A method for automatically generating PLC programs for cranes

Abstract

A method for automatically generating a PLC program for a crane relates to the technical field of crane control. The method comprises the following steps: S1, library creation: creating standard function blocks in TIA Portal software based on hardware devices, and classifying and installing the standard function blocks to create standard library files; creating call logic relationships in the standard library files into call files, and storing them in a SQL Server database; the call logic is divided into configuration call logic, selection call logic, and variable call logic, wherein the configuration call logic is based on the type identifier of the hardware device in the TIA Portal software, and calls the TIA Portal OPENNESS interface through C# according to the type identifier of the hardware device to create a corresponding hardware device configuration; S2, human-computer interaction: an operator adds the hardware devices included in the design drawings to the configuration interface of the Espace interface according to the project design drawings, and defines the parameters of the hardware devices. The method is simple to operate and highly portable; a library can be reused after it is created once, thereby reducing repetitive work.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of crane control, and in particular to a method for automatically generating a PLC program for a crane. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, PLC programming is an essential task in the crane manufacturing industry and an integral part of the product. As crane functions and drawings become increasingly standardized, more and more PLC programs require only modifications based on the original program according to the current configuration. This approach results in low design efficiency and a high level of repetitive work. Writing a new program for most products takes 2 to 3 working days, and each rewrite of the program increases the failure rate and makes program writing less standardized. The above-mentioned defects are issues that need to be urgently addressed by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the deficiencies in the background technology, the present invention discloses a method for automatically generating a PLC program for a crane.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object of the invention, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] A method for automatically generating a PLC program for a crane comprises the following steps:

[0006] S1. Library creation: Create standard function blocks in the TIA Portal software based on the hardware devices, and classify the standard function blocks into standard library files; create a call file with the call logic relationship in the standard library file and store it in the SQLSERVER database; the call logic is divided into configuration call logic, selection call logic and variable call logic. The configuration call logic is based on the type identifier of the hardware device in the TIA Portal software. Through C#, the TIA Portal OPENNESS interface is called according to the type identifier of the hardware device to create the corresponding hardware device configuration; the selection call logic is to classify the standard function blocks according to the control mode, hoisting mechanism type and whether it has the jog function of the crane; the variable call logic is to classify the standard function blocks according to the additional functions of the crane; the PC-side Espace interactive interface corresponding to the call file is created through C# development software. The Espace interface includes configuration, selection and variables;

[0007] S2, Human-Computer Interaction: The operator adds the hardware devices included in the project design drawings to the configuration interface of the Espace interface and defines the parameters of the hardware devices; defines the basic functions of the project in the selection interface and adds additional functions to the project in the variable interface; uploads the operation settings to the server, which converts the operator's operation settings into the corresponding configuration call logic, selection call logic, and variable call logic. Based on the call logic relationship, the corresponding standard function blocks are called. The Portal software runs on the server to build the called standard function blocks into a new program;

[0008] S3. Download and transplant: The operator downloads the new program assembled on the server side and transplants the new program.

[0009] Preferably, the hardware device includes a PLC, a frequency converter, an encoder and a touch screen.

[0010] Preferably, the additional functions of the crane include a thermal switch and an overspeed switch for controlling the crane's hoisting mechanism.

[0011] Preferably, the standard function blocks in the standard library file are sorted according to the calling level.

[0012] Preferably, when the called standard function blocks are organized into a new program, the standard function blocks are stored separately according to their functional categories.

[0013] Preferably, the selection call logic is integrated with whether it has big data capabilities for remote monitoring of equipment status and maintenance of equipment.

[0014] Preferably, the new program is archived and compressed using the Portal software before downloading it.

[0015] Due to the adoption of the above-mentioned technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The present invention discloses a method for automatically generating a PLC program for a crane. The method is simple to operate and highly portable. A database can be created once and reused, reducing repetitive work. Based on secondary development of the Portal software, an operator can realize automatic programming by simply checking corresponding function items in the Espace interactive interface on the PC side, making learning easy. Traditionally, programming a new program takes 2 to 3 working days, but the method of the present invention can be completed in 10 to 15 minutes, greatly improving work efficiency. In addition, the programming format is standardized, easy to manage, and not affected by the personal experience of the developer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention can be explained in detail by the following examples, the purpose of which is to disclose the present invention and to protect all technical improvements within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] A method for automatically generating a PLC program for a crane comprises the following steps:

[0019] S1. Library building: Create standard function blocks in the TIA Portal software based on the hardware devices, sort the standard function blocks according to the call level, and classify the standard function blocks into standard library files; create the call logic relationship in the standard library file into a call file and store it in the SQLSERVER database; the call logic is divided into configuration call logic, selection call logic and variable call logic, among which the configuration call logic is based on the type identifier of the hardware device in the TIA Portal software, and the corresponding hardware device configuration is created by calling the TIA Portal OPENNESS interface through C# according to the type identifier of the hardware device. The hardware devices include PLC, frequency converter, encoder and touch screen; the selection call logic is based on Standard function blocks are categorized by the crane's control method, hoisting mechanism type, and whether it has an inching function. Control methods are divided into 1200 anti-sway communication and 1500 anti-sway communication. Hoisting mechanism types are divided into three-mechanism hoisting and four-mechanism hoisting. Three-mechanism hoisting includes the main hoisting mechanism, gantry, and carriage, while four-mechanism hoisting includes the main hoisting mechanism, auxiliary hoisting mechanism, gantry, and carriage. Variable call logic categorizes standard function blocks based on the crane's additional functions. Additional functions include thermal switches and overspeed switches for controlling the crane's hoisting mechanism. C# development software is used to create the PC-side Espace interactive interface corresponding to the call file. The Espace interface includes configuration, selection, and variables.

[0020] S2. Human-computer interaction: The operator adds the hardware devices included in the design drawings to the configuration interface of the Espace interface according to the project design drawings and defines the parameters of the hardware devices; defines the basic functions of the project in the selection interface and adds additional functions of the project in the variable interface; uploads the operation settings to the server, which converts the operator's operation settings into the corresponding configuration call logic, selection call logic, and variable call logic. Based on the call logic relationship, the corresponding standard function blocks are called. The Portal software runs on the server to build the called standard function blocks into a new program. During the building process, the standard function blocks are combined according to their order. The blocks with the smaller order have higher call levels and are combined first.

[0021] Taking the QD01 crane as an example, add one PLC, four frequency converters, and two encoders of corresponding specifications and models to the configuration interface according to the design drawings, and set the IP addresses, module types, and slot positions of the PLC, frequency converter, and encoder respectively. Define basic functions on the selection interface, specifying 1200 anti-sway communication as the control mode and a three-mechanism hoisting mechanism with inching capability. It also includes big data capabilities, enabling remote monitoring of the crane's operating status for later maintenance and remote fault diagnosis. Define the crane's main hoisting mechanism as having a thermal switch and an overspeed switch on the variable interface.

[0022] Taking the QD10 crane as an example, add one PLC, four frequency converters, and four encoders of corresponding specifications and models to the configuration interface according to the design drawings, and set the IP addresses, module types, and slot positions of the PLC, frequency converter, and encoder respectively. Define the basic functions on the selection interface, with the control mode set to 1500 anti-sway communication and the hoisting mechanism type to be a four-mechanism with inching function. It also has a big data function, which means that the operating status of the crane can be remotely monitored to facilitate later maintenance and remote fault diagnosis. Define on the variable interface that the main hoisting mechanism, auxiliary hoisting mechanism, trolley, and carriage of the crane all have overspeed switches, and the main hoisting mechanism and auxiliary hoisting mechanism both have thermal switches.

[0023] S3. Download and transplant: The operator downloads the new program assembled on the server side. During the download, the server-side Portal software automatically archives and compresses the new program, which greatly reduces the size of the new program and the amount of data transmitted, facilitating quick download. The new program can then be transplanted.

[0024] The parts of the present invention that are not described in detail are prior art. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments, and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, no matter from which point of view, the embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-restrictive, and it is intended that all changes that fall within the meaning and scope of equivalent elements are included in the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for automatically generating a PLC program for a crane, characterized by: The following steps are involved: S1. Library creation: Create standard function blocks in the TIA Portal software based on the hardware devices, and classify the standard function blocks into standard library files; create a call file with the call logic relationship in the standard library file and store it in the SQLSERVER database; the call logic is divided into configuration call logic, selection call logic and variable call logic. The configuration call logic is based on the type identifier of the hardware device in the TIA Portal software. Through C#, the TIA Portal OPENNESS interface is called according to the type identifier of the hardware device to create the corresponding hardware device configuration; the selection call logic is to classify the standard function blocks according to the control mode, hoisting mechanism type and whether it has the jog function of the crane; the variable call logic is to classify the standard function blocks according to the additional functions of the crane; the PC-side Espace interactive interface corresponding to the call file is created through C# development software. The Espace interface includes configuration, selection and variables; S2, Human-Computer Interaction: The operator adds the hardware devices included in the project design drawings to the configuration interface of the Espace interface and defines the parameters of the hardware devices; defines the basic functions of the project in the selection interface and adds additional functions to the project in the variable interface; uploads the operation settings to the server, which converts the operator's operation settings into the corresponding configuration call logic, selection call logic, and variable call logic. Based on the call logic relationship, the corresponding standard function blocks are called. The Portal software runs on the server to build the called standard function blocks into a new program; S3. Download and transplant: The operator downloads the new program assembled on the server side and transplants the new program.

2. The method for automatically generating a PLC program for a crane according to claim 1, wherein: The hardware equipment includes PLC, inverter, encoder and touch screen.

3. The method for automatically generating a PLC program for a crane according to claim 1, wherein: Additional features of the crane include a thermal switch and an overspeed switch for controlling the crane's hoisting mechanism.

4. The method for automatically generating a PLC program for a crane according to claim 1, wherein: The standard function blocks in the standard library files are sorted according to their calling levels.

5. The method for automatically generating a PLC program for a crane according to claim 1, wherein: When the called standard function blocks are organized into a new program, the standard function blocks are stored separately according to their functional categories.

6. The method for automatically generating a PLC program for a crane according to claim 1, wherein: The selection call logic is integrated with whether it has big data capabilities, which is used to remotely monitor equipment status and maintain equipment.

7. The method for automatically generating a PLC program for a crane according to claim 1, wherein: Before downloading a new program, compress it into an archive using the Portal software.