A test device for PLC debugging
By designing a PLC debugging device that includes input and output components, the problem of complex and time-consuming existing PLC debugging methods is solved. It provides analog quantity and analog quantity output functions, is applicable to various PLC brands, and achieves fast, safe, and low-cost debugging results.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 大唐观音岩水电开发有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing PLC debugging methods are complex, time-consuming, and risky, and lack analog input and output functions, making them unsuitable for debugging PLCs from different manufacturers and brands.
A test device including input elements, output elements and power supply was designed. It includes input sections for digital signals, analog signals and temperature signals, as well as output sections for relays, indicator lights and meters. It supports multiple PLC interfaces, simplifies the wiring process and provides analog signal and analog output functions.
It enables fast, safe, and low-cost PLC debugging, reduces manpower input, is applicable to various PLC brands and types, and improves debugging efficiency and accuracy.
Smart Images
Figure CN224287398U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of industrial automation equipment, and in particular to a test device for PLC debugging. Background Technology
[0002] PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), as a highly stable automation control technology, have been widely used in various industrial enterprises. To ensure the correctness of the PLC program, PLC debugging is a crucial step in ensuring the normal operation of production equipment. Debugging allows for checking the rationality of the PLC program logic, the accuracy of input and output signals, and the effectiveness of alarm and fault handling mechanisms. This debugging process ensures error-free production and is an effective means of guaranteeing the stable and reliable operation of production equipment.
[0003] Currently known PLC debugging methods include: one is to manually short-circuit the switch nodes in the control cabinet or connect a signal generator to the analog board; the second is to use PLC software to connect the PLC online and force the PLC's internal variables to simulate the state changes of the controlled equipment; the third method is to use a debugging device containing digital input and digital output sections to simulate the generation of signals to the PLC for debugging.
[0004] The first and second methods, to prevent incorrect terminal shorting, require verification of terminal correctness each time, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, as the control flow of the controlled equipment becomes increasingly complex, the speed of the forced variables cannot keep up with the speed of the control flow. In this case, delay variables are artificially added to slow down the control flow, which increases the risk of incorrect program modifications. The third method lacks analog input and output functionality. When program debugging involves analog components, the debugging device becomes useless. Additionally, some debugging devices have limited interfaces and are not suitable for debugging PLCs from different manufacturers and brands. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a testing device for PLC debugging.
[0006] A test device for PLC debugging includes input elements, output elements, and a power supply;
[0007] The input elements include a digital input section, an analog input section, and a temperature input section;
[0008] Both ends of the digital input section are connected to one side of the digital input terminal block, and the other side of the digital input terminal block is connected to the PLC digital input module.
[0009] The analog input section is connected to the power supply and the analog input terminal block; the other side of the analog input terminal block is connected to the PLC analog input module.
[0010] The temperature input section is connected to the temperature input terminal block; the other side of the temperature input terminal block is connected to the temperature input module of the PLC.
[0011] The output components include relays, indicator lights, and meters;
[0012] The coil of the relay is connected in series with the power supply and then connected to the switch output terminal block. The other end of the switch output terminal block is connected to the PLC switch output module.
[0013] The indicator light is connected to the relay and serves as the criterion for determining the action of the switch output;
[0014] The meters are ammeters and voltmeters used to measure current and voltage. The meters are connected to an analog output terminal block, and the other end of the analog output terminal block is connected to an analog output module.
[0015] Furthermore, the power supply components include a DC5V switching power supply, a DC24V switching power supply, and an air switch.
[0016] Furthermore, the normally open contact of the relay is connected in series with a red indicator light and a DC24V switching power supply as an indication criterion for the operation of the output signal; the normally closed contact of the relay is connected in series with a green indicator light and a DC24V switching power supply as an indication criterion for the output signal not being operated or returning after operation.
[0017] Furthermore, the analog input section includes four adjustable potentiometers with an adjustment range of 250Ω-1250Ω. The four potentiometers are connected to a DC5V switching power supply to form four channels of 4-20mA analog current.
[0018] Furthermore, the right side of the digital output terminal block is connected to the PLC digital output module, and the left side is connected to the digital test channel of the output element. The output element includes four digital test channels, each of which includes a relay coil and a DC24V switching power supply. The open terminal of each relay is connected to a red light, and the closed terminal is connected to a green light.
[0019] Furthermore, the temperature input section includes an adjustable potentiometer with an adjustment range of 0Ω-250Ω.
[0020] Furthermore, the analog output terminal block is connected to the PLC analog output module on the right side and to the analog test channel of the output element on the right side. The analog test channel of the output element includes three analog test channels, of which two are current channels and one is a voltage channel. The current channel includes an ammeter with a range of 25mA. The voltage channel includes a 250Ω potentiometer and a voltmeter with a range of 6V.
[0021] Furthermore, the digital input section includes a self-reset switch and a self-holding switch; the self-reset switch serves as an instantaneous digital input signal, and the self-holding switch serves as a hold-type digital input signal.
[0022] Furthermore, the digital input section includes 8 self-reset switches and 8 self-holding switches; the self-holding switch is in the state of 1 when it is closed and remains in the state of 1 when it is released; the self-reset switch is in the state of 1 when it is closed and is in the state of 0 when it is released.
[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are reflected in:
[0024] (1) The device is simple to assemble. It only requires purchasing a knob, ammeter, voltmeter, adjustable potentiometer, relay, connecting cable and switching power supply. The device is safe and reliable, and the purchase and maintenance costs are low.
[0025] (2) Reduce labor costs. The PLC to be debugged can be connected to the device in one go before the test. During the debugging process, there is no need to change and check the wiring, which reduces the cost of repetitive manpower to check the correctness of the wiring.
[0026] (3) The debugging interface is highly versatile. Currently, various types and brands of PLCs widely used by industrial enterprises support terminal wiring. This device can be easily connected to the PLC under test through the terminal block interface, and can be widely used for debugging various PLCs. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the experimental setup.
[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a digital input circuit.
[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an analog input circuit.
[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a temperature input circuit.
[0031] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram for switch output.
[0032] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram for analog output. Detailed Implementation
[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0034] Example 1: Refer to Figures 1-6 As shown, a test device for PLC debugging includes input elements, output elements, and a power supply;
[0035] The input elements include a digital input section, an analog input section, and a temperature input section;
[0036] Both ends of the digital input section are connected to one side of the digital input terminal block, and the other side of the digital input terminal block is connected to the PLC digital input module.
[0037] The analog input section is connected to the power supply and the analog input terminal block; the other side of the analog input terminal block is connected to the PLC analog input module.
[0038] The temperature input section is connected to the temperature input terminal block; the other side of the temperature input terminal block is connected to the temperature input module of the PLC.
[0039] The output components include relays, indicator lights, and meters;
[0040] The coil of the relay is connected in series with the power supply and then connected to the switch output terminal block. The other end of the switch output terminal block is connected to the PLC switch output module.
[0041] The indicator light is connected to the relay and serves as the criterion for determining the action of the switch output;
[0042] The meters are ammeters and voltmeters used to measure current and voltage. The meters are connected to an analog output terminal block, and the other end of the analog output terminal block is connected to an analog output module.
[0043] In another preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the left side of the digital input terminal block connects to the equipment within this device, and the right side connects to the digital input module of the PLC under test. The digital input section of this device provides 8+8 channels for PLC debugging. It consists of 8 self-holding switches and 8 self-resetting switches. The self-holding switches are in a state of 1 when closed by the test user and remain in a 1 state after being released; the self-resetting switches are in a state of 1 when closed by the test user and remain in a 0 state after being released. Terminals 1-8 of the terminal block connect to the holding-type digital input channel of the PLC under test, terminals 9-16 connect to the pulse-type digital input channel of the PLC under test, and terminals 17-20 connect to the common terminal of the digital input module of the PLC under test.
[0044] In another preferred embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the device inside the unit is located on the left side of the analog input terminal block, while the analog input module of the PLC under test is connected to the right side of the terminal block. The analog input section of this unit can provide four channels of 4-20mA analog current. Each channel consists of a DC 5V switching power supply and an adjustable potentiometer with a resistance adjustment range of 250Ω-1250Ω. The output current of the circuit corresponds to 4mA-20mA. Terminals 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 of the terminal block each correspond to one channel of the analog input module.
[0045] In another preferred embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the equipment inside this device is located on the left side of the temperature input terminal block, while the temperature input module of the PLC under test is connected to the right side of the terminal block. The temperature input section of this device provides four resistance values for PLC debugging. It consists of four adjustable potentiometers with an adjustment range of 0Ω-250Ω, which can be adjusted according to the configuration requirements of the temperature input channels of the PLC under test. Terminals 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 of the terminal block each correspond to one channel of the temperature input module.
[0046] In another preferred embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the left side of the digital output terminal block contains the equipment within this device, while the right side connects to the digital output module of the PLC under test. This device's digital output section provides four test channels. Each test channel consists of one relay coil and one DC 24V switching power supply. Each relay's open contact is connected to a red LED as an indication of output signal activation; the closed contact is connected to a green LED as an indication of no output signal activation or a return to normal operation. This allows for a very intuitive check of whether the PLC output signal is activated. Terminals 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 of the terminal block each correspond to one channel of the digital output module.
[0047] In another preferred embodiment, such as Figure 6As shown, the device inside the unit is located on the left side of the analog output terminal block, while the analog output module of the PLC under test is connected to the right side of the terminal block. The analog output section of this unit provides three test channels: two current channels and one voltage channel. Each current channel consists of an ammeter with a range of 25mA, and each voltage channel consists of a 250Ω potentiometer and a voltmeter with a range of 6V. Terminals 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6 of the terminal block correspond to one channel of the analog output module.
[0048] In the description of embodiments of this utility model, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first," "second," "third," or "fourth" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0049] In the description of the embodiments of this utility model, the term "and / or" is used only to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.
[0050] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A testing device for PLC debugging, characterized in that, Includes input components, output components, and power supply; The input elements include a digital input section, an analog input section, and a temperature input section; Both ends of the digital input section are connected to one side of the digital input terminal block, and the other side of the digital input terminal block is connected to the PLC digital input module. The analog input section is connected to the power supply and the analog input terminal block; the other side of the analog input terminal block is connected to the PLC analog input module. The temperature input section is connected to the temperature input terminal block; the other side of the temperature input terminal block is connected to the temperature input module of the PLC. The output components include relays, indicator lights, and meters; The coil of the relay is connected in series with the power supply and then connected to the switch output terminal block. The other end of the switch output terminal block is connected to the PLC switch output module. The indicator light is connected to the relay and serves as the criterion for determining the action of the switch output; The meters are ammeters and voltmeters used to measure current and voltage. The meters are connected to an analog output terminal block, and the other end of the analog output terminal block is connected to an analog output module.
2. The test device for PLC debugging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply consists of a DC5V switching power supply, a DC24V switching power supply, and an air switch.
3. The test device for PLC debugging according to claim 2, characterized in that, The normally open contact of the relay is connected in series with a red indicator light and a DC24V switching power supply as an indication criterion for the operation of the output signal; the normally closed contact of the relay is connected in series with a green indicator light and a DC24V switching power supply as an indication criterion for the output signal not being operated or returning after operation.
4. The test device for PLC debugging according to claim 2, characterized in that, The analog input section includes four adjustable potentiometers with an adjustment range of 250Ω-1250Ω. The four potentiometers are connected to a DC 5V switching power supply to form four channels of 4-20mA analog current.
5. The test device for PLC debugging according to claim 2, characterized in that, The right side of the switch output terminal block is connected to the PLC switch output module, and the left side is connected to the switch test channel of the output element. The output element includes 4 switch test channels, each of which includes a relay coil and a DC24V switching power supply; the open terminal of each relay is connected to a red light, and the closed terminal is connected to a green light.
6. The test device for PLC debugging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature input section includes an adjustable potentiometer with an adjustment range of 0Ω-250Ω.
7. The test device for PLC debugging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The analog output terminal block is connected to the PLC analog output module on the right and to the analog test channel of the output element on the right. The analog test channel of the output element includes three analog test channels, of which two are current channels and one is a voltage channel. The current channel includes an ammeter with a range of 25mA. The voltage channel includes a 250Ω potentiometer and a voltmeter with a range of 6V.
8. The test device for PLC debugging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The digital input section includes a self-reset switch and a self-holding switch; the self-reset switch serves as an instantaneous digital input signal, and the self-holding switch serves as a hold-type digital input signal.
9. The test device for PLC debugging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The digital input section includes 8 self-reset switches and 8 self-holding switches; the self-holding switch is in the state of 1 when it is closed and remains in the state of 1 when it is released; the self-reset switch is in the state of 1 when it is closed and is in the state of 0 when it is released.