal mark and the set value of a timer counter are defined at points A, B, C and E respectively. For the coordinates of these points A-E, the data on symbols are stored in a computer for each symbol and independently of a symbol graphic. When a circuit analysis is performed by a computer, a symbol is extracted out of the graphic data and a symbol master is referred to with a key of the symbol NO of the corresponding attribute. Then the characteristics of the symbol and the data defining the symbol are extracted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a hardware circuit of a control panel including a programmable controller in the panel, and a system for supporting the design of the programmable controller. It is something.

[Background technology]

Conventionally, control panel design and manufacturing support systems create circuit diagrams interactively using a graph ink display, etc., and use a computer to automatically determine and enter equipment terminal symbols, contact positions, line numbers, etc. Also, extraction of parts arrangement information, extraction of connection information between equipment terminals (FROM=TOr, 1sT)
The origins of the circuit design CAD system, which performs circuit design, and the structural design CAD system, which interactively creates equipment arrangement diagrams within the panel, led to automated systems for cutting wire harnesses and sheet metal, drilling holes in boards, etc. It was a design and production system for so-called control panel hardware.

However, as the form of control panels has recently shifted from wired logic to program logic, work has shifted considerably from hardware design to software design. It is hoped that this will lead to the realization of a software design support system.

By the way, when a control panel includes a programmable controller, two types of drawings are created separately for the hardware circuit section including relays, etc., the controller's input/output coveredware, and the controller's program logic section. is the current situation.

First, a conventional example and its problems will be explained in detail.

FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of a programmable controller.

FIG. 2 is a process diagram for explaining a circuit example.

FIG. 3 is a logical diagram of a system that controls the process of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram and a program logic diagram of a hardware circuit section, that is, an input/output circuit section, of a system that controls the process shown in FIG.

(Explanation of operation of programmable controller) The programmable controller consists of a CPU part, a 110 part, and a programming panel of a man-machine ink face.

By operating the symbol keys on the programming panel in accordance with the circuit circuit written with relay symbols, it is possible to write it into the program memory of the CPU section. The same applies to additions and changes.

- The contents of the program memory can be dumped onto a cassette tape or loaded from tape.

Additionally, the contents of the program memory may be changed by the printer.
Printed out as a logic diagram.

Signals input from external devices, such as push buttons/switches, limit switches, relays, etc., are once converted to an appropriate signal level by the input conversion module of section I10, and then stored in the data memory of the CPU section.

The arithmetic unit CPU reads necessary data from the data memory and sequentially executes logical operations according to a program given from the program memory.

Update the output data in the data memory with the calculation result,
Output to the output conversion module.

The series of operations described above, such as writing the input signal to the data memory, executing logical operations using a program, reading output data from the data memory, and driving external equipment, is cyclically repeated.

(Outline explanation of CAD system for circuit design) C of circuit design
The AD system uses a graphic display, etc. to place fixture symbols, temporary terminal symbols, etc. on the screen, connect the terminals of the symbols with line segments, and also display the fixture number, terminal symbol, fixture specifications, etc. on the fixture symbol. Number TEXT,
In addition, when drawing the temporary terminal, set the TEXT of the signal name to the number. Also, when creating connection information using a computer, write the voltage, current,
Give polarity etc.

The circuit diagram drawn in this manner is stored in a drawing file, and if necessary, the circuit diagram is plotted out using a plotter.

The computer converts the contents of the drawing file into graphic data through a graphic interface program.

Referring to this graphic data, symbol mask, and kF1 mask, circuit analysis is performed, and instrument terminal symbols, contact destinations, signal destinations, and line numbers are automatically determined and entered. Furthermore, parts arrangement information and connection information are extracted. In addition, if the terminal code has been entered manually, priority will be given to it.

Next, a circuit diagram in which the process example shown in FIG. 2 is configured using a programmable controller will be described.

To control the process shown in Figure 2, press the start push button to operate the pump, count it with a flow meter until the set value is reached, stop the pump, start heating, and start heating. The testing shall be carried out for 16 minutes.

The left and right sides of FIG. 4 are the hardware circuit sections. It consists of the input circuit, output circuit, main circuit section, etc. of the programmable controller, and this part is based on the circuit design CA.
A drawing is made using the D system and plotted out using a plotter.

Instrument symbols for the input circuit section include push buttons, relay contacts, limit switches, and input conversion modules.

Equipment symbols for the output circuit and main circuit include output conversion module, relay contact, 'J flail, indicator light, and MC.
B, main contactor, and others.

The center of FIG. 4 is the program logic section of the controller.

Control the logic from the programming panel 2°.

,. 5゜7. . ! 51-1. %+)K 1.7.・
:” Outputs the contents using the link and creates a program logic diagram.

The conventional example detailed above has the following problems.

Medium: If the number of drawings is large, design productivity will decrease.

+11 The equipment numbers and terminal symbols of the input/output module of the hardware circuit section and the input/output numbers of the program logic symbols are manually designed, resulting in low design efficiency and quality.

(Ill) Since the hardware circuit diagram and the program logic diagram are created separately, it takes time and effort to read the diagrams, and it is also inconvenient for maintenance.

QVI programmable controllers are generally capable of performing logic simulation by applying simulated input signals to view the conduction state of any circuit section. It is also possible to observe the state of the logic by turning on the coil in a simulated manner and setting it to 01"F.

However, it is not possible to perform a comprehensive simulation of a control system including external hardware circuits.

[Purpose of the invention]

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides a circuit design support system that automatically designs input/output circuits and automatically creates program data for a hyperprogrammable controller.

[Summary of the invention]

The present invention creates the circuit design of the hardware circuit part and the program logic as the same circuit diagram, inputs that information into a computer, and uses the computer to determine the hardware circuit design based on the positions or attributes of each symbol or connection line. The input/output interface section of the controller is automatically designed by dividing it into the circuit section and the program/logic section of the programmable controller. Furthermore, the hardware circuit section can process the functions of the circuit design support system, and the program logic section can create the controller software. It is something.

[Embodiments of the invention]

Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a design process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a symbol of a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an example circuit diagram of a system for controlling the process of FIG.

FIG. 8 shows the recognition of the input/output terminals of the input/output module of the controller in the circuit diagram of the embodiment, the positions entered in the drawing, and the generation of the program logic of the input/output interface.

(Explanation about symbols and symbol masks) The origin of a symbol is the pivot. (Point P of the symbol in FIG. 6) The terminals of the symbol are arranged at a 5x pitch on the X and Y axes with respect to the origin. (X marks on the symbols in Figure 6) These symbols are given symbol 〉 as an attribute to the figure.

In the case of a device symbol, in FIG. 6, the device number is defined at point A, the device specification at point B, the terminal symbol at point C, and the set values of the timer and counter at point E.

In the case of temporary terminal symbols, the signal name entry positions are defined at nine points.

The input/output terminals of the input/output module of the controller are defined with the equipment number at point A and the terminal symbol at point C.

The coordinates of these points A-E are stored separately from the symbol figure in a symbol master file that stores data regarding the symbol for each symbol in the computer.

In addition, the symbol mask stores the position of each terminal of the symbol, the position of the other terminal, and the function code of the symbol.

When performing circuit analysis using computer processing, symbols are extracted from graphic data. Using the attribute symbol as a key, refer to the symbol mask to determine the nature of the symbol and the data that defines the symbol t, such as the coordinates of points A-E, terminal coordinates, partner terminal coordinates, Extract the functional code of the symbol.

Perform circuit analysis of graphic data based on symbol mask data.

′ (Explanation of drawing) Draw a screen on the screen, focusing on functions according to drawing rules, without distinguishing between hardware circuits and program logic.

In other words, the controller input/output circuit, main circuit and program.
Draw logic on one screen.

The drawing procedure is as follows (1) The origin of the circuit diagram is placed in the center of the drawing.

Using this origin as a reference, symbols stored in the symbol library are called and placed on the 5 fl pitch on the X and Y axes.

In order to simplify the explanation of the recognition of the positions of input/output terminals, at least the portion surrounded by the program logic and the outer line segment group traps of the same potential that are in contact with it are subject to the following constraints. (Figures 7 and 8) (a) Drawings are written horizontally, and connection lines are horizontal except for the next branch and power line.

Branching of the fbl connection is limited to the case shown in FIG. Multiple branches can be made on the left side.

(C) Do not connect the symbol to the right side of the coil of the appliance symbol.

flll Connect the terminals of the placed symbols with line segments.

The fixture symbol for the hardware circuit includes the fixture number,
Enter the appliance specifications and appliance terminal symbol.

Write the instrument number in the program logic instrument symbol and the setting values for the timer and counter. In addition,
In some cases, this information may be entered after the equipment number and terminal symbol for the output terminal have been determined.

(Write the signal name in the Vl temporary terminal symbol.

fil Voltage value, current value, polarity (= No. 1.

The voltage value, current value, and polarity number for which connection information is to be extracted are given as attributes to, for example, the signal name of the appliance terminal symbol or temporary terminal symbol. Also, indicate the arrow to the appliance terminal or temporary terminal.

Later, it can be extracted using a computer.

(1'l) Surround the program/logic area on the east side of the screen with a group, and give attributes indicating the program/logic to the symbols or line segments of the group.

The group surrounds the target in a clockwise manner using light bends and the like. Furthermore, for example, key in TEXT PL as an attribute name.

Add attributes to all symbols or line segments in the quadruple PL
is given g In this case, if even a part of a symbol or a line segment falls within the enclosure, the attribute is automatically given to that element.

In addition to this, various methods can be considered for separating the hardware circuit section and the program logic section. For example, the second method is a method of specifying the program logic section by a range.

When specifying a range using any rectangle, the two opposite corners are
Mark symbols with attributes are arranged, and attributes A'PL' are given to the symbols in that range at the time of circuit analysis. It is also conceivable to manually input the coordinates of the range instead of the mark symbol.

A third method may be to prepare hardware circuit symbols and program logic symbols separately from the beginning.

(Recognition of terminal positions of input/output conversion module by computer) (Medium) Creation of graphic data file The computer separates the drawing from the drawing file through the graphic interface program and creates a graphic data file.

(■) Creating a pivot matrix file Extract the fixture symbol from the figure data file, and use the T in the corresponding symbol mask from the symbol notification for that symbol.
EX Extract the function code of the symbol at the input position.

1(7)f-1"'"1""js? +5L”:H,p
6. Extract the setting values of +i, , and counter from the graphic data and automatically assign them to the pivot position on the circuit diagram as TEXT data. In addition, the presence/absence of the function code and program logic classification attribute/FIZ PL' is assigned.

That is, since the data corresponds to the pivot position of the symbol on the 5fl pinch of the circuit drawing, this file will be called a pivot matrix [P] file.

The attribute A'P is still attached to the pivot in the matrix [P].
If L' is present, a matrix [IP, ) file is also created in which only the data at that position is assigned.

(ll) Creation of terminal matrix file Extract symbols from graphic data and search for corresponding symbol mask data.

For the fixture symbol, the corresponding coordinates on the circuit drawing are calculated from the coordinate data of the mask, and the terminal position on the drawing is determined.
Recognizes the mating terminal position, equipment number, and entry position and from the drawing,
Extract the fixture number.

For each terminal, the instrument number, mating terminal position, symbol function code, terminal arrangement number, and presence/absence of attribute PL are collected and automatically assigned to each terminal position on the circuit diagram.

Note that the terminal arrangement number is a serial number of the terminal in the symbol, and is a key for searching the characteristics of the terminal from the symbol mask.

Extract the signal name entry position and the coordinates of the terminal position from the symbol mask of the temporary terminal, extract the signal name from the drawing, and automatically assign it to the terminal position on the circuit drawing.

Furthermore, the voltage value, current value, and polarity numbered to the terminal symbol or terminal point of the appliance, or the signal name or terminal point of the temporary terminal symbol are extracted, and these data are assigned to each terminal position.

The data corresponds to the terminal position on the top of the 5th page of the circuit drawing, so use this file as the terminal location.
Let's call it the file.

Also, M) l) Attribute/FI to the terminal in Nox
If you have an LPL, you will also create a matrix (TP) file that allocates only the data at that position.

On the other hand, line segments and DOTs on the circuit diagram are extracted from the graphic data file. When two line segments occupy the same position with their terminals, or when a line segment intersects and a DOT exists above it, those line segments are recognized as having the same potential and the line segment group Groups of the same potential are numbered by sequence height.

Note that if the same potential group includes a line segment connected to a temporary terminal symbol, the signal name of the temporary terminal for that line segment group is set as the same potential group.

By the way, the line segment is drawn so that its starting and ending ends are on the coordinates of 5fl pitch.

Groups of the same potential group to which these line segments belong are assigned to the 5ff pitch coordinate positions occupied by these line segments. Furthermore, the presence or absence of the attribute PL of the line segment is assigned to the coordinate position, and a file is created.

This file will be called a line segment matrix [L] file.

Furthermore, if the position of the 5N pitch to which the line segment belongs in the matrix (L) has the attribute 'PL', a file of the matrix [LP] to which only the data at that position is assigned is also created.

[V] FIG. 8 shows four cases regarding the recognition of the position of the input/output terminal, the configuration of the Progera X logic, the generation of the input/output terminal, and the generation of the program logic.

Note that in the following explanation, no input/output terminals are generated at positions in the same potential group of power supply lines.

<Case 1, Generation of input terminals> The positions of the line segments of the same potential group are extracted from the matrix CLI, and the terminal data belonging to those positions are extracted from the matrix [T]. Among the appliance terminals belonging to this same potential group, only the terminal on the −Koseki side (Gyokoya = 1, j) has the attribute IG'PL', and the other terminals have the attribute 1.
If there is no fx 'PL', 11'''1''''-°・
Place the HC-9 power needle "pol □・1° at the j-" position.

Specifically, the input terminal symbol is placed at that position in the overwriting drawing and filed. At the same time, the function code and terminal arrangement number of the input terminal are assigned to the corresponding matrix &=+, J2 of the terminal matrix [D].

On the other hand, data on the position of the line segment of the corresponding same potential group in the line segment matrix [LP] is erased.

Assign the function code of the A contact symbol to the [: P, ] matrix --i, j-. Furthermore, the mating terminal position, function number, and terminal arrangement number are assigned as the terminal information of the A contact symbol to the matrix numbers (i, j-, l), (1, J) of [P].

<Case 2, Generation of Input Terminals> From the matrix [L], extract the positions of the line segments of the same potential group, and from the matrix [D], extract the terminal data belonging to those positions.

If the rightmost terminal among the appliance terminals in this same potential group has the attribute nb-'PL', and some of the remaining terminals have the attribute &, 'l' and some do not. , an input terminal symbol is placed at the position of matrix A=i, j for a terminal without attributes &'PL'' (matrix store = i, j).

Specifically, the input terminal symbol is placed at that position in the overwriting drawing and filed. At the same time, the function code and terminal arrangement number of the input terminal are assigned to the corresponding matrix A=i, J of the terminal matrix [D].

On the other hand, the pivot matrix [PF3 matrix = i, j
Assign the function code of the A contact symbol to -3. moreover〔
h], the 4u hand terminal position, function code, and terminal arrangement number are assigned as the terminal information of the A contact symbol to the matrix trace -(+, J-3), (i, j).

Case 3 and case 4 are cases of output generation (support);
In this case, since it can be easily understood from FIG. 8 and the explanation of Case 1 and Case 2, the explanation will be omitted.

Note that in this example, the input is on the left side of the program logic.
The right side is defined as the output, but if there is no such agreement, each terminal of the symbol will be given a terminal character indicating whether it is input or output.

(Entering equipment numbers and terminal symbols for input/output terminals) Entering equipment numbers and terminal symbols for input/output terminals often requires manual intervention, but
Generally, the following method is used for automatic entry.

In general, the input/output conversion module of the controller can be packaged only by the input/output voltage, such as 4 gV and 12 V DC for digital input, 12 V DC, 200 V AC, etc. for digital output. In this case, since the voltage for connection information is assigned to the appliance terminal of the same potential group of input/output terminals, the plums of the pan cage are determined from this data, and the appliance number of the module is sequentially numbered in page and batting order. and terminal symbols are automatically determined.

This data is assigned to a predetermined column position in the matrix. Also, with reference to the symbol mask of the input/output terminal, these data are placed at the entry positions on the overlapping drawing, filed, and overwritten on the circuit drawing.

On the other hand, symbols added by program logic are
Let the equipment number hand terminal symbol of the hardware be the equipment number (attendance number) of the symbol.

This instrument number is assigned to the predeterminedness and column position of [P,], [η].

If the dimensions of the module cannot be determined simply based on voltage alone, the attributes necessary for determination can be outlined on the drawing and assigned to the fixture terminal positions adjacent to the input/output terminals.

In addition, for special modules, an overwritten drawing in which input/output terminals are arranged may be superimposed on the circuit diagram drawing file, and the input/output terminals may be manually entered on the screen at that stage. - When separately controlling multiple machines that operate in the same way,
In a circuit diagram, n circuits are shown as a simplified drawing, but in software, one logic may be shared and operated by recombining it.

In this case, each logic unit is surrounded by a group on the screen, and attributes are given to the symbols and line segments of the group by giving an attribute section indicating the same shared logic and its order using attribute data.

The calculator automatically stores this part of the logic.
Summarize it into one program to share your views.

However, in this case, the circuit patterns of the program logic sections are exactly the same, and the fixture number and 9 sides of the fixture symbol must also be manually written according to a certain rule.

In this case, the instrument number and terminal symbol of the input/output terminal symbol of the circuit of each machine can also be automatically determined according to a certain rule.

If they are not arranged according to a certain rule, the program logic section automatically creates logic for rearranging them.

There is also a method in which input/output terminals and terminal symbols are manually entered in advance on the original editing design drawings, circuit diagrams for n units are created using this set of original drawings, and the equipment numbers are automatically determined by a computer.

By the way, when TEXT of the output terminal of the program logic is determined, the device number (output number) of the coil symbol of the program logic corresponding to this is determined, but the contact symbol of this coil is determined in the program logic. If there is a coil symbol, the device number (output number) of the coil symbol will also be assigned to that contact symbol through dialogue on the screen.

(Creation of controller program and circuit CAD) The circuit diagram data of the program logic section is represented by matrices [IPP], [horse], and [moan]. The computer uses the data in these matrices to create data in the controller's program memory.

This creation process is the same as creating data from a circuit diagram created with the programming panel, so the explanation will be omitted.

This data is loaded into the controller via a cassette tape or the like.

It performs the function of a conventional control panel circuit design CAD system by analyzing the data of the hardware circuit part of the drawing file containing the input/output terminals of the module. For example, extracting and creating component data, creating inter-panel and intra-panel connection data, etc. Note that although the connection of the power supply line of the input/output conversion module is not shown in FIG. 7, it may be drawn interactively. Also, if it is not necessary to show it in the circuit diagram, when creating connection data,
The connection data may be extracted from the instrument mask of the input/output module.

Meh? -4 (Others) In this example, all input/output terminals and numbering data are automatically entered, but in actual operation, some input/output terminals may be placed manually in advance at the drawing stage. Alternatively, there are cases where you may even fill in the TEXT.

In this case, priority is given to manual entry.

To simulate a circuit diagram, store the function code, terminal counterpart, terminal position, terminal arrangement number, characteristics of the terminal, rise time, fall time, etc. in a symbol mask, give a simulated input signal, and perform arbitrary simulation. It is easy to observe the conduction status of the circuit section.

In particular, by simulating the controller section, the input/output order of the controller can be clearly observed. In this way, shutting down the entire control system is facilitated.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained, which greatly benefit design work.

Middle hardware circuit section and program logic section,
Can be created as the same circuit diagram. Furthermore, since the input/output circuit section of the controller can be automatically designed, drawings can be done with a focus on control and electrical functions.

This improves design quality and efficiency.

(1) Comprehensive editing and design techniques including the hardware circuit section and the program logic section can be applied, improving the quality and efficiency of the design.

This book makes it easier to understand and maintain circuit diagrams.

qRe: The number of drawings is reduced because the circuit of the input/output ink face part of the controller is simplified.

(■) Comprehensive circuit design, including wired logic and program logic, becomes easier.
Improved design quality and testing efficiency.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 4 are used to explain the conventional example, and FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram of a programmable controller;
Figure 2 is a process diagram for explaining a circuit example, Figure 3 is a logic diagram of a system that controls the process in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a hardware circuit diagram of a system that controls the process in Figure 2. be. 5 to 9 are used to explain specific embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the design process of the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the design process of the embodiment of the present invention. An example of the symbol of the circuit diagram, Fig. 7 is an example of a circuit diagram of a system that controls the process shown in Fig. 2, and Fig. 8 is a diagram explaining the recognition of the input/output terminal positions of the turnout conversion module and the generation of program logic. , FIG. 9 is a diagram explaining branching. Figure 2 Flow meter Figure 7 R3T

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In an electrical circuit diagram that includes electrical appliances and both PROGRAMMRO and SHICK, store appliance symbols indicating electrical appliances, logic symbols indicating program logic, or symbols indicating both in a symbol library, and store these symbols in a symbol library. is placed in a circuit diagram, and in this circuit diagram, the range of the program logic part is given by coordinates, or the symbol therein is given R property, or the symbol mask of the symbol is given an attribute. The information in the figure is input into a computer, and the computer divides the symbol into a hardware circuit section and a program logic section based on the information, further extracts the terminal points of these symbols in the same potential group, and By adding the classification of the hardware circuit section or program logic section of the terminal point and the coordinate position of the terminal point or the input/output section of the terminal, or adding the position of the line segment of the same potential, the input of the controller can be calculated based on these conditions. The feature is that the placement position of the input terminal or output terminal symbol of the output conversion module is calculated, the input/output terminal symbol is automatically placed in the circuit drawing file, or placed in the overlay drawing, and entered in the circuit diagram on the screen. A design support system. (2) In an electrical circuit that includes both electrical appliances and program logic, the circuit diagram includes an appliance symbol indicating the electrical appliance, a symbol indicating the program logic, or a symbol indicating both; Give the range of the program logic section in coordinates, or give attributes to the symbols in that range, or give attributes to the symbol mask, and then add the input/output terminal symbols of the controller's input/output conversion module to the program logic. The circuit of the program logic section is calculated by a computer from the information in the circuit drawing, which is placed at the input/output position of the section, and the input/output number or its equivalent symbol, equipment number, or terminal symbol is given as text to this terminal symbol. , calculates the position of the symbol indicating the input/output logic or the position of its terminal, and calculates the input/output from the text of the input/output terminal symbol along with the function code as logic symbol information corresponding to input/output or its terminal information. A design support system that automatically creates controller program data by generating and arranging numbers.