KR101303880B1 - Real time communication network structure of auto in-line aging system - Google Patents

Abstract

 The present invention is an automatic in-line aging system in which a conveyor and an aging room is applied, and in real time through communication with a pallet during product movement from an initial input inspection process for mounting a product to be inspected on a pallet to a final inspection and packaging process. It relates to a real-time communication network structure that can drive, inspect and manage products. The network structure of the present invention includes a plurality of pallets provided with a feed bar and a communication bar to implement a local CAN network, to transfer a product while being conveyed through a conveyor, to supply power to the product, and to control and inspect the communication; An aging chamber for aging test of a product mounted on the pallets; A central CAN network for interfacing the local CAN network with a host device; A CAN gateway for connecting the local CAN network with the central CAN network; A CAN adapter for connecting the central CAN network with Ethernet; A host device for managing an aging check process; And a switching hub for connecting the host device and the CAN adapter.

Description

REAL TIME COMMUNICATION NETWORK STRUCTURE OF AUTO IN-LINE AGING SYSTEM}

The present invention relates to a production automation and inspection system such as a display module or a home / vehicle audio / video / navigation device, and more particularly, to a product to be inspected in an automatic inline aging system to which a conveyor and an aging room are applied. It relates to a real-time communication network structure that can operate, inspect and manage products in real time through communication with pallets during product movement from initial input inspection process to final inspection and packaging process mounted on the pallet.

In general, in production automation and inspection systems such as display modules or home / vehicle audio / video / navigation devices, when the pallet containing the product arrives at each inspection position on the inspection line, the male and female connectors on the pallet and the inspection line are The structure connecting each other is used. In this structure, since the physical connection and disconnection between the connectors is repeated hundreds of times a day, a communication error occurs due to various causes such as wear or breakage, deformation, impurities, and corrosion of the connector. Due to this, there is a problem that the normal inspection is not performed and the operation rate and productivity of the facility are greatly reduced. Therefore, the connector connection method has been gradually avoided for many years.

Recently, wireless IRDA (Infrared) communication, PLC (Power Line Communication), and RF wireless communication have been applied in production automation and inspection systems. In case of IRDA method, each pallet has infrared transmitter / receiver (infrared LED and receiver), and when it arrives at the test position where IRDA transceiver is installed, communication with test PC becomes possible. At this time, the IRDA transceiver installed in the inspection line and the transceiver installed in the pallet should be able to achieve high speed data communication, so the position of both transceivers should be identical and the distance should be close to within several to tens of centimeters to ensure high reliability.

This IRDA method has a relatively high reliability and relatively low construction cost has been widely applied to the inspection line of the display module. However, due to the characteristics of infrared communication, the pallet has a big limitation because it can communicate only at the location where the transceiver is installed on the inspection line, and when many infrared transceivers are installed in the line, the operation / inspection and aging operation status of the product are monitored at several points. However, this requires complicated installation of each IRDA transceiver and serial multiport device and wiring of each expansion port and IRDA. And due to the nature of the conveyor system, the pallet is constantly moving, so there is a limit to communication only at the moment of stopping at the corresponding position.

On the other hand, in the case of PLC (power line communication), there is an example applied to some aging system, there is an advantage that does not need a separate connector connection or communication line connection in addition to the power source because the communication using the power line. In other words, a feed bar is installed at the lower end of a pallet of a general aging system, and power is supplied through a feed rail installed on a conveyor line. Power line communication is a data communication method in which a data signal is modulated and transmitted to this power line. . However, there are disadvantages such as high load interference and noise, limited transmission power, signal attenuation and impedance characteristics, and frequency selective characteristics when using the power source connected to the entire test line. In addition, the power supply specification is limited, and depending on the characteristics of the line, power line modems (divided according to AC, DC and voltage specifications) must be used in the circuits suitable for the characteristics, depending on the case where an AC or DC power supply is installed. For example, if a company's technology and powerline communications solutions are AC standard, they will be limited by the characteristics of the line and customer requirements. For example, when a DC power source is used for various reasons such as the use of DC in a production line such as a vehicle electronic device or the use of AC due to a safety issue, it is restricted. In addition, the cost part of applying the technology is also a big obstacle. Currently, AC power line modems are widely used in general, and some of the home power line modems are widely used, but industrial modems are very expensive. . If you use a modem that is not suitable for industrial use, it will not be able to withstand the high-temperature test environment of 60 to 70 degrees Celsius in the aging room, affecting reliability. In addition, in the case of a DC power line modem, various problems may occur such as a signal of a power line shaking due to limited transmission power or instantaneous overcurrent. In the case of AC power line modem, it communicates with commercial high voltage of 110 / 220V. Due to the characteristics of inline aging system, the high voltage and overcurrent are relatively high due to the electric shock that occurs when the high voltage supply is repeatedly connected and disconnected through the feed bar. Damage to the vulnerable communication circuits can occur more or less frequently.

In addition to this, RF wireless communication was applied, but some lines were caused by various characteristics such as the characteristics of the line (the structure of tens or hundreds of pallets moving continuously) and the interference of wireless communication between multiple devices, distance, radio noise, and data loss. Applies only to and is not used much at present.

The present invention is to solve the various problems of the prior art described above, an object of the present invention is to communicate in real time with the pallet driving and inspecting the product from the time when the product is loaded and put into the end of the inspection and discharged It is to provide real time communication network structure of automatic inline aging system.

Another object of the present invention is an automatic in-line aging system that can be connected to dozens or hundreds of pallets from various host devices such as inspection PCs, inspection machines, management PCs (servers) to set operation flows, access rights, and communicate in real time. It is to provide a real time communication network structure.

In order to achieve the above object, the network structure of the present invention includes a feed bar and a communication bar to implement a local CAN network, transfer the product while being conveyed through a conveyor, supply power to the product, and perform communication control and inspection. Multiple pallets to enable; An aging chamber for aging test of a product mounted on the pallets; A central CAN network for interfacing the local CAN network with a host device; A CAN gateway for connecting the local CAN network with the central CAN network; A CAN adapter for connecting the central CAN network with Ethernet; A host device for managing an aging check process; And a switching hub for connecting the host device and the CAN adapter.

The pallet is connected to the feed bar on the bottom of the feed rail, the communication bar is connected to the communication rail, the CAN transceiver for connecting to the local CAN bus, the product power output for supplying power to the product, and inspect the product A signal generator for providing a signal, a product communication unit for communicating with the product, a measuring unit for measuring the characteristics of the product, and a microcontroller for controlling the overall operation.

The feed rail and the communication rail are connected to the feed bar or the communication bar using a sliding carbon brush having a spring structure, and the local CAN network uses a single wire CAN (SW-CAN) bus method. The central CAN network uses the High Speed CAN (HS-CAN) bus method.

When the local CAN network uses the SW-CAN bus method, the gateway is a CAN transceiver for connecting to the central CAN bus side via CAN_H and CAN_L lines, and a SW- for connecting to the local CAN bus side via CAN_H lines. It consists of a CAN transceiver and a microcontroller for mediating the protocol between the CAN transceiver and the SW-CAN transceiver and controlling the overall operation.If the local CAN network uses the HS-CAN bus system, the CAN_H line and the CAN_L line CAN transceiver for connecting to the central CAN bus side via a CAN bus, a CAN transceiver for connecting to a local CAN bus side via CAN_H and CAN_L lines, and a microcontroller for mediating and controlling the overall operation between the CAN transceivers. It consists of a controller.

The CAN adapter is composed of an Ethernet transceiver for connection with upper layer Ethernet, a CAN transceiver for connection with a central CAN bus, and a microcontroller for mediating Ethernet protocol and CAN protocol, and the palette has a unique palette ID ( PID), a pallet common ID (CPID), a pallet setting ID (PSID), a device ID (DID) indicating a test product to be connected, and the CAN gateway includes a gateway ID (GID), a gateway common ID (GCID), A gateway configuration ID (GSID) is provided, and the CAN adapter has a bus ID (BID) and a bus configuration ID (BSID) to communicate with a host device.

The real-time communication network system of the automatic in-line aging system according to the present invention can prevent communication interference due to wear, breakage, deformation, corrosion, etc. of the connector compared to the first generation male and female connector connection method, and the physical connection and disconnection time are reduced. The duration of the section can be reduced. In addition, according to the present invention, when the occurrence of the failure of the line is reduced, the operation of the inspection system can be reduced to be stopped, and the maintenance management becomes convenient, thereby improving the line utilization rate and productivity.

In addition, according to the present invention, network construction and real-time communication are enabled to smoothly manage the entire process, pallet, and product inspection, compared to the second generation system such as IRDA communication method, which was limited in wired and wireless communication, and in particular, during Aging test. Or communication with all pallets driven within the entire moving line of an inline system environment where pallets continue to move.

In addition, in the existing system, only 1: 1 communication between the host device and the pallet was possible, but according to the present invention, 1: n communication is possible, so that when the parameters required for the line operation are transmitted to the pallet, it is possible to simultaneously transmit the line operation process. You can do it quickly. For example, when an event such as a firmware upgrade occurs, data can be simultaneously transmitted to multiple pallets, thereby greatly reducing the overall upgrade time, thereby reducing maintenance time.

In addition, the distribution and expansion of local CAN networks ("Local Networks") allows the connection of a larger number of nodes (palettes), and the central CAN network ("Central Networks") and others in the event of a communication failure of some nodes. It is possible to prevent the collision and failure of the local network, and limited operation is possible except the failed node and the local network.

In addition, the present invention is easy to install and manage, the cost is reduced, and the communication circuit is simple, compared to the conventional available technology, the cost of the pallet drive circuit in the system for inspecting dozens or hundreds of products depending on the size of the system Can be significantly lowered.

In addition, the CAN-based communication method according to the present invention has been applied to automobiles and industries for a long time, so that the communication using the proven reliability and reliability can increase the stability of the overall system, reduce the cost and improve the line operation rate, production rate, and the like. Can be.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an inline aging automation system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a schematic structural diagram of an inline aging system for understanding of the present invention;
3 is a bottom view illustrating a physical connection of a feed bar and a communication bar of a pallet according to one embodiment of the present invention;
4 is a front view showing the physical connection of the feed bar, communication bar, rail, and the sliding carbon brush of the pallet according to an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a physical connection of a feed bar, a communication bar, a rail, and a sliding carbon brush of a pallet according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
6 is a schematic diagram showing the connection when a pallet, a rail and a sliding carbon brush according to the invention are applied to an inline aging system,
7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a structure of a CAN bus to be applied to a communication network structure for understanding of the present invention;
8 is a conceptual diagram in which a structure of a SW-CAN scheme is applied to a local communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention;
9 is a conceptual diagram in which a structure of an HS-CAN scheme is applied to a local communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an HS-CAN to SW-CAN scheme applicable to a CAN gateway of FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an HS-CAN to HS-CAN scheme applicable to a CAN gateway of FIG. 1;
12 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of a CAN adapter (Adaptor) of FIG.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an internal configuration of a pallet of FIG. 1;
14 is a block diagram showing the structure of a SW-CAN type repeater for extending communication distance in the present invention;
15 is a block diagram showing a structure of an HS-CAN type repeater for extending a communication distance in the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a CAN communication network and access rights of devices, users, and hosts according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
17 is an exemplary diagram for a flow of transmitting and receiving ID and data between CAN network components according to an embodiment of the present invention;
18 is a flowchart of a system for inspecting a product by means of a communication network structure in an input / test zone of FIG. 1 as one embodiment of the present invention;
19 is a flowchart of a system for inspecting a product by means of a communication network structure in the aging zone of FIG. 1 as one embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The following examples are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

First, the present invention uses a control area network (CAN) to build a communication network of an industrial line. The line from input to final completion is long, and due to the nature of the complex aging system consisting of several rows and layers, the local CAN network can be divided and processed in each zone. At this time, the local CAN network is a single-wire CAN (SW-CAN) bus method that can be configured inexpensively by installing only one line according to the physical structure, and can guarantee connection of more nodes and a long communication length. High Speed CAN (hereinafter referred to as HS-CAN) bus method can be selected and used.

Due to the characteristics of the conveyor system, pallets loaded with products continue to move so that communication rails are separately installed in addition to the power supply rail for power supply on the conveyor line that is installed in the aging system so that communication can be performed on the move. Through this communication rail, a communication signal is connected between the pallet and the inspection line. Here, the feed rail is a rail provided for continuously supplying power to a pallet moving in a series of inline aging systems.

Hereinafter, a configuration method, a physical structure, a hardware configuration, and a communication structure for the stable system configuration and operation according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram of an inline aging automation system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the communication methods of the host devices 10, 10-1, and 10-2, which are upper layers such as a PC and a server, use respective Ethernet communication methods as in a general local network construction method. Each pallet 110, which is a lower layer, uses a CAN communication method. The middle layer is connected to each distributed network and pallet 110 through a CAN adapter (hereinafter referred to as "can adapter") 140 and a CAN gateway (hereinafter referred to as "gateway"; 130). In order for the hosts 10, 10-1, and 10-2 to communicate with the pallet 110, which is the lowest layer, an interface type conversion is required. The upper network is connected to a local area network (LAN) through a switching hub (hereinafter referred to as a “hub”) 120. At this time, the can adapter 140 is connected to the intermediate communication device for converting the upper LAN communication into the CAN communication method. The can adapter 140 refers to an Ethernet to CAN adapter. The CAN network bus is configured through the CAN communication terminal of the CAN adapter 140. The entire line can be grouped into a single CAN network, but the number of physical nodes that can be connected to a CAN transceiver (“transceiver”), which is typically used for CAN communication, is limited to 110. Increasing resistance or high noise can reduce the communication distance and the number of nodes that can be connected, so distributed processing of CAN networks in each zone can increase reliability.

As such, a plurality of gateways 130 are connected to the distributed network. The gateway 130 detects a connection state of the pallet 110 and relays data communication between the can adapter 140 and the pallet 110. The gateway 130 generally adopts a SW-CAN bus method (HS-CAN to SW-CAN gateway), and may use an HS-CAN bus method (HS-CAN to HS-CAN gateway) for line expansion. .

For reference, hundreds of gateways can be connected to one can adapter, and a large number of nodes can be connected to each gateway to greatly increase the number of expansions of the system. In FIG. 1, a plurality of host devices 10, 10-1, and 10-2 are disposed. Since the entire CAN network is integrated into one CAN network through the gateway 130 and the can adapter 140, For example, depending on the product to be inspected and the test specification, the entire process line can be managed with just one operating PC.

In addition, the present invention may be set to different communication speeds by dividing into a central CAN network (CAN BUS) using HS-CAN and a local CAN network (Local CAN1, Local CAN2, ...) using SW-CAN. . Physically, HS-CAN can communicate up to 1Mbps, but SW-CAN can communicate below 50kbps. In the central CAN network, as many nodes are connected as the sum of the number of nodes connected to each local CAN network, the throughput increases, so the communication speed is faster than that of the local CAN network.

Referring to FIG. 1, the “input zone” is a section in which the product 20 is mounted on the empty pallet 110, and after the initial adjustment test, is a section before being introduced into the aging room 30. One gateway 130 is connected to the corresponding section, but two or more may be connected depending on the length and structure of the line. The inspection PC 10-2 is connected to the gateway through the can adapter 140 and Ethernet to communicate with the pallet 110. Alternatively, the inspection PC 10-2 and the gateway 130 may be directly connected by serial (USB, RS-232C….) Communication to communicate with the pallet 110.

The portion corresponding to the "aging zone" in FIG. 1 corresponds to the Aging Room 30 of FIG. 2. Tens to hundreds of pallets 110 enter one Aging Room 30 to undergo a high temperature aging test of the product 20. Due to this structure, network communication is used to check and control driving states of various products in real time. In the structure of the Aging Room 30 of FIG. 2, the inspection line has a structure of several layers and several columns, the structure of FIG. It is generally designed to be more complex and to allow many pallets 110 to be mounted. Here, the gateway 130 is installed in plurality depending on the structure and length of the line. In the case of a multi-layered multi-layer structure, it is easy to install them separately for each line in one stage and to distribute them for each section. For example, ten gateways 130 may be installed in the second and fifth rows, and the number and sections of the gateways may be distributed according to the length and the number of pallets 110 placed in each stage.

"Inspection Zone" in FIG. 1 means a connection section from the section discharged from the Aging Room 30 of FIG. 2 to the final inspection line. One or more gateways 130 are connected to the section, and are connected to the high temperature inspection and the final inspection line which are performed before and after the discharge from the aging room 30. Two or more gateways 130 may be distributed for line length or high temperature and final inspection steps and for distribution.

Figure 2 briefly shows the structure of the aging system to which the present invention is applied. For example, in the production process of the product, assembling is completed, the aging inspection process, the cooling process, the aging (Aging) inspection process, It is a system that configures the entire inspection process from final inspection process, QA process, final appearance inspection, and packaging process to in-line. The structure can vary greatly depending on the overall size of the system, type of product, size, quantity of aging, inspection order and method. The product is put on pallets on the conveyor line and automatically moved to the packaging stage through the input inspection process, aging room, high temperature inspection and final inspection process. The discharge structure that discharges the defects from the high-temperature inspection or the final inspection and returns the empty pallet 110 to the input process, the pallet 110 is a structure that continues to circulate from the input inspection process to the final inspection process. The pallet 110 performs a product driving test at a high temperature while moving for a predetermined Aging time from when it is introduced into the Aging Room 30 to when it is discharged from the Aging Room 30.

3 to 5 are examples showing the physical structure of the connection part of the pallet according to the present invention and the connection structure with the inspection line. 3 further applies a communication bar 112 to the lower end of the pallet, in addition to the feed bar 111 applied to the conventional pallet. The site is laid vertically from the top to the bottom of the pallet 110 with a long rod of a conductive metal plate of a certain thickness. This is applied to one or two communication bars 112 depending on the CAN communication method applied. It is recommended to apply SW-CAN for cost and overall line efficiency. When using SW-CAN, only one bar is applied and the CAN_H line is connected. However, when high specifications and higher reliability are required in the length of the applied line, the number of nodes, the communication speed, and the like, when the HS-CAN is applied, two communication lines 112 are connected to two bars CAN_H and CAN_L.

4 and 5 are seen from the front (or back) side or side of the pallet 110 according to the present invention, the pallet 110 is placed on the feed rail 150 and the communication rail 160 installed on the conveyor It shows the connected structure. The pallet 110 basically has a test / drive circuit 110b and a power supply 110a for driving and inspecting a product. The pallet 110 is mounted vertically or horizontally on the product to be inspected automatically or manually through a cable and a connector. Connect.

Feed rail 150 is a structure that has been commonly applied in the prior art, it is a structure that can be communicated with the power supply (power supply) by additionally laying the communication 1 rail or 2 rail (160). At this time, the portion actually connected to the communication bar 112 on the communication rail 160 is a component called a sliding carbon brush (hereinafter referred to as “brush”) 162. The sliding carbon brush 162, which has been used in the related art, is connected to the wiring of the lower end of the communication rail 160, so that when the pallet 110 arrives, the conductor surface of the communication bar 111 and the brush 162 at the lower end of the pallet It is touched and connected, and has a spring structure so that the pallet 110 can be pressed down and pushed upward so that the pallet 110 can be smoothly contacted with a strong force on the conductor 112 surface of the lower end of the pallet. Brushes should be installed on the rails installed in the aging system at tighter distances than the length of one pallet. When the palette is moved, the next brush must be connected before the brush attached to the front drops, so that communication can be maintained without disconnection. While the line is operated, the brush 162 is repeatedly connected to the lower connection portion (communication bar; 112) of the pallet without being numerous, and in this process, electric shock such as electromagnetic waves, static electricity, high pressure, and overcurrent may occur. A series of component circuits, such as pallet 110 and gateway 130, can adapter 140, should be designed to withstand this sufficiently.

The feed bar 111, the rail 150, and the brush 154, which are used for power feeding, use a thick-thick component due to high voltage and overcurrent, but a relatively thin component because the current consumption is not high in communication. The cost can be reduced.

6 illustrates an example in which a communication rail 160 and a pallet 110 are mounted on an inspection line to which the present invention is applied. The communication rails of the upper and lower lines are 1a, 2a, 1b, and 2b (1, 2 can be configured for each local CAN network with each CAN_H, L), a and b. In addition, one CAN_H line is mandatory in case of communication rail, but CAN_L line is optional. The local CAN network is distributed to each process line, in particular, each section of the Aging Room. Since the pallet 110 is connected to each other gateway 130 according to the location, the pallet 110 is connected through the gateway ID connected at this time. You can determine the progress of the. Conventionally, the position of the pallet can be determined by the sensor (infrared sensor, etc.), RFID, Aging Room input time, etc. installed at each position, whereas the gateway 130 is connected to the host device 10, 10-1, 10-2. And while communicating with the pallet 110 can be managed in real time.

7 is a general connection structure of the CAN bus network to which the can adapter and each gateway to which the present invention is applied. CAN network can have several nodes (Node A ~ Npde C) connected to one common bus (CAN-BUS). When using 11 bit CAN ID logically, up to 2000 IDs can be generated, but physical In general, 110 nodes can be connected depending on the characteristics of the transceiver. Since the can adapter 140 and the gainway 130 require high reliability as it is connected to a wide range from an input point to a final stage, an HS-CAN is used. The HS-CAN uses two communication lines, CAN_H and CAN_L. Since the data signals are divided into two or more amplitudes, the HS-CAN has a structure resistant to EMI noise as shown in FIG. 7. In addition, although it can communicate at high speeds up to 1Mbps, in general, a car using a lot of CAN uses 500kbps and 250kbps a lot. In general, the distance is reduced to about 40m from the maximum speed (1Mbps), depending on the communication speed, for example, it may be possible to communicate up to about 500m using 125KBPS. When the twisted wire and the shielded wire are used as shown in the example of FIG. 7, a longer distance may be guaranteed, but when connected to a structure that is vulnerable to poor wiring and noise characteristics, the distance may be greatly reduced.

8 and 9 illustrate examples of SW-CAN and HS-CAN bus structures for constructing a local CAN network according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of a SW-CAN scheme applied to a local communication network. 9 is a conceptual diagram applying the structure of the HS-CAN method.

As mentioned earlier, it is difficult to configure the entire inline aging system into one CAN network depending on the number of physically accessible nodes, the length of the line and the structure. In order to solve this problem, the local CAN network may be distributed and configured according to processes and sections to expand the number of physically connectable nodes, and to manage the progress of the palette in real time for each process. In particular, the number of pallets running in the Aging Room high temperature environment ranges from tens to hundreds, making it efficient to distribute them to the local CAN network. In addition, when an exception such as BUS-OFF or Warnning occurs due to a problem or a defect of some CAN nodes, it does not directly affect the corresponding central CAN network and other local CAN networks, so that the line exception handling and recovery can be performed more smoothly. have.

HS-CAN bus can be used in local CAN network to communicate relatively high speed and can communicate longer distance with many nodes.But basically two communication lines are used, so parts such as communication rail and brush applied to it The number is doubled and the communication bar 112 at the bottom of the pallet is also used two, so that the overall system installation and material costs, the cost of the pallet increases. In the present invention, the local CAN network is basically constructed using the SW-CAN bus.

8 shows an example of a SW-CAN bus network. Due to the characteristics of the physical SW-CAN transceiver, up to 32 nodes can be connected to one bus and the length can be extended up to 6m. SW-CAN communication speed mainly uses 33.3kbps and can communicate up to 44.1kbps. Due to the limited specification of SW-CAN, HS-CAN can be used to extend the number of nodes, communication distance and communication speed of local CAN network. 9 shows an example of an HS-CAN bus of a local CAN network. However, the structure connected between each node cannot use twisted / shielded cable (twisted / shielded wire), and it is connected through the communication rail 160 of two straight lines. The performance such as communication distance and speed is somewhat limited than the HS-CAN bus structure of FIG.

9 and 10 illustrate an internal configuration of a gateway according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 illustrates a structure of an HS-CAN to SW-CAN conversion gateway used when a local CAN network is configured as a SW-CAN bus. 10 shows an example of a structure when the local CAN network is configured with HS-CAN.

9 and 10, the gateway 130 is a device for relaying CAN communication between the can adapter 140 and the pallet 110, and transmits CAN data received from the can adapter 140 to the pallet 110. The data received from the pallet 110 is transmitted to the can adapter 140. The can adapter 140 includes a function of detecting whether a node (palette) is connected, a palette ID, and a state. The gateway 130 basically includes transceiver circuits 132, 134, and 136 and microcontrollers 133 each having EMI / ESD protection circuits 131 embedded therein.

The microcontroller 133 has two or more CAN channels, and internally or externally connects SRAM and flash memory. The microcontroller 133 of the gateway has a function of controlling the output of the transceiver 132. Since this is common to the devices configured in the present invention, details will be described later.

You can also relay serial to CAN for separate communication or not CAN to CAN. In this case, the serial communication circuit 135 of the USB or RS-232C type is optionally included.

12 is an example of an internal configuration of a can adapter according to the present invention, which converts Ethernet, which is a network interface of a host device 10 such as a PC, into a CAN communication protocol and transmits the same. In addition to the Ethernet communication method, circuits can be integrated to enable serial interfaces such as RS-232C and USB.

Referring to FIG. 12, the microcontroller 144 of the can adapter 140 may internally or externally connect a CAN and an Ethernet controller. Data received via Ethernet (or serial communication) may be transmitted to the pallet 110 having a valid ID through each gateway 130 connected through a central CAN network bus. In addition, it converts the data received through the gateway 130 to a predetermined protocol of Ethernet and transmits to the host device 10. The circuit of the can adapter 140 also has a function of controlling the output of the transceiver.

FIG. 13 is an example briefly showing a configuration of a drive / test circuit (hereinafter, referred to as a “drive circuit”) of a pallet applied to the present invention. The driving circuit 110b is connected to the CAN bus through the transceiver 113 to communicate with the local CAN gateway 130. It has a separate serial port (SERIAL) for debugging the device and setting and initializing IDs. Serial ports are USB and UART / RS-232C. The microcontroller 144 has a CAN controller / SRAM / FLASH built in or connected externally. Receives the model information, drive signal data, test condition, etc. of the product transmitted through the CAN bus to set the driving circuit, and outputs the power and drive signals to the product through the product power output unit and signal generator 115 Do it. It consists of a product communication unit 116 for data communication to a specified standard according to the specifications of the product, a measuring unit 117 for measuring the output signal of the product. The driving circuit 110b measures an input signal, a driving voltage, a current, and the like every predetermined period while driving the product 20. Conventionally, in the structure where real-time network communication is not possible, the structure was determined in the step-by-step inspection process by receiving the test result recorded in the driving circuit in response to the Aging test being completed, but the present invention is all pallets driven in the inline aging system 100 in real time. Communication with the 110 is possible in real time. In this case, the operation status and defects of the product can be immediately recognized, and the data required for the pallet and the product can be transferred immediately when the driving conditions and data are changed, thereby facilitating the operation and management of the inline aging system.

14 and 15 illustrate the structure of an iterator that extends a communication distance by connecting to an end when it is difficult to guarantee normal communication due to attenuation of a signal when a communication line is lengthened in the present invention. FIG. 14 is a SW-CAN The repeater structure of the method, Figure 15 is a repeater structure of the HS-CAN method.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when the repeater is connected in the present invention, the communication distance may be extended up to about twice. In the present invention, the HS-CAN or SW-CAN scheme may be selectively applied to the local CAN network, thereby defining two repeaters.

The communication unit of each component circuit such as pallet, gateway, can adapter, and repeater must have EMI / ESD protection circuit and durability against high voltage and over current. In addition, the microcontroller on each device of the pallet, gateway, and can adapters has the ability to block the signal and CAN outputs to control the transceiver. In the event of exceptions such as bus errors and failures such as BUS-OFF and WARNNING between individual nodes and the local CAN network, the CAN bus itself can detect problems and interrupt the reception of data and the output of the transceiver. The application of this feature blocks CAN communication on its own in the event of a problem with one or more nodes in the local CAN network and multiple palettes, without affecting other nodes and higher networks on the same bus. This allows a single CAN network to operate reliably.

FIG. 16 is an example illustrating CAN ID setting authority and access authority for each device according to a producer, an administrator, and a host (operating PC) according to the present invention, and the pallet 110 has a unique pallet ID (PID) and And a pallet common ID (CPID), a pallet setting ID (PSID), and a device ID (DID) indicating a test product to be connected, and the CAN gateway 130 includes a gateway ID (GID), a gateway common ID (GCID), and a gateway. It has a setup ID (GSID), and the CAN adapter 140 has a bus ID (BID) and a bus setup ID (BSID) to communicate with the host device 10.

Referring to FIG. 16, each device and network layer have a unique ID, a CID (common ID), and an SID (Setup ID). In the case of the palette, it has a DID (Device ID) indicating the test product to be connected. Producers and administrators can set the ID of each device at development, manufacture, and installation of the inline aging system 100. The host device 10 may set a limited ID necessary for communication and line operation with each device through operating software or perform data communication through an accessible ID. The unique ID of the device is an ID for accessing the corresponding device and the pallet from the host device and each component device. The CAN adapter 140 is a BID (Bus ID), the gateway 130 is a GID (Gateway ID), and the pallet 110. Has a PID (Pallet ID). "SID" is an access ID for changing the configuration and ID setting of each device, and there are BSID (Bus SID), GSID (Gateway SID), and PSID (Pallet SID) according to each device. "CID" is a common ID held for each device type. The host device 10 may transmit data using a common ID to be commonly sent to all gateways (GCID, Gateway CID) or all pallets (PCID, Pallet CID). If the model of the product to be inspected is changed or if several models are inspected in one line, different models may be mounted on each pallet or driving and inspection conditions may be different for each pallet. In order to prepare for such a case, a product to be registered and inspected may be classified by registering a device ID (DID) on the pallet 110. The same DID is registered for the same product and inspection conditions. When a certain event is requested or data is transmitted to a plurality of pallets 110 inspecting the same product, data can be accessed by accessing through a corresponding DID.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a communication flow of a CAN network and each component according to the present invention. The ID of each pallet connected to the gateway 130 and the local CAN network through the can adapter 140 in the host device 10 and FIG. It shows the order of requesting status and the flow of transmitting data.

Referring to FIG. 17, when the CAN gateway 130 requests a PID from the pallet 110, the pallet 110 responds with a PID and status information (S111 ˜ S113).

When the host device 10 requests the GID to the CAN gateway 130, the gateway 130 responds with the GID and the status information (S121 to S123). When the host device 10 requests the PID, the gateway 130 requests the PID to the PCID. The pallet 110 responds with a PID and a state, and the gateway 130 bypasses it to the host 10 (S131 ˜ S135).

When the host 10 requests the data read / write to the gateway 130, the gateway 130 responds after processing the data read / write if the received ID is "GID", and if the received ID is "PID", Bypass to the pallet (110). If the pallet 110 is a PID, it reads and writes data and then responds, and the gateway 130 bypasses it to the host 10 (S141 to S148).

18 is an example showing a communication flow for operation in the inspection process, such as input, high temperature inspection, final inspection according to the present invention. The host (test PC) device 10 may detect the arrival or absence of the pallet 110 by detecting the PID through the gateway 130. When the pallet 110 arrives, data and test condition information according to the model information confirmed through a barcode (or RFID) are automatically transmitted through the CAN bus. The pallet 110 performs a driving test of the product according to the received information and transmits the test result to the host device 10 through the gateway 130. The host device 130 advances the pallet 110 to the next process according to the inspection result.

Referring to FIG. 18, when the inspection PC 10-3 requests the PID from the gateway 130, the gateway 130 requests the PID from the pallet 110, and the pallet responds with a PID and a state (S201 ˜). S206).

The inspection PC 10-3 receives the PID and the status, reads a bar code or RFID, grasps model information, and transmits test conditions (S207 and S208). The palette 110 sets the model information and the test condition received through the gateway 130 and responds to the processing result, and the inspection PC 10-3 receives the information through the gateway 130 and requests the inspection start. (S209-S213).

The gateway 130 transmits an inspection start command, and the pallet 110 supplies power to the product 20, drives the product 20, and inspects the inspection result through the gateway 130. 3) to pass. Inspection PC (10-3) is discharged by a defective treatment or the next process according to the inspection results (S214 ~ S221).

19 illustrates an example of a communication flow for operating an aging room according to the present invention.

In FIG. 19, the host (management PC) device 10 and the gateway 130 detect the pallet 110 that is continuously connected at regular intervals. When the pallet 110 is first introduced into the Aging Room, the pallet 110 starts to drive and inspect the product according to the test conditions set in the feeding process. The pallet 110 continues the driving test at a high temperature while moving in the Aging Room for a set Aging time. If a problem occurs in a given test condition or the Aging time is completed, the power supply of the product 20 is stopped and the test result is transmitted to the host 10. In addition, it maintains a reception state during driving for data communication and event processing in real time. In response to PID and status requests, events and data requests, the response is returned through the gateway 130. The host device 10 is responsible for valid pallet ID and pallet status request processing and event processing and data transmission required for inline aging system operation. Once the inspection is complete, proceed with the pallet to the next process. The gateway 130 connected to the pallet 110 when the section is moved in the Aging Room is changed. The host device 10 may check the PID connected through the gateway 130 and perform data communication. By checking the GID to which the pallet 110 is connected, it is possible to grasp the product position and operating state in the complex Aging Room.

Referring to FIG. 19, the host 10 requests a valid PID and the gateway 130 requests the arrived pallet 110, and when the pallet 110 arrives, the aging test starts. The palette 110 responds when the PID is requested, and the gateway 130 transmits the PID and the GID to the host 10 when receiving the response (S301, S321 to S326).

If necessary, the host 10 requests the pallet status, the gateway 130 requests the status with the corresponding PID, and the pallet 110 responds the status to the host 10 via the gateway 130 (S302). ~ S306).

The host 10 requests event data read / write when an event is detected, and the pallet 110 processes the request of the host 10 passed through the gateway 130 and passes through the gateway 130 to the host 10. Answer (S307 ~ S311).

Meanwhile, the pallet 110 drives the product 20 during the aging test. If the test result is passed, the pallet 110 stops supplying the product when the aging time elapses and delivers the test result to the host 10 through the gateway 130. The host 10 records the inspection results (S327 to S334).

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

10,10-1 to 10-3: Host device 20: Product
30: Aging room 100: Automatic inline aging system
110: pallet 111: feed bar
112: communication bar 113: CAN transceiver
114: microcontroller 115: signal generator
116: communication unit 117: measuring unit
118a: DAC 118b: ADC
120: switching hub 130: CAN gateway
140: CAN adapter 150: feed rail
160: communication rail

Claims (7)

A plurality of pallets provided with a feed bar and a communication bar to implement a local CAN network, to transfer the product while being conveyed through the conveyor, to supply power to the product, and to control and inspect the communication;
An aging chamber for aging test of a product mounted on the pallets;
A central CAN network for interfacing the local CAN network with a host device;
A CAN gateway for connecting the local CAN network with the central CAN network;
A CAN adapter for connecting the central CAN network with Ethernet;
A host device for managing an aging check process; And
And a switching hub configured to connect the host device and the CAN adapter. According to claim 1, The feed bar of the bottom of the pallet is connected to the feed rail, the communication bar is connected to the communication rail,
CAN transceiver for connecting to the local CAN bus, product power output for supplying power to the product, signal generator for providing test signals to the product, product communication for communicating with the product, and product characteristics. A real-time communication network system of an automatic in-line aging system, characterized by comprising a measuring unit for measuring and a microcontroller for controlling the overall operation. The method of claim 2, wherein the communication rail
Real-time communication network system of the automatic in-line aging system, characterized in that connected to the communication bar using a sliding carbon brush of the spring structure, such as the connection of the feed rail and the feed bar. The high speed CAN of claim 1, wherein the local CAN network uses a single wire CAN (SW-CAN) bus scheme or an optional dual wire structure according to the structure and characteristics of a line installed therein. HS-CAN) bus scheme, wherein the central CAN network uses the HS-CAN bus scheme. The method of claim 1, wherein the CAN gateway
When the local CAN network uses the SW-CAN bus method, a CAN transceiver for connecting to the central CAN bus side via CAN_H and CAN_L lines, and a SW-CAN transceiver for connecting to the local CAN bus side via CAN_H lines A microcontroller for mediating a protocol between the CAN transceiver and the SW-CAN transceiver and controlling overall operation;
When the local CAN network uses the HS-CAN bus method, a CAN transceiver for connecting to the central CAN bus side via CAN_H and CAN_L lines, and a CAN transceiver for connecting to the local CAN bus side via CAN_H and CAN_L lines And a microcontroller configured to mediate the protocol between the CAN transceivers and control the overall operation of the CAN in-line aging system. The method of claim 1, wherein the CAN adapter
A real-time communication network system of an automatic inline aging system comprising an Ethernet transceiver for connection with upper layer Ethernet, a CAN transceiver for connection with a central CAN bus, and a microcontroller for mediating Ethernet protocol and CAN protocol. The system of claim 1, wherein the pallet has a unique pallet ID (PID), a pallet common ID (CPID), a pallet setting ID (PSID), and a device ID (DID) indicating a test product to be connected.
The CAN gateway has a gateway ID (GID), a gateway common ID (GCID), a gateway configuration ID (GSID),
The CAN adapter includes a bus ID (BID) and a bus configuration ID (BSID) to communicate with a host device.

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