POSITION SENSOR SYSTEM

Abstract

To simplify the installation of a position detection sensor, a detection unit generates a detection signal corresponding to the position of a magnet mounted on a displacement body. A specification unit specifies the position of the displacement body in the first direction based on the detection signal generated by the detection unit. A determination unit generates determination information based on the position of the displacement body and predefined detection areas. An adjustment unit is capable of adjusting the positions of the first and second regions defined as detection areas and adjusts at least one of the number or width of the detection areas.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a position sensor system. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] In factory automation, an air cylinder is used to perform operations such as pushing, pulling, and gripping. JP2003-240531A proposes detecting the position of a piston moving within an air cylinder using either air pressure or hydraulic pressure.

[0003] Furthermore, JP2003-240531A proposes a display unit that emits light when the piston reaches a predetermined position.

[0004] However, in the invention described in JP2003-240531A, it is only known that the piston has reached the predetermined position. Generally, the piston moves from a starting position to an end position within a movement phase. Therefore, it would be advantageous to be able to specifically indicate where the piston is located within this movement phase. In particular, it would be easier to mount a position sensor system that detects the piston's position in the cylinder. Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to facilitate the assembly of such a position sensor system. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides, for example, a position sensor system configured to detect the position of a displacement body movable parallel to a first direction, wherein the position sensor system comprises: a detection unit configured to generate a detection signal according to the position of a magnet provided on the displacement body; a position determination unit configured to specify a position of the displacement body in the first direction based on the detection signal generated by the detection unit; a positioning unit configured to generate positioning information based on the position of the displacement body along the first direction specified by the positioning unit and preset detection ranges; and a setting unit that is configured to adjust the positions of a first region and a second region that are set as detection areas and to be able to adjust at least one of the number or width of the detection areas.

[0006] According to the present invention, the installation work of the position sensor system is facilitated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagram to illustrate a position sensor system; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view to illustrate a cylinder sensor and a cylinder; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the cylinder sensor; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cylinder sensor and the cylinder; Fig. Figure 5 is a diagram representing a control system of the cylinder sensor; Fig. Figure 6 is a diagram representing a control system of a relay amplifier; Fig. 7A to 7C are diagrams to explain symbols; Fig. 8A to 8C are diagrams to explain symbols; Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart that represents a display control method; Fig. 10A to 10C are diagrams to explain symbols; Fig. 11A to 11C are diagrams to explain symbols; Fig. 12 is a flowchart that represents a hiring method; Fig. 13 is a flowchart that represents a deletion method; Fig. 14A and Fig. 14B are diagrams to explain symbols; Fig. 15 is a diagram to illustrate a user interface in the relay amplifier; Fig. 16A and Fig. 16B are diagrams that represent another example of symbols; Fig. 17 is a diagram that presents another example of a symbol; Fig. 18 is a diagram that presents another example of a symbol; Fig. 19A to 19C are diagrams explaining symbols that are displayed on the relay amplifier or a display panel; Fig. 20A to 20C are diagrams explaining symbols displayed on the relay amplifier or display panel; Fig. 21A to 21C are diagrams explaining symbols displayed on the relay amplifier or the display panel; Fig. Figure 22 is a flowchart that represents a display control method in the relay amplifier; Fig. 23 is a flowchart that represents a setting method in the relay amplifier; Fig. 24 is a flowchart that represents a deletion method in the relay amplifier; Fig. Figure 25 is a diagram to explain the display panel; Fig. Figure 26 is a diagram to explain a symbol that appears on the display panel; Fig. 27A to 27C are diagrams explaining symbols displayed on the display panel; Fig. Figure 28 is a diagram to explain a symbol that appears on the display panel; Fig. Figure 29 is a diagram to explain a symbol that appears on the display panel; Fig. Figure 30 is a flowchart that represents a display control method in the display panel; Fig. 31 is a flowchart that represents a setting method in the display panel; Fig. 32 is a diagram that represents an operating screen in the relay amplifier; Fig. Figure 33 is a diagram illustrating the transition of a settings screen in the relay amplifier; Fig. Figure 34 is a diagram to illustrate the transition of the settings screen in the relay amplifier; Fig. Figure 35 is a diagram to illustrate the transition of the settings screen in the relay amplifier; Fig. Figure 36 is a diagram to illustrate the transition of the settings screen in the relay amplifier; Fig. Figure 37 is a diagram to illustrate the transition of the settings screen in the relay amplifier; Fig. 38 is a flowchart that represents a setting method in the relay amplifier; Fig. Figure 39 is a diagram that shows another example of the cylinder sensor control system; Fig. 40A and Fig. 40B are diagrams illustrating another example of the position sensor system; and Fig. Figure 41 is a diagram that shows another example of the control system of the relay amplifier. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0007] The following embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more features from the plurality of features described in the embodiment can be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, identical or similar configurations are designated with the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. 1. Position sensor system

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 shows a position sensor system 100. The valve system 101 comprises one or more valves 122, which are connected to the air cylinder 102 via an air tube 111, and a control unit 121 that controls the valves 122. The control unit 121 communicates with the relay amplifier 104 via an IO-Link cable 112. IO-Link is merely an example of the communication standard, and other communication standards can be adopted. The relay amplifier 104 is a relay device that relays a detection result from a cylinder sensor 103 to the control unit 121 and relays power supplied by the valve system 101 to the cylinder sensor 103. The relay amplifier 104 does not need to have a signal amplification function. The relay amplifier 104 communicates with the cylinder sensor 103 via an IO-Link cable 113.The cylinder sensor 103 detects the position of a piston movable within the air cylinder 102 and outputs a detection result to the relay amplifier 104. The relay amplifier 104 outputs a detection result from the cylinder sensor 103 to the control unit 121. Consequently, the control unit 121 detects the position of the piston and controls the amount of air supplied to the air cylinder 102 through the valve 122 according to the piston's position.

[0009] The position sensor system 100 can optionally include a display panel 105. At a workstation (factory) where the position sensor system 100 is installed, it may be necessary to display a detection result from the position sensor system 100 on a larger screen. This is to allow a user located away from the air cylinder 102 to visually recognize the detection result. Alternatively, this may be necessary because the display area of ​​the air cylinder 102 is smaller than the display area of ​​the display panel 105. The control unit 121 of the valve system 101 and the display panel 105 are connected by an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable 114, and various signals are transmitted and received.In particular, the valve system 101 has a dedicated communication port 123 to which the display panel 105 is connected, and the display panel 105 is connected to the dedicated communication port 123.

[0010] The cylinder sensor 103 is positioned relative to the air cylinder 102 according to the user's wishes. Instructions can be provided to the user to facilitate the installation of the cylinder sensor 103.

[0011] The cylinder sensor 103 and the relay amplifier 104 can be integrated. Alternatively, they can be separated into the cylinder sensor 103 (sensor head) and the relay amplifier 104 (main body). As a result, the sensor head, for example, can be made smaller. Consequently, the cylinder sensor 103 itself can be mounted inside the air cylinder 102 with a small mounting rim. 2. Arrangement of the cylinder sensor and the air cylinder

[0012] Fig. Figure 2 shows a state in which the cylinder sensor 103 is mounted in the air cylinder 102. In this example, the air cylinder 102 includes one or more grooves 131 extending along its longitudinal direction. The cylinder sensor 103 is inserted into and secured in any one of the grooves 131. Here, the outer dimension 200 of the cylinder sensor 103's housing is slightly smaller than the inner dimension of the groove 131. This allows the cylinder sensor 103 to be moved within the groove 131. Note that the cylinder sensor 103 can also be mounted in the cylinder 102, which does not have a groove 131. In this case, the cylinder sensor 103 can be attached to the cylinder 102 using a strap and a mounting bracket.

[0013] A translucent cover 201 is provided on the upper part of the housing 200. A voltage indicator LED 204, which indicates power on / off, a first output LED 205, which indicates that the first output signal is being sent, and a second output LED 206, which indicates that the second output signal is being sent, are located under the cover 201. LED is an abbreviation for light-emitting diode. The detection result assigned to the first and second output signals can be set by the user. For example, if it is detected that the position of the piston of the air cylinder 102 is within the first detection range, the level of the first output signal can change from low to high. If it is detected that the position of the piston of the air cylinder 102 is within the second detection range, the level of the second output signal can change from low to high.

[0014] The operating switch 202 is used by the user to make various settings on the cylinder sensor 103.

[0015] Display window 203 shows a symbol indicating the position of the piston in the air cylinder 102. This symbol can be implemented by illuminating the LED corresponding to the piston's position. The symbol can be a bar indicating the piston's position or a bar indicating the piston's movement from the reference position. The LED is merely an example; a liquid crystal display, an OLED display, or similar technology can be used. EL stands for electroluminescence. OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode. In this case, the symbol can be a numerical value or a combination of an image (e.g., a bar) and a numerical value. Furthermore, the LED and the display can be combined. 3. Structure of the cylinder sensor

[0016] Fig. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the cylinder sensor 103. The cover 201 has a housing opening 301 for receiving the operating switches 202. A control board 302 is mounted inside the housing 200. The control board 302 is equipped with an operating switch 303. The operating switch 303 can be, for example, a momentary switch or the like, in which, when pressed by the operating switch 202, a movable contact comes into contact with a fixed contact and conducts current.

[0017] The control board 302 further comprises a plurality of LEDs 305, which are arranged below the display window 203. The plurality of LEDs 305 can be arranged at predetermined constant intervals (example: 2 mm). The plurality of LEDs 305 displays symbols that indicate position detection results. The plurality of LEDs 305 can be an RGB LED capable of displaying information in colors processed by a red light element, a green light element, and a blue light element. The plurality of LEDs 305 can simultaneously display a symbol indicating the first detection area corresponding to the first output signal, a symbol indicating the second detection area corresponding to the second output signal, and a symbol indicating the current position of the piston.For example, the multitude of LEDs 305 corresponding to the first detection range can be illuminated in blue, the multitude of LEDs 305 corresponding to the second detection range can be illuminated in orange, and one or the multitude of LEDs 305 corresponding to the current position of the piston can be illuminated in green. It should be noted that when the piston enters the first detection range, the LED 305 corresponding to the current position of the piston can be illuminated in a different color (examples: white, red, yellow, flashing green, flashing blue).

[0018] Several Hall effect sensors 304 are arranged in a side-surface region located near the bottom surface beneath the side surfaces of the control board 302. The multiple Hall effect sensors 304 are an example of a magnetic detection element that detects a change in magnetic flux density received from a magnet installed in the piston and outputs a detection signal. The multiple Hall effect sensors 304 are arranged at predetermined constant intervals (for example, 4 mm or more and 6 mm or less). As described above, the spacing of the multiple Hall effect sensors 304 is greater than the spacing of the multiple LEDs 305. The spacing of the multiple Hall effect sensors 304 can be approximately 10 mm. The fact that the spacing of the multiple Hall effect sensors 304 is greater than the spacing of the multiple LEDs 305 is merely an example, and this condition is not essential.

[0019] An upper surface of the housing 200 includes a screw hole 311. A fastening screw 312 is screwed into the screw hole 311. The tip of the fastening screw 312 protrudes from the side surface of the housing 200 and presses against the groove 131 of the air cylinder 102. As a result, the cylinder sensor 103 is firmly fixed in the groove 131 of the air cylinder 102. It should be noted that the cylinder sensor 103 can be moved freely in the groove 131 if the fastening screw 312 is loosened.

[0020] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the air cylinder 102 and the cylinder sensor 103. The air cylinder 102 comprises a cylinder tube 400 located below the groove 131, a piston 402 that is slidable within the cylinder tube 400, a magnet 403 mounted on the piston 402, and a piston rod 401. The piston 402 moves in conjunction with the extrusion or suction of air through the valve system 101, thereby moving the piston rod 401. The piston rod 401 can actuate a robot gripper or the like.

[0021] The cylinder sensor 103 calculates the position of the piston 402 based on the respective detection results output by the multitude of Hall elements 304 and controls the switching on and off of each of the multitude of LEDs 305, the first output LED 205 and the second output LED 206 based on the calculation result. The switching-on control can include lighting color control. 4. Control system 4-1. Cylinder sensor

[0022] Fig. Figure 5 shows a control unit for the cylinder sensor 103. The CPU 501 is a processor or processing circuit that performs various functions by executing a control program 521 stored in a memory 502. One or more of the functions described below may be mounted on an integrated circuit located outside the CPU 501. A driver circuit is provided between the CPU 501 and the load, generating a driver current to drive the load, but the description of the driver circuit is given in [reference to be added]. Fig. 5 omitted. A Hall element control unit 511 supplies power to the multiple Hall elements 304, for example, a magnetic detection element, and acquires detection signals output by the multiple Hall elements 304. A position determination unit 512 specifies the position of the piston 402 based on the detection signals output by the multiple Hall elements 304.

[0023] An adjustment unit 513 performs various adjustments necessary for the valve system 101 to use the detection result from the cylinder sensor 103. A range adjustment unit 514 sets the position of the i-th detection range according to the i-th output signal. i is an integer of 1 or more. For example, the start and end positions of the i-th detection range can be set. Alternatively, one of the start and end positions of the i-th detection range and the width of the i-th detection range can be set. In the following, i is 1 or 2, but i can also be 3 or more. A width adjustment unit 515 sets a width of the i-th detection range. The setting unit 513 can set the cylinder sensor 103 according to a setting instruction that is entered by the relay amplifier 104, the valve system 101 or the display panel 105 via an external input port 503.The setting unit 513 can perform various settings according to a predetermined operation (examples: long press for predetermined seconds, short press, double click) on the operating switch 303.

[0024] A display control unit 516 controls an indicator lamp 504 and a symbol display unit 505 to show the user various types of information. For example, when power is supplied through a power supply connector 507, which is connected to the power line contained in the IO-Link cable 113, and the CPU 501 is activated, the display control unit 516 turns on the voltage indicator LED 204. If the position of the piston 402, as specified by the position detection unit 512, is within the first detection range, the display control unit 516 turns on the first output LED 205. If the position of the piston 402, as specified by the position detection unit 512, is within the second detection range, the display control unit 516 turns on the second output LED 206. The display control unit 516 switches on one or more LEDs 305 that correspond to the first detection range.The display control unit 516 switches on one or more LEDs 305 corresponding to the second detection range. The display control unit 516 switches on one or more LEDs 305 corresponding to the third detection range. As described above, the display control unit 516 switches on one or more LEDs 305 corresponding to the i-th detection range.

[0025] An output unit 517 outputs position information, indicating the position of the piston 402 as specified by the position determination unit 512, to the relay amplifier 104 via an external output port 506 and the IO-Link cable 113. The information output by the output unit 517 can include at least one of the following:

[0026] Position information of piston 402 of air cylinder 102... Information indicating the position of piston 402 within air cylinder 102. The position information may include a distance from the predetermined reference point to the current position of piston 402.

[0027] The operating speed of the air cylinder 102 ... It is the operating speed of the piston 402. Unit information, which denotes a unit (examples: mm / sec, m / sec, in / sec, ft / sec) of the operating speed, may be included.

[0028] Acceleration... Acceleration of piston 402. This information is included in a case where the cylinder sensor 103 can detect the acceleration of piston 402. Unit information, specifying a unit (examples: mm / s², m / s²) of acceleration, may also be included.

[0029] Output information... Information indicating whether piston 402 exists within a detection range of its position, which is set when installing the cylinder sensor 103 relative to the air cylinder 102. This can be an output signal that is only issued if piston 402 is within the detection range.

[0030] Position deviation detection situation ... Information that is output in a case where piston 402 is stopped outside the detection range.

[0031] Model-specific information such as the device's condition, model, etc. The length of the cylinder sensor 103 and the slot type.

[0032] Error... Information indicating damage or similar to cylinder sensor 103.

[0033] Setting parameters (memory-internal information) ... Setting information such as an initial position, an output width (area in which the output signal is switched on), a span (inclination of an actual movement distance in relation to a movement distance of the piston 402 / mainly used in a chuck or similar), an offset (any position is set to 0), a mounting direction (in which direction the cylinder sensor 103 is installed, top, bottom, left and right), NPN / PNP (output polarity) and a unit (examples: mm, mm, inch, foot, etc.).

[0034] It should be noted that the CPU 501 can receive the following information from the relay amplifier 104.

[0035] Setting parameters such as Teach-In (setting the initial position), Span (inclination of the actual movement distance in relation to the movement distance of the piston 402 / mainly used in chucks or similar), Offset (any position is set to 0), Mounting direction (in which direction the cylinder sensor 103 is installed, top, bottom, left and right), Initial position, NPN / PNP (output polarity), Output logic (whether the contact is closed or open when ON), Unit (examples: mm, m, inch, foot) and the like.

[0036] Instruction information such as communication synchronization (communication synchronization signal), initial position (initialization signal) and dispatch reset (initialization).

[0037] Error ... Error information that is transmitted to the cylinder sensor 103 if an abnormal condition of the valve system 101 or of the air cylinder 102 itself is detected for the connected air cylinder 102.

[0038] In a case where the position of piston 402 is within the first detection area, output unit 517 outputs the first output signal. In a case where the position of piston 402 is within the second detection area, output unit 517 outputs the second output signal. In a case where the position of piston 402 is within the third detection area, output unit 517 outputs the third output signal. As described above, in a case where the position of piston 402 is within the i-th detection area, output unit 517 outputs the i-th output signal. Here, outputting the signal can involve modifying the logic of the output signal according to a predetermined rule.

[0039] The 502 memory is a storage device that includes a memory element such as Random Access Memory (RAM) and a non-volatile memory element such as Read-Only Memory (ROM). 4-2. Relay amplifier

[0040] Fig. Figure 6 shows a control unit of the relay amplifier 104. The CPU 601 is a processor or processing circuit that performs various functions by executing the control program 621 stored in memory 602. It should be noted that one or more of the functions described below can be implemented on an integrated circuit located outside the CPU 601.

[0041] The communication circuit 604 is a circuit that communicates with the valve system 101 via the IO-Link cable 112 and with the cylinder sensor 103 via the IO-Link cable 113. The power supply terminal 607 is supplied with power from the valve system 101 via the IO-Link cable 112 or supplies power to the cylinder sensor 103 via the IO-Link cable 113. The external input terminal 603 includes one terminal to which the IO-Link cable 112 is connected and one terminal to which the IO-Link cable 113 is connected, and is used to receive information transmitted by the cylinder sensor 103 and the valve system 101. The external output port 606 includes a port to which the IO-Link cable 112 is connected, and a port to which the IO-Link cable 113 is connected, and is a port for transmitting information to the cylinder sensor 103 and the valve system 101.

[0042] An operating switch 605 is one or more switches for receiving various operating inputs from the user. An indicator lamp 614 is an LED that indicates a detection status of the cylinder sensor 103. The indicator lamp 614 can include a voltage indicator LED 624, which indicates whether the relay amplifier 104 is switched on or off, a first output LED 625, which indicates whether the first output signal is being output by the cylinder sensor 103, and a second output LED 626, which indicates whether the second output signal is being output by the cylinder sensor 103.

[0043] The OLED display 630 is a display that includes an organic EL light-emitting diode. The memory 602 is a memory device that includes a memory element such as random access memory (RAM) and a non-volatile memory element such as read-only memory (ROM).

[0044] The functions implemented by the CPU 601 include the following. The device identification unit 611 communicates with devices (the valve system 101 and the cylinder sensor 103) connected to the relay amplifier 104 to specify the devices. The device update unit 612 updates setting information and the control program 521 of devices (for example, the cylinder sensor 103) connected to the relay amplifier 104.

[0045] The setting unit 613 determines the operation of the relay amplifier 104. Furthermore, the setting unit 613 can adjust the cylinder sensor 103 instead of, or in conjunction with, the setting unit 513. For example, the range setting unit 634 sets the position of the piston 402's detection range in the cylinder sensor 103. The width setting unit 635 sets the width of the piston 402's detection range in the cylinder sensor 103. The range setting unit 634 and the width setting unit 635 can operate in a case where the cylinder sensor 103 does not include the symbol display unit 505. In this case, the OLED display 630 functions as the symbol display unit 505.

[0046] A display control unit 616 controls the switching on and off of an indicator lamp 614 and displays information on the OLED display 630. For example, the display control unit 616 can cause the OLED display 630 to display a position symbol indicating the position of the piston 402, based on the position information for the piston 402 output by the cylinder sensor 103. Furthermore, the display control unit 616 can display a range symbol indicating the detection range on the OLED display 630, based on range information specifying the detection range of the piston 402. The position symbol and the range symbol can be displayed in conjunction with both the cylinder sensor 103 and the relay amplifier 104. This is because the relay amplifier 104 can receive the position information of the piston 402 and the range information of the detection range from the cylinder sensor 103.

[0047] The output unit 617 generates an output signal corresponding to the detection result received by the cylinder sensor 103 and outputs this signal to the valve system 101. The output unit 617 can transmit various pieces of information received from the cylinder sensor 103 to the valve system 101. 5. Teach-In (assembly of the cylinder sensor)

[0048] Fig. 7A displays a status when power is supplied externally to cylinder sensor 103 and cylinder sensor 103 is activated. The voltage indicator LED 204 indicates that power is being supplied to cylinder sensor 103 (on state). Note that the array of LEDs 305 can display a symbol indicating that it is immediately after power-on. For example, the array of LEDs 305 can be controlled so that the LEDs to be switched on are switched on sequentially. As a result, light can be emitted like a wave moving from right to left. Note that the array of LEDs 305 can continuously display a symbol indicating that it is immediately after power-on until the position determination unit 512 can specify the position of the piston 402.Alternatively, the multiple LEDs (305) can be switched off simultaneously after the symbol has been displayed for a certain period of time.

[0049] Fig. Figure 7B illustrates a state in which the position detection unit 512 specifies the position of the piston 402. Of the multiple LEDs 305, only the LED 305 corresponding to the position of the piston 402 is illuminated. Here, the LED 305 can be illuminated in a specific color (e.g., green). Note that when the user moves the cylinder sensor 103 relative to the air cylinder 102, the multiple LEDs 305 are switched on or off to follow the position of the piston 402. That is, only the LED 305 corresponding to the position of the piston 402 can be illuminated. Note that all LEDs 305 located to the right of the position of the piston 402 can be illuminated. Alternatively, all LEDs 305 located to the left of the position of the piston 402 can be illuminated. As a result, the position of the piston 402 can be displayed by a bar symbol.

[0050] Fig. Figure 7C shows a symbol in a case where the LED 305 corresponding to the position of piston 402 specified by the position determination unit 512 does not exist, or in a case where piston 402 is outside the detectable range of the cylinder sensor 103. In this example, since no LED 305 corresponding to the position of piston 402 exists, only the leftmost LED 305, located at the outermost edge, can be illuminated among the multiple LEDs 305. The leftmost LED 305 can be illuminated in a second color (example: red) or flash in a first or second color to indicate the presence of piston 402 outside the detectable range.

[0051] Fig. Figure 8A illustrates a symbol in a case where the first detection area 801 and the second detection area 802 have been set by teach-in. In this example, three LEDs 305 are assigned to the first detection area 801 and three to the second detection area 802, respectively, from among the multitude of LEDs 305. The three LEDs 305 assigned to the first detection area 801 can, for example, indicate the position and width of the first detection area 801 by being illuminated in a third color (example: blue). The three LEDs 305 assigned to the second detection area 802 can, for example, indicate the position and width of the second detection area 802 by being illuminated in a fourth color (example: orange).

[0052] In Fig. In position 8A, the piston 402 is located in an intermediate area between the first detection area 801 and the second detection area 802. Therefore, of the multiple LEDs 305 located in this intermediate area, only one LED 305, corresponding to the position of the piston 402, is switched on. Here, the LED 305 can be switched on in the first color (example: green).

[0053] Fig. Figure 8B shows a symbol in a case where piston 402 exists in the first detection area 801. In this example, piston 402 is located in the center of the first detection area 801. Therefore, among the three LEDs 305 corresponding to the first detection area 801, the middle LED 305 is illuminated in a color (e.g., white) that differs from the colors of the remaining two LEDs 305. As described above, the color indicating the first detection area 801 differs from the color indicating the position of piston 402, allowing the user to clearly identify its position. Note that if piston 402 exists in the first detection area 801, the LED 305 corresponding to the position of piston 402 may blink.In such a flashing pattern, the luminous color of the LED 305, which corresponds to the position of the piston 402, and the luminous colors of the remaining two LEDs 305 can be different or the same color.

[0054] According to Fig. At position 8B, the first output LED 205 is also illuminated. This indicates that the position of the piston 402 is within the first detection range 801 and that the first output signal is being sent (that the first output signal is high). The logic (high / low) of the output signal can be set by the user. Therefore, the logic of the output signal depends on the user setting.

[0055] Fig. Figure 8C shows a symbol in a case where piston 402 exists in the second detection area 802. According to this example, piston 402 is located in the center of the second detection area 802. Therefore, among the three LEDs 305 corresponding to the second detection area 802, the middle LED 305 is illuminated in a color (e.g., white) that differs from the colors of the other two LEDs 305. As described above, the color indicating the second detection area 802 differs from the color indicating the position of piston 402, allowing the user to clearly identify its position. Note that in a case where piston 402 exists in the second detection area 802, the LED 305 corresponding to the position of piston 402 may blink.In the case of such flashing, the luminous color of the LED 305, which corresponds to the position of the piston 402, and the luminous colors of the remaining two LEDs 305 can be different or the same.

[0056] According to Fig. 8C also switches on the second output LED 206. This indicates that the position of the piston 402 is contained within the second detection area 802 and that the second output signal is being sent (that the second output signal is high).

[0057] Here, the first output LED 205 and the second output LED 206 are shown as examples, but third, fourth, ... output LEDs can also be mounted. 6. Flowchart of the display control method

[0058] Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a display control method executed by the CPU 501 of the cylinder sensor 103 according to the control program 521. When current is supplied by the relay amplifier 104 to activate the CPU 501, the following processing is performed.

[0059] In S901, CPU 501 (display control unit 516) refers to the setting information stored in memory 502 and determines whether one or more detection ranges are set. If one or more detection ranges are not set, CPU 501 skips S902 and proceeds to S903. If one or more detection ranges are set, CPU 501 proceeds to S902.

[0060] In S902, the CPU 501 (display control unit 516) switches on the LED 305 corresponding to the detection range. A table showing the relationship between the detection range and the identification information of the LED 305 can be stored in memory 502. The N LEDs 305 can be assigned identification numbers in ascending order from the rightmost LED 305 to the leftmost LED 305. In this case, the identification information of the LED 305 can be the identification numbers. The setting information can include color information indicating a lighting color for the LED 305 corresponding to the i-th detection range. Based on the color information, the CPU 501 switches on the Mi LEDs 305 corresponding to the i-th detection range in the color that corresponds to the color information. Mi is a variable that indicates the width of the i-th detection area and corresponds to the number of LEDs 305 to be turned on.

[0061] In S903, the CPU 501 (position determination unit 512) performs a position calculation to specify the position of piston 402 based on the detection results of the multiple Hall elements 304. The position calculation can be performed to specify a position corresponding to the Hall element 304 that outputs the strongest detection signal among the multiple Hall elements 304. Alternatively, the position of piston 402 can be calculated by performing a weighting calculation or an interpolation calculation on the magnitudes of the detection signals output by the multiple Hall elements 304. In the latter case, the position is identified with finer accuracy.

[0062] In S904, the CPU 501 (position determination unit 512 or display control unit 516) determines whether the position of the piston 402 has been specified. For example, the position calculation fails if the cylinder sensor 103 is not attached to the air cylinder 102. Conversely, the position calculation succeeds if the cylinder sensor 103 is correctly attached to the air cylinder 102. If the position of the piston 402 has not been specified, the CPU 501 proceeds to S905. In S905, the CPU 501 (display control unit 516) displays a symbol indicating that the position is currently being specified using the multiple LEDs 305. Afterward, the CPU 501 returns from S905 to S903 and continues the position calculation. On the other hand, the CPU 501 continues with S906 when the position of piston 402 has been specified.

[0063] In S906, the CPU 501 (position determination unit 512 or display control unit 516) determines which LED 305 corresponds to the position of the piston 402. Memory 502 stores a table that establishes a correspondence between the position of the piston 402 and the identification number of the LED 305. The CPU 501 refers to this table to specify the identification number of the LED 305 that corresponds to the position of the piston 402.

[0064] In S907, the CPU 501 (position determination unit 512 or display control unit 516) determines whether the LED 305 corresponding to the position of the piston 402 exists. If the LED 305 corresponding to the position of the piston 402 exists, the CPU 501 proceeds to S908. In S908, the CPU 501 (display control unit 516) switches on the LED 305 corresponding to the position of the piston 402. The CPU 501 then proceeds from S908 to S909. On the other hand, there might not be an LED 305 corresponding to the position of the piston 402. For example, if, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7C, if piston 402 continues to move after its position has been specified, its position can no longer be specified. In this case, the CPU 501 proceeds from S907 to S920. At S920, the CPU 501 (display control unit 516) illuminates the LED 305 located furthest out among the multiple LEDs 305. For example, the leftmost or rightmost LED 305 that was last illuminated can be determined as the LED 305 corresponding to the position of piston 402. Furthermore, the CPU 501 selects a color indicating that position detection has failed or that piston 402 is outside the detectable range as the illumination color of the leftmost or rightmost LED 305 that was last illuminated. After that, the CPU 501 continues from S920 to S912.

[0065] In S909, the CPU 501 (position determination unit 512 or display control unit 516) determines whether the position of piston 402 lies within the detection range. Here, the first detection range 801, the second detection range 802, and similar ranges, which are contained in the setting information, are compared with the position of piston 402. If the position of piston 402 is not within any detection range, the CPU 501 transitions from S909 to S912. If the position of piston 402 is within one of the detection ranges, the CPU 501 transitions from S909 to S910.

[0066] In S910, the CPU 501 (display control unit 516) switches on the output LED corresponding to the detection range that includes the position of the piston 402 among the multiple detection ranges. If the piston 402 exists in the first detection range 801, the first output LED 205 is switched on. If the piston 402 exists in the second detection range 802, the second output LED 206 is switched on. If the piston 402 exists in the j-th detection range, the LEDs corresponding to the j-th detection range and the j-th output signal are switched on.

[0067] In step S911, the CPU 501 (output unit 517) outputs a signal to the relay amplifier 104 corresponding to a detection range that encompasses the position of the piston 402 among the multitude of output signals (control outputs). If the piston 402 is located in the first detection range 801, the first output signal is output. If the piston 402 is located in the second detection range 802, the second output signal is output. If the piston 402 is located in the j-th detection range, the j-th output signal is output.

[0068] In S912, the CPU 501 determines whether the power supply is switched off (the power supply from relay amplifier 104 is stopped). If the power supply is not switched off, the CPU 501 returns from S912 to S903. If the power supply is switched off, the display control method ends. 7. Flowchart of the hiring method

[0069] Fig. Figure 10A illustrates the procedure for attaching the cylinder sensor 103 to the air cylinder 102 and for installing the cylinder sensor 103 in a desired position. The user pushes and pulls the piston rod 401 to install the piston 402 in the desired position within the air cylinder 102. The user inserts the cylinder sensor 103 into the groove 131 of the air cylinder 102 and slides the cylinder sensor 103 within the groove 131 to position it. Following this example, the leftmost LED 305, corresponding to the position of the piston 402, illuminates among the multiple LEDs 305. It should be noted that the sequence of temporarily installing the cylinder sensor 103 in the air cylinder 102 and positioning the piston rod 401 can be reversed. In either case, fine-tuning the position of the cylinder sensor 103 would be performed as follows.

[0070] Fig. Figure 10B shows that cylinder sensor 103 is moved further to the left. Note that air cylinder 102 moves to the right relative to cylinder sensor 103. The CPU 501 detects the position of piston 402 and illuminates the second LED 305 from the left, corresponding to the position of piston 402. When piston 402 is positioned at the desired location, the user presses and holds the control switch 202. The duration of the press is, for example, 2 seconds. The CPU 501 can measure the time the control switch 202 is held and specify the user instruction based on the measured time. Memory 502 can store a table that specifies the relationship between the time and the instruction. The CPU 501 specifies the user instruction by referencing the table based on the measured time.

[0071] When the control switch 303 detects a long press of the operating button 202, the CPU 501 (setting unit 513) switches from an operating mode to a setting mode.

[0072] As in Fig. As shown in diagram 10C, the CPU 501, in configuration mode, activates several LEDs 305 to display a symbol indicating that configuration mode is active. This symbol might, for example, be four flashing LEDs at the right end among the multiple LEDs 305. The LED 305 that is illuminated among the four LEDs 305 can be toggled sequentially from right to left.

[0073] The CPU 501 activates the Mi LEDs 305 corresponding to the i-th detection range, based on the position of the piston 402, which is detected by the Hall element 304, and the width of the detection range. In this example, the width Mi of the i-th detection range is set to 3. Therefore, the LED 305 corresponding to the position of the piston 402, the LED 305 to its right, and the LED 305 to its left are activated. As a result, the user can visually identify the detection range. The user can continue moving the cylinder sensor 103 while verifying that the Mi LEDs 305 corresponding to the i-th detection range are activated. If the position of the i-th detection range is confirmed, the user then presses and holds the control switch 202 for, for example, 2 seconds.

[0074] Fig. 11A displays a symbol indicating that the detection area has been confirmed. Following this example, the CPU 501 simultaneously illuminates all LEDs 305 among the array of LEDs 305 to display a confirmation symbol.

[0075] Fig. 11B displays a symbol indicating that the detection range setting is complete. According to this example, the CPU 501 displays a setting completion symbol by blinking LED 305, located in the center of the set detection range among the multiple LEDs 305, for a predetermined time. It should be noted that the in Fig. 11B symbol shown after the one in Fig. The symbol shown in 11A can be displayed, or only one of the symbols can be displayed. Alternatively, the one shown in Fig. The confirmation symbol shown in 11A will be displayed while the control switch 202 is pressed, even after a predetermined time has elapsed. Afterwards, when the finger is released from the control switch 202, the setting completion symbol may appear. Fig. 11B will be displayed.

[0076] Fig. 11C shows a state after which the in Fig. The setting completion symbol shown in 11B is displayed for a predetermined time. This symbol indicates a fixed detection range. This means the CPU 501 is switching from setting mode to operating mode.

[0077] Fig. Figure 12 is a flowchart representing a method for setting a detection range, executed by the CPU 501 according to the control program 521. Memory 502 can store a variable h that indicates the number of set detection ranges. If no detection range is set, the variable h is set to zero. If a detection range is set, the variable h is set to 1.

[0078] In S1201, CPU 501 (setting unit 513) determines whether a setting start operation has been initiated. The setting start operation could be, for example, continuously pressing the control switch 202 for a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) while the system is in operating mode. Alternatively, the setting start operation could be double-clicking the control switch 202.

[0079] In S1202, the CPU 501 (display control unit 516) displays a settings icon using the majority of LEDs 305. For example, the settings icon can be, as in Fig. 10C is displayed.

[0080] In S1203, the CPU 501 (position determination unit 512) performs a position calculation to specify the position of the piston 402 based on the detection result of the Hall element 304.

[0081] In S1204, the CPU 501 (position determination unit 512 or display control unit 516) determines the LED 305, which corresponds to the position of the piston 402.

[0082] In S1205, the CPU 501 (position determination unit 512 or display control unit 516) determines whether the LED 305, which corresponds to the position of the piston 402, exists. The cylinder sensor 103 might not yet be installed in the air cylinder 102, or the piston 402 might be outside the detectable range. In this case, it is determined that the corresponding LED 305 does not exist, and the CPU 501 returns from S1205 to S1202. If the corresponding LED 305 exists, the CPU 501 moves from S1205 to S1206.

[0083] In S1206, the CPU 501 (display control unit 516) switches on the corresponding LED 305 and the adjacent LED 305. As described above, the Mi LEDs 305 corresponding to the width of the detection area are switched on.

[0084] In step S1207, the CPU 501 (range setting unit 514) determines whether a confirmation operation for the detection range is entered into the control switch 202. If the confirmation operation is not entered, the CPU 501 returns from S1207 to S1202. If the confirmation operation is entered, the CPU 501 continues from S1207 to S1208.

[0085] In S1208, the CPU 501 (display control unit 516) displays a confirmation symbol using the multiple LEDs 305. For example, the confirmation symbol can indicate that in Fig. The symbol shown in 11A should be [not specified].

[0086] In S1209, the CPU 501 (display control unit 516) displays the setting completion symbol using the multiple LEDs 305. For example, the setting completion symbol can be the one in Fig. The symbol shown in 11B should be [symbol].

[0087] In S1210, CPU 501 (range setting unit 514) stores setting information indicating the i-th detection range in memory 502. Here, i is obtained by adding 1 to the variable h. The setting information can include position information, indicating the position of the i-th detection range, and width information, indicating a width (an initial value or a user-defined value). The position information indicates at least one of the left end, the center, and the right end of the detection range. The range setting unit 514 can assign an illumination color to the i-th detection range that is not assigned to any of the (i - 1)-th detection ranges from the first detection range, and store color information indicating the illumination color in the setting information.

[0088] In S1211, CPU 501 (range setting unit 514) updates the variable h, which specifies the number of defined detection ranges. That is, the value of the variable h is incremented by 1. Alternatively, the variable i is substituted into the variable h.

[0089] Fig. Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for deleting fixed detection ranges in the stack.

[0090] In step S1301, the CPU 501 (setting unit 513) determines whether a mass erase operation has been initiated for the control switches 202. For example, in operating mode, the CPU 501 can determine that a mass erase operation has been initiated if the control switch 202 is pressed continuously for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) or if three short presses of the control switch 202 are initiated. An upper limit can be set for the number of detection zones. In this case, the mass erase operation can consist of the number of defined detection zones matching the upper limit and a long press of the control switch 202 being detected. If the mass erase operation is initiated, the CPU 501 transitions from S1301 to S1302.

[0091] In S1302, CPU 501 (range setting unit 514) clears the set detection range. For example, CPU 501 clears the information of all set detection ranges from the setting information stored in memory 502.

[0092] In S1303, the CPU 501 (range setting unit 514) resets the set number h of detection ranges to 0. 8. Setting the width of the detection area

[0093] Fig. 14A and Fig. Figure 14B illustrates the process of setting the detection area width in settings mode. The detection area width setting may, for example, be found in S1206.

[0094] Fig. 14A shows that the width Mi is set to 3. Fig. Figure 14B shows that the width Mi is fixed at 5. For example, in a case where there are multiple selectable widths, the CPU 501 (width setting unit 515 and display control unit 516) toggles the width and turns the adjacent LED on and off according to the width each time the control switch 202 is briefly pressed. For example, if the control switch 202 is briefly pressed in a case where the width Mi is 3, as in Fig. As shown in 14A, the width Mi is changed to 5, as in Fig. 14B is shown. If the control switch 202 is briefly pressed, in a case where the width Mi 5, as in Fig. As shown in 14B, the width Mi is changed to 3, as shown in Fig. Figure 14A illustrates this. Multiple latitude values ​​can be switched while circulating. The selectable latitude can include three or more types. Again, the latitude value is switched while circulating. 9. Display of the distance in the relay amplifier

[0095] Fig. Figure 15 shows a screen displayed on the OLED display 630 of the relay amplifier 104. The relay amplifier 104 can receive information from the cylinder sensor 103 specifying a detection range (threshold) and information specifying a detection position of the piston 402. Furthermore, the relay amplifier 104 can receive the first output signal, the second output signal, and the i-th output signal.

[0096] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the distance display area 1501 is an area in which the position of the piston 402 is displayed as a distance from a reference position. The distance display area 1501 can display a unit of distance (example: mm).

[0097] The threshold display area 1502 shows a threshold value for each detection range (output signal). In this example, it is shown that the threshold value of the first output signal, corresponding to the first detection range 801, is 1056.50 mm. Here, the threshold value can be either the right end, the middle, or the left end of the first detection range 801. It is also shown that the threshold value of the second output signal, corresponding to the second detection range 802, is 36.20 mm.

[0098] Output detection range 1503 is an area that indicates which of the first and second output signals is being output. That is, output detection range 1503 can indicate in which detection range the position of piston 402 exists. For example, if piston 402 exists in the first detection range 801, output detection range 1503 can be set to blue. If piston 402 exists in the second detection range 802, output detection range 1503 can be set to orange. If piston 402 exists in the intermediate range between the first detection range 801 and the second detection range 802, output detection range 1503 can display other colors (examples: black, white, green). 10. Examples of other symbols

[0099] Fig. 16A and Fig. Figure 16B illustrates another example of the symbol indicating the position of piston 402. Here, the reference position is assumed to be fixed at the left end of the cylinder sensor 103. Upon detection of piston 402's position, the CPU 501 illuminates all LEDs 305 located between the left end and the detection position. The user can determine the piston's movement from the reference position by observing the number of illuminated LEDs 305. A symbol indicating piston 402's position can thus be implemented as a bar whose length changes according to the movement distance.

[0100] According to the embodiment described above, the plurality of LEDs 305 is arranged directly below the display window 203, but this is merely an example. For instance, a light guide (examples: optical fiber, translucent resin) can be arranged between the plurality of LEDs 305, which are arranged on the control board 302, and the display window 203. This increases the degree of freedom for the installation of the plurality of LEDs 305.

[0101] Fig. Figure 17 shows another example of a symbol indicating the position of piston 402. The OLED display 630 displays a position symbol 1701 that mimics the LEDs 305, which indicate the position of piston 402, the first detection area 801, and the second detection area 802. As described above, the OLED display 630 can be used instead of the multiple LEDs 305. The OLED display 630 can be a liquid crystal display.

[0102] Fig. Figure 18 shows another example of symbols indicating the position of piston 402, the first detection area 801, and the second detection area 802. A bar symbol 1801 is an image that shows the position of piston 402. The CPU 501 lengthens or shortens the bar symbol 1801 according to the position of piston 402. The area symbols 1802 and 1803 are images that show the boundaries of the detection area. The CPU 501 can display the area symbols 1802 and 1803, which indicate the detection areas, based on the position and width information of the detection areas contained in the setting information stored in memory 502.

[0103] It should be noted that the OLED display 630 can also display the first output LED 205 and the second output LED 206 as images. 12. Details of the display control method in the relay amplifier

[0104] In the embodiment described above, the display control method in the cylinder sensor 103 was primarily described. Furthermore, as proposed in the embodiment described above, the relay amplifier 104 and the display panel 105 can display the symbol instead of, or in conjunction with, the symbol displayed in the cylinder sensor 103. Displaying a symbol related to the position of the displacement body by the relay amplifier 104 and the display panel 105 can be particularly useful in a case where the cylinder sensor 103 has no display function or in a case where the display function's capability is limited. A user interface (UI) in the relay amplifier 104 is described below, but this is also a UI that can be used in the display panel 105.

[0105] Fig. Figures 19A to 19C show examples of screen displays on the OLED display 630, which is provided in the housing 1900 of the relay amplifier 104. The OLED display 630 is only an example, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) can be used. In this example, the OLED display 630 shows a variety of position symbols (position symbols 1701) that mimic the LEDs 305, a power supply symbol 1904 that mimics the voltage indicator LEDs 204, a first output symbol 1905 that mimics the first output LEDs 205, and a second output symbol 1906 that mimics the second output LEDs 206.

[0106] Upon receiving the position information from cylinder sensor 103, indicating the position of piston 402 detected by cylinder sensor 103, the display control unit 616 of the relay amplifier 104 changes the position symbol 1701 corresponding to the position information from a variety of position symbols 1701 from the standard color (examples: white, black) to the first color (example: green). Fig. Since piston 402 exists at the left end of a movable area, the color of position symbol 1701, which is located at the left end among the multitude of position symbols, becomes green in 19A. Fig. 19B, since piston 402 exists at the intermediate position, the color of the position symbol located at the intermediate position among the multitude of position symbols becomes green. According to Fig. Since piston 402 is located at the right end of the movable area, position symbol 1701, which is located at the right end among the multitude of position symbols 1701, becomes green. In this way, position symbol 1701, which is located in different positions according to the position of piston 402, can be displayed in a color that differs from the other position symbols 1701.

[0107] Fig. Figures 20A to 20C show the position symbol 1701 and the threshold symbol when the first detection range 801 and the second detection range 802 are set by the cylinder sensor 103 or the relay amplifier 104. Here, the threshold symbol is a concept that can encompass the position symbol 1701, which indicates the first detection range 801 and the second detection range 802 among the multitude of position symbols 1701; the position symbol 1701 or the first output symbol 1905, which indicates that the piston 402 exists in the first detection range 801; the position symbol 1701 or the second output symbol 1906, which indicates that the piston 402 exists in the second detection range 802; and so on. As described above, the detection range can be defined by a position (threshold) and a width. Therefore, these symbols can be called threshold symbols.

[0108] According to Fig. 20A, the display control unit 616 shows the position symbol 1701, corresponding to the first detection range 801, in the third color (example: blue) and the position symbol 1701, corresponding to the second detection range 802, in the fourth color (example: orange) based on the setting information received from the cylinder sensor 103 or the setting information stored in memory 602. Here, the illumination colors of the several LEDs 305, corresponding to the detection range in the cylinder sensor 103, and the display color of the position symbol, which indicates the detection range shown on the relay amplifier 104, can be the same or different. Fig. Since the position of piston 402 is an intermediate position, the position symbol corresponding to that intermediate position is displayed in the first color. Because the position of piston 402 is not included in the first detection area 801, the display control unit 616 displays the first output symbol 1905 in the standard color. Because the position of piston 402 is not included in the second detection area 802, the display control unit 616 displays the second output symbol 1906 in the standard color.

[0109] Fig. Figure 20B shows that piston 402 has moved to a position contained within the first detection area 801. Based on the position information received from cylinder sensor 103, the display control unit 616 changes the color of the position symbol 1701 corresponding to the position of piston 402, among the multitude of position symbols 1701 corresponding to the first detection area 801, to a color different from the color of the adjacent position symbol 1701. As a result, the position of the first detection area 801 and the position of piston 402 are displayed in a distinguishable manner. The display control unit 616 switches the color of the first output symbol 1905 from the standard color to the third color (example: blue) based on the first output signal issued by cylinder sensor 103.This allows the user to recognize that piston 402 is in the first detection area 801 and that the first output signal is being issued by cylinder sensor 103.

[0110] Fig. Figure 20C illustrates that piston 402 has moved to a position contained within the second detection area 802. Based on the position-related information received from cylinder sensor 103, the display control unit 616 changes the color of the position symbol corresponding to the position of piston 402 among the multiple position symbols corresponding to the second detection area 802 to a color different from the color of the adjacent position symbol. As a result, the position of the second detection area 802 and the position of piston 402 are displayed in a distinguishable manner. The display control unit 616 switches the color of the second output symbol 1906 from the standard color to the fourth color (example: orange) based on the second output signal issued by cylinder sensor 103.As a result, the user can see that piston 402 is located in the second detection area 802 and that the second output signal is being provided by cylinder sensor 103.

[0111] Fig. Figures 21A to 21C show that the position symbol is realized by the bar symbol 1801. This has already been discussed in relation to... Fig. As described in Figure 18, the cylinder sensor 103 can display the position symbol (bar symbol 1801) and the threshold symbol (range symbols 1802 and 1803). Similarly, the relay amplifier 104 can display the bar symbol 1801 and the threshold symbol (range symbols 1802 and 1803).

[0112] Fig. Figure 21A shows bar symbol 1801 in a case where the position of piston 402 is the intermediate position. Bar symbol 1801 is a variable bar image. Range symbols 1802 and 1803 are threshold symbols that indicate the detection range. In this example, range symbols 1802 and 1803 are represented by vertical lines, but they can also be images other than vertical lines. For example, range symbols 1802 and 1803 could be images such as arrows or triangles that indicate the width and threshold of the detection range.

[0113] Fig. Figure 21B shows the bar symbol 1801 in a case where the position of piston 402 is contained within the first detection area 801. In this example, the length of the bar symbol 1801 is shortened because the reference position of the bar symbol 1801 is fixed at the left end. Furthermore, since the first output signal is being output, the first output symbol 1905 is displayed in the second color.

[0114] Fig. Figure 21C illustrates the bar symbol 1801 in a case where the position of piston 402 is contained within the second detection area 802. In this example, the length of the bar symbol 1801 is increased. Since the second output signal is being sent, the second output symbol 1906 is displayed in the third color.

[0115] Since the relay amplifier 104 also contains the operating switch 605, the detection range (threshold, width) can be set by actuating the operating switch 605. This means that the operating switch 605 is used instead of the operating switch 202.

[0116] Fig. Figure 22 illustrates a display control procedure executed by the CPU 601 of the relay amplifier 104 according to the control program 621. When the CPU 601 is activated by power supplied by the valve system 101, the following processing is performed.

[0117] In S2201, the CPU 601 (display control unit 616) refers to the setting information stored in memory 602 and determines whether one or more detection ranges are set. The CPU 601 acquires the setting information from the cylinder sensor 103 and stores it in advance in memory 602. If one or more detection ranges are not set, the CPU 601 skips S2202 and proceeds to S2203. If one or more detection ranges are set, the CPU 601 proceeds to S2202.

[0118] In S2202, the CPU 601 (display control unit 616) displays a threshold symbol at a position corresponding to the detection range. The threshold symbol can be implemented using a variety of position symbols 1701, a bar symbol 1801, or range symbols 1802 and 1803. The setting information can include color information specifying the display color of the threshold symbol according to the i-th detection range. The CPU 601 instructs the OLED display 630 to display the threshold symbol in the color corresponding to the i-th detection range, based on the color information. The setting information can also include a variable Mi specifying the width of the i-th detection range. The CPU 601 adjusts the width of the threshold symbol according to the variable Mi.

[0119] In S2203, the CPU 601 (position determination unit 618) acquires position information from the cylinder sensor 103. This position information can be a numerical value indicating the position of the piston 402, or it can be raw data from the detection results of the multiple Hall elements 304. In the latter case, the position determination unit 618 specifies the position of the piston 402 by performing the same position calculation as the position determination unit 512.

[0120] In S2204, the CPU 601 (position determination unit 618 or display control unit 616) determines whether the acquisition of position information has been completed. For example, if the cylinder sensor 103 is not attached to the air cylinder 102, the position calculation fails, and the acquisition of position information also fails. On the other hand, if the cylinder sensor 103 is correctly attached to the air cylinder 102, the position calculation is successful, and thus the position information is also successfully acquired. If the position information has not been acquired, the CPU 601 proceeds to S2205. In S2205, the CPU 601 (display control unit 616) displays a symbol indicating that the position information is being acquired using the multiple position symbols 1701. After that, CPU 601 returns from S2205 to S2203 and continues acquiring the position information.On the other hand, in a case where the position information of piston 402 has been acquired, the CPU 601 continues with S2207.

[0121] In step S2207, the CPU 601 (the position determination unit 618 or the display control unit 616) determines whether the position symbol 1701 can be displayed at the display position corresponding to the position of the piston 402. If the position symbol 1701 can be displayed on the screen of the OLED display 630, the CPU 601 proceeds to step S2208. In step S2208, the CPU 601 (display control unit 616) displays the position symbol 1701 at the display position corresponding to the position of the piston 402. The CPU 601 then proceeds from step S2208 to step S2209. Conversely, if the position symbol 1701 cannot be displayed at the display position corresponding to the position of the piston 402, the CPU 601 proceeds from step S2207 to step S2220. In S2220, the CPU 601 (display control unit 616) displays the position symbol 1701 on the outermost side of the OLED display 630.Furthermore, the CPU 601 selects a color to indicate that position detection has failed, or a color to indicate that piston 402 is outside the detectable range, as the illumination color of position symbol 1701. The CPU 601 may also cause position symbol 1701 to flash. Afterward, the CPU 601 proceeds from S2220 to S2212.

[0122] In S2209, the CPU 601 (position determination unit 618 or display control unit 616) determines whether the position of piston 402 lies within the detection range. Here, the first detection range 801, the second detection range 802, and similar ranges contained in the setting information are compared with the position of piston 402. If the position of piston 402 is not within any detection range, the CPU 601 transitions from S2209 to S2212. If the position of piston 402 is within one of the detection ranges, the CPU 601 transitions from S2209 to S2210.

[0123] In S2210, the CPU 601 (display control unit 616) activates the output symbol corresponding to the detection range containing the position of piston 402 among the multiple detection ranges. If piston 402 exists in the first detection range 801, the first output symbol 1905 is activated. If piston 402 exists in the second detection range 802, the second output symbol 1906 is activated. If piston 402 exists in the j-th detection range, the output symbols corresponding to the j-th detection range and the j-th output signal are activated.

[0124] In S2211, the CPU 601 (output unit 617) outputs a signal corresponding to a detection range containing the position of piston 402 among the multitude of output signals (control outputs) to the valve system 101. If piston 402 exists in the first detection range 801, the first output signal is output. If piston 402 exists in the second detection range 802, the second output signal is output. If piston 402 exists in the j-th detection range, the j-th output signal is output.

[0125] In S2212, the CPU 601 determines whether the power supply unit is switched off (the power supply from relay amplifier 104 is stopped). If the power supply unit is not switched off, the CPU 601 returns from S2212 to S2203. If the power supply unit is switched off, the display control procedure ends.

[0126] Fig. Figure 23 is a flowchart depicting a method for setting a detection range, executed by CPU 601 according to control program 621. Memory 602 can store a variable h that indicates the number of set detection ranges. If no detection range is set, the variable h is set to zero. If a detection range is set, the variable h is set to 1.

[0127] In S2301, CPU 601 (setting unit 613) determines whether a setting start operation has been initiated. The setting start operation could be, for example, continuously pressing the operating switch 605 in operating mode for a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds). Alternatively, the setting start operation could be double-clicking the operating switch 605.

[0128] In S2302, the CPU 601 (display control unit 616) displays the settings icon. For example, the settings icon can be, as in Fig. The settings icon is displayed as shown in 10C. It includes at least one image and one character, indicating that the settings process is in progress.

[0129] In S2303, the CPU 601 (position determination unit 618) acquires position information that indicates the position of the piston 402 from the cylinder sensor 103.

[0130] In S2304, the CPU 601 (position determination unit 618 or display control unit 616) displays a threshold symbol based on position-related information. The threshold symbol is positioned at a display position on the OLED display 630 that corresponds to the current position of the piston 402. The width of the threshold symbol is an initial value.

[0131] In S2305, the CPU 601 (position determination unit 618 or display control unit 616) determines whether a width change operation is entered into the operating switch 605. The width change operation could, for example, be a short press of the operating switch 605. If the width change operation is not entered, the CPU 601 moves from S2305 to S2307. If the width change operation is entered, the CPU 601 moves from S2305 to S2306.

[0132] In S2306, CPU 601 (display control unit 616) changes the width of the threshold symbol (detection range) by approximately one step. As described above, the width can be changed cyclically each time the width change operation is entered. For example, the width can cycle as follows: 2 4 6 2 4.

[0133] In step S2307, the CPU 601 (range setting unit 634) determines whether a confirmation operation for the detection range is entered into the operating switch 605. If the confirmation operation is not entered, the CPU 601 returns from S2307 to S2302. If the confirmation operation is entered, the CPU 601 continues from S2307 to S2308.

[0134] In S2308, the CPU 601 (display control unit 616) displays an acknowledgment symbol using the variety of position symbols 1701. For example, the acknowledgment symbol can be the one in Fig. The symbol shown in section 11A is the confirmation symbol. The confirmation symbol can be an image or a character indicating confirmation.

[0135] In S2309, the CPU 601 (display control unit 616) displays the setup completion symbol using several positional symbols. For example, the setup completion symbol can be the one in Fig. The symbol shown in section 11B may be the sign indicating the completion of the hiring process. The sign indicating the completion of the hiring process can be an image or a symbol.

[0136] In S2310, CPU 601 (range setting unit 634) stores setting information indicating the i-th detection range in memory 602 and transmits this information to cylinder sensor 103. The CPU 501 of cylinder sensor 103 receives this setting information and stores it in memory 502. Here, i is obtained by adding 1 to the variable h. The setting information can include positional information, indicating the position of the i-th detection range, and width information, indicating the width (an initial value or a user-defined value). Here, the positional information indicates at least one of the left end, the center, and the right end of the detection range.The range setting unit 634 can assign a luminous color to the i-th detection range that is not assigned to any of the (i - 1)-th detection ranges from the first detection range, and store color information indicating the luminous color in the setting information.

[0137] In S2311, CPU 601 (range setting unit 634) updates the variable h, which specifies the number of defined detection ranges. That is, 1 is added to the value of the variable h. Alternatively, the variable i is substituted into the variable h.

[0138] Fig. Figure 24 is a flowchart illustrating a method for clearing fixed detection areas in large quantities.

[0139] In step S2401, the CPU 601 (setting unit 613) determines whether a mass erase operation has been initiated by the operating switch 605. For example, if the operating switch 605 is pressed continuously for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) or if three short presses of the operating switch 605 are entered in operating mode, the CPU 601 can determine that a mass erase operation is required. An upper limit can be defined for the number of detection zones. In this case, the mass erase operation can be triggered if the number of defined detection zones equals the upper limit and a long press of the operating switch 605 is detected. If the mass erase operation is initiated, the CPU 601 transitions from S2401 to S2402.

[0140] In S2402, the CPU 601 (range setting unit 634) deletes the set detection range from memory 602 and transmits a delete instruction to the cylinder sensor 103. When the CPU 501 of the cylinder sensor 103 receives the delete instruction, it deletes information for all set detection ranges from the setting information stored in memory 502.

[0141] In S2403, CPU 601 (range setting unit 634) resets the number h of fixed detection ranges to 0. 15. Display Control Method in the Display Panel 15-1. Structure of the Display Panel

[0142] Fig. Figure 25 shows the structure of the display panel 105. The display panel 105 comprises a housing 2500. The housing 2500 contains and protects various components.

[0143] A CPU 2501 performs various functions by executing a control program 2521 stored in a memory 2502. The memory 2502 includes a ROM, a RAM, and the like. A communication circuit 2504 is a circuit connected to the valve system 101 via an Ethernet cable and transmits and receives signals according to a predetermined communication protocol. A power supply port 2507 is a port that receives power supplied by the valve system 101. In a case where Power over Ethernet (PoE) is used, the power supply ports 2507 serve as some of the pins of an RJ45 connector. The Registered Jack (RJ)45 is a standard registered with the United States Federal Communications Commission.

[0144] When the display panel 105 is switched on and activated, a communication control unit 2511 assigns itself a predetermined IP address and attempts to establish a connection to the valve system 101, which has been assigned a different predetermined IP address in advance. IP stands for Internet Protocol. If the connection is successful, the communication control unit 2511 can acquire various pieces of information from the cylinder sensor 103 via the valve system 101 and the relay amplifier 104. This information includes position information indicating the position of the piston 402, setting information indicating the position and width of the detection range, information indicating the correspondence between the detection range and the output signal, model information, and identification information of the cylinder sensor 103, among other things.

[0145] A touch sensor 2505 detects the touch of a human finger or a touch stylus. An OLED display 2530 shows information acquired from the valve system 101, the relay amplifier 104, and the cylinder sensor 103, and displays a settings screen for adjusting these components. A display control unit 2516 displays the settings screen and the operating screen on the OLED display 2530 using a screen template 2522 stored in memory 2502. The operating screen, for example, displays the position symbol 1701, which indicates the position of the piston 402 detected by the cylinder sensor 103, a threshold symbol indicating the detection range, and the like.

[0146] A setting unit 2513 is optional and performs setting processing similarly to setting units 513 and 613. A range setting unit 2534 sets a position (for example, a threshold) of a detection range of the cylinder sensor 103. A width setting unit 2535 sets a width of the detection range. 15-2. Operating screen

[0147] Fig. Figure 26 shows an operating screen displayed on the display panel 105. The valve system 101 generally controls the majority of air cylinders 102. Therefore, the display panel 105 can show the operating states of the majority of air cylinders 102.

[0148] In the upper display area of Fig. Figure 26 depicts the operating state of the first air cylinder 102. The display control unit 2516 shows an operating state corresponding to the output signal from air cylinder 102 on the OLED display 2530 with respect to the screen template 2522. The name of the first air cylinder 102 is "Air cylinder ABC". This name can be acquired from the cylinder sensor 103. The current position of the piston 402 of the first air cylinder 102 is the left end in the movable range. Therefore, the position symbol 1701 at the left end is displayed in the first color (example: green) among the multiple position symbols 1701. In this example, the second detection range 802 is fixed, and the threshold symbol, including the three position symbols 1701, is displayed in the third color (example: orange). In this example, the display of the first detection range 801 is omitted, but the first detection range 801 can be indicated by the threshold symbol.In addition, the power supply symbol 1904, the first output symbol 1905, and the second output symbol 1906 are also displayed, as described above. If the cylinder sensor 103 is activated, the display control unit 2516 switches on the power supply symbol 1904. The display control unit 2516 switches the first output symbol 1905 and the second output symbol 1906 on and off, or changes the display color, based on the output signal provided by the cylinder sensor 103.

[0149] In Fig. Figure 26 shows the operating status of the second air cylinder 102 on the lower side. "Air cylinder DEF" is displayed as the name of the second air cylinder 102. Additionally, the bar symbol 1801 is displayed to indicate the position of the piston 402. To inform the user about the first detection range 801 and the second detection range 802, range symbols 1802 and 1803 are also displayed. Furthermore, the power supply symbol 1904, the first output symbol 1905, and the second output symbol 1906, as described above, are also displayed. The power supply symbol 1904, the first output symbol 1905, and the second output symbol 1906 are switched on and off, or their display color changes, based on an output signal issued by the cylinder sensor 103.

[0150] When the operating states of the majority of air cylinders 102 are displayed as described above, different screen templates 2522 can be used, or the same screen template 2522 can be used. A user-defined screen template 2522 from the majority of screen templates 2522 can be selected via the settings screen according to the application of the air cylinder 102 to be displayed.

[0151] Since the display area of ​​the display panel 105 is much wider than the display area of ​​the relay amplifier 104 and the display area of ​​the air cylinder 102, more information can be displayed. Furthermore, the user can immediately grasp the operating status if a user interface similar to that of the relay amplifier 104 or the air cylinder 102 is adopted for the display panel 105.

[0152] Fig. 27A to 27C show other operating screens. A chuck (gripper, robot gripper) can be used as the control target of the air cylinder 102. The display control unit 2516 displays an operating screen according to screen template 2522 on the OLED display 2530. Screen template 2522 can have a current value display area 1700, an operating display area 1710, and a status display area 2720. The current value display area 1700 shows the current position (actual value) of the piston 402, which is indicated by the output signal from the cylinder sensor 103. The operating display area 1710 shows a chuck 2701, a claw 2702, and an output symbol 2705. The chuck 2701 is a symbol that imitates a chuck to be controlled by the air cylinder 102. The claw 2702 is a symbol that imitates a multitude of claws for grasping a workpiece 2703 to be grasped.Workpiece 2703, for example, is a product or part manufactured on a production line. Output symbol 2705 is a symbol (indicator) that shows in which of the preset detection ranges the claw 2702 is located. The status indicator area 2720 displays an image or character indicating the current state of the chuck 2701 and a detection range (a threshold and a width).

[0153] Fig. 27A shows a state in which the first output signal is issued by the cylinder sensor 103. In this example, the current position indicates a distance between the two claws 2702. The first detection range 801, which defines a condition under which the first output signal is issued, is defined by a threshold of 100 mm and a width of 8 mm. Therefore, the cylinder sensor 103 issues the first output signal when the current position is 96 mm or more and 104 mm or less. While the first output signal is being issued, the output symbol 2705 is displayed in a color (example: blue) corresponding to the first output signal.

[0154] Fig. Figure 27B shows a state in which the second output signal is emitted by the cylinder sensor 103. The second detection range 802, which defines a condition under which the second output signal is emitted, is defined by a threshold of 60 mm and a width of 10 mm. Therefore, the cylinder sensor 103 emits the second output signal when the current position is 50 mm or more and 70 mm or less. While the second output signal is emitted, the output symbol 2705 is displayed in a color (example: orange) corresponding to the second output signal.

[0155] Fig. Figure 27C shows a state in which the third output signal is emitted by the cylinder sensor 103. A third detection range, which defines the condition under which the third output signal is emitted, is defined by a threshold of 30 mm and a width of 10 mm. Therefore, the cylinder sensor 103 emits the third output signal when the current position is 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less. While the third output signal is being emitted, the output symbol 2705 is displayed in a color (example: purple) corresponding to the third output signal. 15-3. Settings screen

[0156] Fig. Figure 28 shows an example of a settings screen displayed on the OLED display 2530 of the display panel 105. The display control unit 2516 displays the settings screen on the OLED display 2530 according to the screen template 2522. The signal selection units 2811, 2821, and 2831 are drop-down lists or similar for selecting one output signal from multiple output signals. The threshold input units 2812, 2822, and 2832 are input units for entering threshold values. When the user touches the threshold input units 2812, 2822, and 2832 with a finger or a stylus, the OLED display 2530 can assist the user in entering a numeric value by displaying a numeric keypad screen or an up / down adjustment button for numeric values.Alternatively, the numerical values ​​displayed on the threshold input units 2812, 2822, and 2832 can change in conjunction with the position information of the piston 402, which is output by the cylinder sensor 103. In this case, the user can open or close the two claws 2702 instead of entering a numerical value with their finger. The display control unit 2516 can change the numerical values ​​displayed on the threshold input units 2812, 2822, and 2832 based on the position information output by the cylinder sensor 103, according to the position of the claw 2702. This allows the user to determine a suitable threshold value by actuating the claw 2702.

[0157] Fig. Figure 29 shows another example of the settings screen displayed on the OLED display 2530 of the display panel 105. In this example, the display panel 105 can receive the position information output by the cylinder sensor 103, but does not display the position information.

[0158] The user selects the first output signal by pressing the signal selection unit 2811, moves the two claws 2702 with a finger, and stops the two claws 2702 at a position corresponding to the threshold of the first output signal. When a set button 2911 is pressed, the setting unit 2513 determines the current position of the claw 2702 as the threshold corresponding to the first output signal and stores the threshold in the setting information.

[0159] The user selects the second output signal by actuating the signal selection unit 2821, moves the two claws 2702, and stops them at a position corresponding to the threshold of the second output signal. The workpiece 2703 can then be clamped between the two claws 2702. When the set button 2921 is pressed, the setting unit 2513 determines the current position of the claw 2702 as the threshold corresponding to the second output signal and stores this threshold in the setting information.

[0160] The user operates the signal selection unit 2831 to select the third output signal, moves the two claws 2702, and stops them at a position corresponding to the threshold of the third output signal. In this case, the two claws 2702 are positioned in a fault condition. When the set button 2931 is pressed, the setting unit 2513 determines the current position of the claw 2702 as the threshold corresponding to the third output signal and stores this threshold in the setting information.

[0161] The setting unit 2513 writes the setting information to the cylinder sensor 103 via the valve system 101 and the relay amplifier 104. As a result, the cylinder sensor 103 can be set via the display panel 105. 15-3. Flowchart 15-3-1. Operating screen

[0162] Fig. Figure 30 illustrates a display control procedure of the operating screen, which is executed by the CPU 2501 of the display panel 105 according to the control program 2521.

[0163] In S3001, the CPU 2501 (display control unit 2516) reads the setting information from memory 2502.

[0164] In S3002, the CPU 2501 (display control unit 2516) reads the screen template 2522 determined by the setting information and displays the operating screen on the OLED display 2530 according to the screen template 2522. If the setting information does not exist, the display control unit 2516 can select a user-defined screen template 2522 from among the multiple screen templates 2522.

[0165] In S3003, the CPU 2501 displays the current position, which is indicated by the position information output by the cylinder sensor 103, on the operating screen. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 26, the display control unit 2516 changes the color of the position symbol 1701, which corresponds to the current position, displays the bar symbol 1801 with the length corresponding to the current position, displays the current position in the current position display area 2700, or displays the claw 2702 at the position corresponding to the current position.

[0166] In S3004, the CPU 2501 (display control unit 2516) determines whether an output signal has been received from the cylinder sensor 103. If the piston 402 or the claw 2702 is within a preset detection range, the cylinder sensor 103 outputs a signal corresponding to that range. If no signal is output, the CPU 2501 returns from S3004 to S3003. If the signal is output, the CPU 2501 continues from S3004 to S3005.

[0167] In S3005, the CPU 2501 (display control unit 2516) displays a state corresponding to the output signal on the OLED display 2530. For example, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 26, when the first output signal is sent, the display control unit 2516 changes the output symbol 1905 to a predetermined color. When the second output signal is sent, the display control unit 2516 changes the output symbol 1906 to a predetermined color. As shown in Figure 26, when the first output signal is sent, the display control unit 2516 changes the output symbol 1906 to a predetermined color. Fig. As shown in Figure 27A, when the first output signal is sent, the display control unit 2516 changes the output symbol 2705 to the color corresponding to the first output signal. The display control unit 2516 can display a message, threshold, width, and the like, corresponding to the first output signal, in the status display area 2720. As shown in Figure 27A. Fig. As shown in Figure 27B, when the second output signal is emitted, the display control unit 2516 changes the output symbol 2705 to the color corresponding to the second output signal. The display control unit 2516 can display a message, threshold, width, and the like corresponding to the second output signal in the status display area 2720. As shown in Figure 27B. Fig. As shown in diagram 27C, when the third output signal is sent, the display control unit 2516 changes the output symbol 2705 to the color corresponding to the third output signal. The display control unit 2516 can display a message, threshold, width, and the like corresponding to the third output signal in the status display area 2720.

[0168] In S3006, the CPU 2501 determines whether to instruct the power supply unit to shut down. If the power supply unit is not instructed to shut down, the CPU 2501 returns from S3006 to S3003. If the power supply unit is instructed to shut down, the CPU 2501 terminates the display control method and shuts down. 15-3-2. Settings screen

[0169] Fig. Figure 31 shows a display control method for the operating screen, which is executed by the CPU 2501 of the display panel 105 according to the control program 2521. When the touch sensor 2505 detects a setting start trigger (predetermined operation by the user), the CPU 2501 starts the setting processing according to the control program 2521.

[0170] In S3101, the CPU 2501 (display control unit 2516) displays the settings screen on the OLED display 2530 according to the screen template 2522 for the settings screen. The settings screen can be the one in Fig. 28 shown or the one in Fig. 29 are shown. Alternatively, the CPU 2501 can receive the selection of a user-desired settings screen from among the multiple settings screens and display the user-specified settings screen on the OLED display 2530.

[0171] In S3102, the CPU 2501 (setting unit 2513) receives the selection of an output signal to be set. For example, the setting unit 2513 receives the user's selection of an output signal from an output signal list displayed on the signal selection unit 2811.

[0172] In S3103, the CPU 2501 (setting unit 2513) receives the name of a threshold value to define the detection range. For example, the range setting unit 2534 receives a numerical value entered into the threshold input unit 2812 as a threshold value. For example, the range setting unit 2534 can receive the actual value output by the cylinder sensor 103 as a threshold value.

[0173] In S3104, the CPU 2501 (setting unit 2513) receives a width setting to define the detection area. For example, the width setting unit 2535 can receive a numerical value entered into a width input unit 2813 as the width. The width setting unit 2535 can cyclically switch the width according to a tap input to the touch sensor 2505.

[0174] In step S3105, the CPU 2501 (setting unit 2513) determines whether the completion of the setting has been instructed via the touch sensor 2505. For example, if the touch sensor 2505 detects that the setting completion button 2850 is being touched, the setting unit 2513 can determine that the completion of the setting has been instructed. If the completion of the setting has not been instructed, the CPU 2501 returns to step S3102 and receives the setting for the next output signal. If the completion of the setting has been instructed, the CPU 2501 proceeds to step S3106.

[0175] In S3106, the CPU 2501 (setting unit 2513) generates setting information that links the output signal with the detection range (threshold and width), stores the setting information in memory 2502 and transmits the setting information to the cylinder sensor 103. 16. Setting function in the relay amplifier

[0176] Fig. Figure 32 shows another example of the relay amplifier 104. The relay amplifier 104 includes a set button 3201, a left button 3202, a right button 3203, and a mode button 3204. Each of these buttons is configured to turn the corresponding operating switch 605 on or off, and the CPU 601 monitors the on / off states of the multiple operating switches 605.

[0177] Fig. Figure 33 shows a settings screen for adjusting the cylinder sensor 103. When it detects that the mode button 3204 is pressed for a long time, the settings unit 613 is activated. The settings unit 613 instructs the display control unit 616 to display the settings screen, and the display control unit 616 displays a settings screen 3300 on the OLED display 630 according to a screen template 622. This example assumes a case where there are three output signals. However, the number of output signals can be one or more. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 33, a screen displaying "Output 1 Setting" is initially shown. This indicates the setting for the first output signal. Pressing the right button 3203 in this state causes the OLED display 630 to show a setting screen for "Output 2 Setting," indicating the setting for the second output signal. Pressing the right button 3203 again in this state causes the OLED display 630 to show a setting screen for "Output 3 Setting," indicating the setting for the third output signal. Pressing the right button 3203 again in this state causes the OLED display 630 to show a setting screen for "Output 1 Setting." It should be noted that if a fourth output signal exists, the OLED display 630 will show a setting screen for "Output 4 Setting."

[0178] When a short press of the mode button 3204 is detected while the "Output 1 Setting" screen is displayed, the display control unit 616 shows a "Output 1 Threshold" setting screen on the OLED display 630. This means that the threshold of the detection range, which is a condition for the output of the first output signal, is set. If another short press of the mode button 3204 is detected in this state, the display control unit 616 shows a "Output 1 Detection Width" setting screen on the OLED display 630. This means that the width of the detection range, which is a condition for the output of the first output signal, is set.

[0179] When a short press of the mode button 3204 is detected while the "Output 2 Setting" screen is displayed, the display control unit 616 shows a "Output 2 Threshold" setting screen on the OLED display 630. This means that the threshold of the detection range, which is a condition for the output of the second output signal, is set. If another short press of the mode button 3204 is detected in this state, the display control unit 616 shows a "Output 2 Detection Width" setting screen on the OLED display 630. This means that the width of the detection range, which is a condition for the output of the second output signal, is set.It should be noted that if a short press of the right button 3203 is detected while the "Output 1 Threshold" settings screen is displayed, the display control unit 616 can display a "Output 2 Threshold" settings screen on the OLED display 630. Similarly, if a short press of the right button 3203 is detected while the "Output 1 Detection Width" settings screen is displayed, the display control unit 616 can display a "Output 2 Detection Width" settings screen on the OLED display 630. Pressing the left button 3202 will restore the original screen.

[0180] When a brief press of the mode button 3204 is detected while the "Output 3 Setting" screen is displayed, the display control unit 616 shows a "Output 3 Threshold" setting screen on the OLED display 630. This indicates that the threshold of the detection range, which is a condition for the output of the third output signal, is being set. If another brief press of the mode button 3204 is detected in this state, the display control unit 616 shows a "Output 3 Detection Width" setting screen on the OLED display 630. This indicates that the width of the detection range, which is a condition for the output of the third output signal, is being set.It should be noted that if a short press of the right button 3203 is detected while the "Output 2 Threshold" settings screen is displayed, the display control unit 616 can display a "Output 3 Threshold" settings screen on the OLED display 630. Similarly, if a short press of the right button 3203 is detected while the "Output 2 Detection Width" settings screen is displayed, the display control unit 616 can display a "Output 3 Detection Width" settings screen on the OLED display 630. Pressing the left button 3202 will display the original screen.

[0181] Fig. 34 indicates a state in which the threshold of the i-th output signal is set. i is an integer such as 1, 2, or 3. When a long press of the mode button 3204 is detected while the "Output i Threshold" screen is displayed, the display control unit 616 displays a screen with "Output i Numeric Value + Unit." Here, the numeric value is an initial value or a previously set value. The unit is also an initial value or a previously set unit. The unit can be fixed. The user briefly presses the left button 3202 or the right button 3203 to set a threshold to define the detection range. The display control unit 616 can decrease the numeric value each time a short press of the left button 3202 is detected. The display control unit 616 can increase the numeric value each time a short press of the right button 3203 is detected.When it is detected that the Set button 3201 is being pressed, the range setting unit 634 determines the currently displayed numerical value as the threshold of the i-th detection range and stores the threshold in the setting information. When the setting is completed by pressing the Set button 3201, the display control unit 616 returns to the "Output i Threshold" screen, which is the original screen. Note that confirming a numerical value and completing the setting can be instructed by pressing and holding the Mode button 3204 instead of the Set button 3201.

[0182] Fig. Figure 35 illustrates the interaction between the settings screen displayed on the relay amplifier 104 and the symbol displayed on the cylinder sensor 103. The settings unit 613 can transmit the threshold value displayed on the settings screen to the cylinder sensor 103 in real time. At this time, the settings unit 613 can also transmit the previously set width to the cylinder sensor 103. The CPU 501 of the cylinder sensor 103 switches on the multiple LEDs 305 corresponding to the threshold value and width received from the relay amplifier 104. According to this example, since the threshold value is 12.90 mm, the second, third, and fourth LEDs 305 from the right among the multiple LEDs 305 are switched on. It should be noted that the CPU 501 can also switch on the LED 305 corresponding to the current position of the piston 402.As a result, the user can set the detection range using the current position of piston 402 as a guideline.

[0183] The threshold reaches 6.90 mm when the user briefly presses the left button 3202 several times. Since the setting unit 613 transmits the threshold displayed on the setting screen to the cylinder sensor 103 in real time, the LEDs 305 that are to be switched on in the cylinder sensor 103 also gradually shift to the LEDs 305 on the left side. Fig. In a case where the threshold is 6.90 mm, the seventh, eighth and ninth LED 305 from the right are switched on.

[0184] The threshold reaches 4.62 mm when the user briefly presses the left-facing button 3202 several times. Since the setting unit 613 transmits the threshold displayed on the setting screen to the cylinder sensor 103 in real time, the LEDs 305 that are to be illuminated in the cylinder sensor 103 also gradually shift to the LEDs 305 on the left side. Fig. In a case where the threshold is 4.62 mm, the twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth LEDs 305 from the right are illuminated. It should be noted that the current position of the piston 402 corresponds to the position of the twelfth LED 305. Therefore, the display control unit 516 can illuminate the twelfth LED 305 in a color that indicates both the detection range 801 and the current position of the piston 402.

[0185] Fig. Figure 36 illustrates a state in which the detection width of the i-th output signal is set. i is an integer such as 1, 2, or 3. When a long press of the mode button 3204 is detected while the "Output i Detection Width" screen is displayed, the display control unit 616 displays a "Output i Numeric Value + Unit" screen. Here, the numeric value is an initial value or a previously set value. The unit is an initial value or a previously set unit. The unit can be fixed. The user briefly presses the left button 3202 or the right button 3203 to set a width to define the detection range. The display control unit 616 decreases the numeric value each time the short press of the left button 3202 is detected. The display control unit 616 increases the numeric value each time the short press of the right button 3203 is detected.When it is detected that the Set button 3201 is being pressed, the range setting unit 634 determines the currently displayed numerical value as the width of the i-th detection range and stores this width in the setting information. When the setting is completed by pressing the Set button 3201, the display control unit 616 returns to the "Output i Detection Width" screen, which is the original screen. It should be noted that confirming a numerical value and completing the setting can also be initiated by pressing and holding the Mode button 3204 instead of the Set button 3201.

[0186] Fig. Figure 37 illustrates the interaction between the settings screen displayed on the relay amplifier 104 and the symbol displayed on the cylinder sensor 103. The settings unit 613 can transmit the width displayed on the settings screen to the cylinder sensor 103 in real time. At the same time, the settings unit 613 can also transmit the previously set threshold value to the cylinder sensor 103. The CPU 501 of the cylinder sensor 103 switches on the multiple LEDs 305 according to the threshold value and the width received from the relay amplifier 104. In this example, the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth LEDs 305 from the right are switched on because the threshold value is 4.20 mm and the width is 4 mm. It should be noted that the CPU 501 can also switch on the LEDs 305 according to the current position of the piston 402.

[0187] When the user briefly presses the left button 3202 or the right button 3203, the display control unit 616 cycles the width between 4 mm and 8 mm. When the width is set to 8.00 mm, the eleventh to fourteenth LEDs 305 from the right are illuminated. As described above, the setting operation in the relay amplifier 104 and the display of the symbol in the cylinder sensor 103 can be linked together.

[0188] In the embodiment described above, the setting is completed by pressing the set button 3201, but the setting can also be completed by pressing and holding the mode button 3204. In this case, the set button 3201 can function as an immediate setting reflection button, transmitting the set numerical value to the cylinder sensor 103 in real time and causing the cylinder sensor 103 to use the numerical value.

[0189] Fig. Figure 38 is a flowchart illustrating a setting method executed in the relay amplifier 104 by the CPU 601 according to the control program 621. Upon detection of a long press of the mode button 3204, the CPU 601 switches from operating mode to setting mode. At this point, the CPU 601 can instruct the cylinder sensor 103 to switch from operating mode to setting mode.

[0190] In S3801, the CPU 601 (settings unit 613 and display control unit 616) displays an initial screen on the OLED display 630. As in Fig. As indicated in section 33, the initial screen can be a selection screen for an output signal. Alternatively, the initial screen can be a separately prepared main screen.

[0191] In S3802, the CPU 601 (setting unit 613 and display control unit 616) receives the selection of the output signal. As in Fig. As indicated in Figure 33, the user presses the left button 3202, the right button 3203, and the mode button 3204 to select a desired output signal from the multitude of available output signals. The display control unit 616 shows a settings screen for the selected output signal on the OLED display 630.

[0192] In S3803, the CPU 601 (setting unit 613 and display control unit 616) receives the selection of a setting target. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 33, the user presses the left button 3202, the right button 3203, and the mode button 3204 to select a threshold or width. A lighting color or display color for each detection area can be selected as the setting target. As described above, the selection target can be a parameter other than the threshold or width.

[0193] In S3804, CPU 601 (setting unit 613) determines whether a start operation for setting has been entered. The start operation for setting can be, for example, pressing and holding the mode key 3204. As in Fig. 34 and Fig. As indicated in section 36, if a long press of mode key 3204 is detected, the CPU 601 switches from S3804 to S3805. If the long press of mode key 3204 is not detected, the CPU 601 returns from S3804 to S3803.

[0194] In S3805, the CPU 601 (setting unit 613 and display control unit 616) displays the settings screen of the selected setting target on the OLED display 630 and receives a numerical input. The settings screen is either a threshold or a width setting screen. Therefore, the entered numerical value is either a threshold or a width. The numerical value can be entered, for example, using the right button 3203 or the left button 3202.

[0195] In S3806, CPU 601 (setting unit 613) determines whether the numerical value has been changed. If the numerical value is changed by the left key 3202 or the right key 3203, CPU 601 moves from S3806 to S3807. If the numerical value has not been changed, CPU 601 moves from S3806 to S3808.

[0196] In S3807, the CPU 601 (setting unit 613) transmits the user-defined numerical value to the cylinder sensor 103 via the communication circuit 604. Upon receiving the numerical value, the CPU 501 (display control unit 516) of the cylinder sensor 103 reflects the received numerical value onto the symbol display unit 505. As described above, the multiple LEDs 305 corresponding to the received threshold and width are illuminated.

[0197] In S3808, CPU 601 (setting unit 613) determines whether an acknowledgment operation has been entered. The acknowledgment operation could be, for example, pressing the set key 3201. If the acknowledgment operation has not been entered, CPU 601 returns from S3808 to S3805. If the acknowledgment operation has been entered, CPU 601 moves from S3808 to S3809.

[0198] In S3809, the CPU 601 (setting unit 613 and display control unit 616) returns from the numerical value setting screen to the original screen (signal selection screen). During the transition from the setting screen to the original screen, the display control unit 616 can display a confirmation symbol on the OLED display 630, indicating that the set value has been confirmed.

[0199] In S3810, CPU 601 (setting unit 613) determines whether a setting completion operation has been entered. The setting completion operation could be, for example, pressing and holding the mode key 3204. If the setting completion operation has not been entered, CPU 601 returns from S3810 to S3802. If the setting completion operation has been entered, CPU 601 moves from S3810 to S3811.

[0200] In S3811, the CPU 601 (setting unit 613) stores the setting information, including the threshold and width input for each output signal, via the setting screen in memory 602 and transmits the setting information to the cylinder sensor 103. When the cylinder sensor 103 receives the setting information, it stores the setting information in memory 502. 17. Setting method in the display unit

[0201] Although Fig. 32, Fig. 33, Fig. 34, Fig. 35, Fig. 36, Fig. 37 to Fig. 38 mainly represents the setting method in the relay amplifier 104, this is only one example. Fig. 32, Fig. 33, Fig. 34, Fig. 35, Fig. 36, Fig. 37 to Fig. 38 can be understood as a setting method in the display unit 105. In this case, the set button 3201, the left button 3202, the right button 3203, and the mode button 3204 are button objects that are displayed on the OLED display 2530 and can be implemented as button objects whose touch is detected by the touch sensor 2505. In addition, the processing by the CPU 601, which is related to Fig. 32, Fig. 33, Fig. 34, Fig. 35, Fig. 36, Fig. 37 to Fig. Reference numbers 38, as described, are read as processed by the CPU 2501. The OLED display 630 is read as OLED display 2530. Reference numbers of other components are read similarly.

[0202] Furthermore, since the display panel 105 can communicate directly or indirectly with the cylinder sensor 103 via the control unit 121 and the relay amplifier 104 of the valve system 101, the symbol display in setting mode can also function. Direct communication here refers to communication where the address of the cylinder sensor 103 can be determined as the destination of a communication signal. Indirect communication refers to communication where information regarding the cylinder sensor 103 can be acquired from a communication device by communicating directly or indirectly with the communication device (examples: the valve system 101, the relay amplifier 104) that is interposed between the display panel 105 and the cylinder sensor 103.For example, the control unit 121 receives the output signal transmitted by the cylinder sensor 103 via the relay amplifier 104 and stores the logic of each output signal in memory. The display panel 105 can acquire the logic of each output signal by assigning a memory location (examples: a variable, a device, an address) to each output signal. It should be noted that the output signal can be an analog value.

[0203] Even in a case where the display panel 105 transmits the setting information to the cylinder sensor 103, either the direct or the indirect communication method is used. With the indirect communication method, the display panel 105 writes the threshold value to a secure memory area to store it. When the control unit 121 detects the write to the memory area, it reads the threshold value from the area and transmits it to the cylinder sensor 103. Similarly, the display panel 105 writes the width to a secure memory area to store the width of the detection range. When the control unit 121 detects the write to the memory area, it reads the width from the area and transmits it to the cylinder sensor 103. In this way, the display panel 105 and the cylinder sensor 103 can communicate indirectly with each other. 18. Summary

[0204] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the position sensor system 100 detects the position of the displacement body (example: the piston 402), which is movable parallel to the first direction (example: the longitudinal direction of the air cylinder 102). The cylinder sensor 103 is an example of a detection unit that generates a detection signal according to the position of the magnet 403 provided in the displacement body. The CPU 501 and the position determination unit 512 are examples of a position determination unit that specifies the position of the displacement body in the first direction based on the detection signal generated by the detection unit. ... Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the housing 200 is an example of a housing that accommodates at least part of the detection unit and extends along the first direction. The symbol display unit 505 is an example of a display unit that includes several display elements (examples: the LEDs 305, the display elements of the OLED display 630) arranged in the housing 200 at different positions along the first direction and displays a symbol that indicates a position of the displacement body along the first direction.The CPU 501 and the display control unit 516 are examples of a display control unit that controls the display unit to show information in different modes by displaying symbols at different positions on the multiple display elements: the first state, in which the displacer exists at the first position (example: a left end of the detectable area), corresponding to one end segment of the displacement area; the second state, in which the displacer exists at the second position (example: a right end of the detectable area), corresponding to the other end segment of the displacement area; and the intermediate state, in which the displacer exists at the intermediate position between the first and second positions. It should be noted that each of the end segments can be an outermost position or an inner position instead of the outermost position.

[0205] According to the embodiment, not only the first state and the second state, but also the intermediate state between the first state and the second state can be displayed, thus facilitating the assembly work of the position sensor system 100.

[0206] How Fig. 2 and Fig. As indicated in Figure 3, the external input port 503 and the external output port 506 are examples of a signal interface unit provided at the end section of the housing 200. The CPU 501 and the output unit 517 are examples of an output unit that outputs position-related information (examples: an analog value indicating the position of the piston 402, a digital value such as the first output signal and the second output signal) based on the position specified by the position determination unit 512 via the signal interface unit. By outputting the position-related information to the relay amplifier 104 and the valve system 101 in this way, it is possible to display the position-related information in the relay amplifier 104 and to control the valve 122 based on the position-related information in the valve system 101.

[0207] The plurality of display elements can comprise at least three or more light sources (examples: the LEDs 305, the display pixels of the OLED display 630) arranged along the first direction. The plurality of display elements can comprise at least four or more light sources (examples: the LEDs 305, the display pixels of the OLED display 630) arranged along the first direction. The display control unit 516 can control the plurality of display elements to show, in different modes, an intermediate state in which the displacer body exists at the third position as an intermediate position, and another intermediate state in which the displacer body exists at the fourth position as an intermediate position.For example, the display control unit 516 can express the intermediate state in which the displacer body exists at the third position in a first color and display another intermediate state in which the displacer body exists at the fourth position in a second color.

[0208] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the detection unit (example: the cylinder sensor 103) can comprise a variety of magnetic detection elements (example: the Hall elements 304) arranged along the first direction.

[0209] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the multiple magnetic detection elements can be arranged at a first distance (example: 4 mm or more and 6 mm or less). The multiple display elements (examples: the LEDs 305, the position indicator 1701) can be arranged at a second distance that is shorter than the first. For example, the second distance can be less than 10 mm and 1 mm or more. Alternatively, the second distance can be less than 4 mm and 2 mm or more.

[0210] As from Fig. 14A and Fig. As indicated in 14B, the display control unit 516 can display the first state, the second state, and the intermediate state using a variable bar, which is implemented by several display elements. As shown in Fig. 16A and Fig. 16B as well Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the display control unit 516 can display the position of the displacement body using the bar symbol 1801.

[0211] As in Fig. 14A and Fig. As indicated in 14B, the display control unit 516 can change the length of the bar by controlling the number of light sources to be switched on among the multiple light sources (examples: the LEDs 305, the display elements of the OLED display 630).

[0212] The display control unit 516 can control the display unit (examples: the LEDs 305, the OLED display 630) to show the first state, the second state, and the intermediate state in different colors. This allows the user to clearly distinguish the three states.

[0213] The output unit 517 can output the first output signal when the displacement body is in the first detection area 801, which includes the first position, and can output the second output signal when the displacement body is in the second detection area 802, which includes the second position.

[0214] Setting unit 513 is an example of a teaching unit that performs a teach-in, which is a process for setting the first detection area 801 and the second detection area 802 according to a user instruction.

[0215] As with reference to Fig. As described in section 12, the control switch 202 and the control switch 303 are examples of the input unit into which the first operation is entered. The setting unit 513 can start the setting of the first detection range 801 when the first operation (example: a long press of the control switch 202 for 2 seconds) is entered into the input unit. The setting unit 513 can confirm the first detection range 801 based on the first position where the displacement body exists and the predetermined width when the second operation (example: a long press of the control switch 202 for 2 seconds) is entered into the input unit.

[0216] When the first operation is entered into the input unit after the first detection area 801 has been confirmed, the setting unit 513 can begin setting the second detection area 802. The setting unit 513 can confirm the second detection area 802 based on the second position where the displacement body exists and the specified width when the second operation is entered into the input unit. It should be noted that the confirmation operation of the first detection area 801 can also be used as the starting operation for setting the second detection area 802. Consequently, the user can continuously set the first detection area 801 and the second detection area 802.

[0217] The number of detection zones and output signals can now be three or more. Output unit 517 can output the third signal when the displacement body is located within the third detection zone, which encompasses the third position. If the first operation is entered into the input unit after the second detection zone has been confirmed, setting unit 513 can begin setting the third detection zone. Setting unit 513 can confirm the third detection zone based on the third position of the displacement body and the specified width when the second operation is entered into the input unit. This enables the so-called three-point output. Here, three-point output means that an output signal is sent corresponding to three positions of the displacement body.For example, in a case where the displacement body is a gripper (chuck) that grasps or releases an object, a state in which two claws are open, a state in which two claws are grasping an object, and a state in which two claws cannot grasp an object (failure state) can be realized by the position of piston 402, which opens and closes the claws. In this case, three detection ranges and three corresponding output signals are set to identify the three states.

[0218] The setting unit 513 can include the width setting unit 515, which sets a predetermined width according to an instruction input from the input unit. As with reference to Fig. 14A and Fig. As described in 14B, the width adjustment unit 515 can switch the width each time the control switch 202 is briefly pressed in adjustment mode.

[0219] As with reference to Fig. As described in section 13, when the first operation is entered into the input unit, the setting unit 513 can reset (completely delete) the first detection area 801 and the second detection area 802. Resetting the detection area with such a simple operation simplifies the reset process.

[0220] The symbol display unit 505 can further include the first display element (example: the first output LED 205), which indicates that the first output signal is being output, and the second display element (example: the second output LED 206), which indicates that the second output signal is being output.

[0221] As in Fig. As shown in 8A to 8C and the like, the symbol display unit 505 can change the position of the symbol indicating the position of the displacement body in conjunction with the movement of the displacement body. This facilitates the assembly of the cylinder sensor 103.

[0222] The detection unit (example: the cylinder sensor 103) can be operated by supplying it with power via a relay device (example: the relay amplifier 104) that is installed between a moving device (example: the valve system 101) that moves the displacement body and the housing 200.

[0223] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, housing 200 is an example of a first housing that contains at least part of the detection unit and extends along the first direction. Housing 1900 of the relay amplifier 104 and housing 2500 of the display panel 105 are examples of a second housing that is connected to the first housing via a cable (examples: the IO-Link cable, the Ethernet cable). The operating switch 605 and the touch sensor 2505 are examples of an input unit that is provided in the second housing and receives an operating input.The OLED displays 630 and 2530 are examples of a display unit provided in the second housing, comprising several display elements (example: display pixels) arranged in the second housing at different positions along a second direction corresponding to the first direction, and displaying a position symbol indicating a position of the displacement body along the first direction, and a threshold symbol indicating a position of a threshold.The display control units 616 and 2516 can be provided in the second housing and control the display unit to display in different modes by showing the position symbol at different positions on the multiple display elements, a first state in which the displacement body exists at a first position corresponding to one end section of the displacement range, a second state in which the displacement body exists at a second position corresponding to the other end section of the displacement range, and an intermediate state in which the displacement body exists at an intermediate position between the first position and the second position, and can control the display unit to display the threshold symbol at different positions on the multiple display elements according to the threshold set according to the operator input received via the input unit.This simplifies the assembly work of the 100 position sensor system.

[0224] The multitude of display elements can comprise at least three or more light sources (example: the display pixels of the OLED displays 630 and 2530) arranged along the first direction. The multitude of display elements can comprise at least four or more light sources (example: the display pixels of the OLED displays 630 and 2530) arranged along the first direction. The display control units 616 and 2516 can display, in different modes, an intermediate state in which the displacer body exists at the third position as an intermediate position, and another intermediate state in which the displacer body exists at the fourth position as an intermediate position. As in Fig. As shown in diagram 19A, the number of position symbols (1701) can be four or more. For example, the N position symbols (1701) can distinguish between the N positions.

[0225] The display control units 616 and 2516 can control the display unit to show the first state, the second state, and the intermediate state using a variable bar (for example, bar symbol 1801), which is implemented using a multitude of display elements. Since the OLED displays 630 and 2530 comprise a large number of display pixels, bar symbol 1801 can be displayed. Bar symbol 1801 can show the position of piston 402 in greater detail compared to the multitude of LEDs 305.

[0226] The plurality of display elements can be a plurality of light sources (display pixels). The display control units 616 and 2516 can change the length of the bar by controlling the number of light sources to be switched on among the plurality of light sources.

[0227] As in Fig. 20A to 20C and Fig. As shown in figures 28A to 28C, the display control units 616 and 2516 can display a settings screen for setting a threshold value according to an operator input received via the input unit. As shown in Fig. Displayed as 20A to 20C, 28A to 28C and 29A to 29C, the display control units 616 and 2516 can control the display unit to show the first state, second state and intermediate state in different modes on the settings screen.

[0228] The second housing (examples: housings 1900 and 2500) can also contain a memory unit (examples: memory 602 and 2502) that stores screen template information (examples: screen templates 622 and 2522) for displaying the settings screen. The display control units 616 and 2516 can read the screen template information from the memory unit and display the settings screen on the display unit.

[0229] The second enclosure (examples: enclosures 1900 and 2500) may also include a power supply unit (examples: power supply connectors 607 and 2507) that supplies power to the first enclosure.

[0230] The output unit 517 can output the signal if the position of the displacement body exceeds the threshold. For example, the output unit 517 can output the signal if the displacement body is within the detection range, which is determined by the threshold and the width.

[0231] The setting units 613 and 2513 can function as teaching units, performing teach-in, which is the processing of a threshold setting according to a user instruction. The output unit 517 can be configured to output the signal when the displacement body is within the detection range defined by the threshold and width. The second housing can also include width setting units 635 and 2535, which adjust the width.

[0232] The first housing (example: housing 200) can further include: a second display unit (example: LED 305), which comprises the plurality of display elements arranged in the first housing at positions different from each other along the first direction, and displays the position symbol and the threshold symbol; and a second display control unit (example: display control unit 516), which controls the second display unit to display in different modes by showing the position symbol at different positions on the plurality of display elements of the second display unit, the first state, the second state and the intermediate state, and controls the second display unit to display the threshold symbol at different positions on the plurality of display elements of the second display unit.As described above, the air cylinder 102, the relay amplifier 104, and the display panel 105 each indicate the position of the piston 402 of the air cylinder 102. Therefore, the display content shown on the display unit (examples: the OLED displays 630 and 2530) provided in the second housing and the display content shown on the second display unit (example: the LED 305) can be linked.

[0233] The CPU 501 (position determination unit 512, display control unit 616 or output unit 517) can function as a determination unit that generates determination information (example: an output signal indicating whether the current position of the displacement body is contained in the detection range) based on the position of the displacement body (examples: the piston 402, the claw 2702) along the first direction and the preset detection range (examples: the first detection range 801, the second detection range 802), or can include the determination unit.CPUs 501 and 601 and setting units 513 and 613 are examples of a setting unit in which the positions (e.g., the thresholds) of the first region (e.g., the first detection area 801) and the second region (e.g., the second detection area 802), which are defined as detection areas, are adjustable, and at least one of the number or width of the detection areas is adjustable. As a result, the assembly of the 100 position sensor system is simplified. It should be noted that the number of detection areas changes according to the number of detection areas defined in the setting mode. Furthermore, it is possible to increase the variety of workpieces 2703 that can be gripped by the 2701 chuck. This means that by adjusting the width of the detection area according to the size of the workpiece 2703 gripped by the chuck 2701, the chuck 2701 can grip the workpiece 2703 more reliably.The chuck 2701 can be used to inspect the size of the workpiece 2703. In this case, the CPU 501 outputs a signal indicating successful inspection or a signal indicating a defect, depending on whether the positions of the two jaws 2702 of the chuck 2701 are within the detection range when the workpiece 2703 is gripped. In cases where the required tolerance for the workpiece 2703 is tight, the detection range can be narrowed. In the air cylinder 102, where the stroke (movable range) of the piston 402 is short, the piston 402 can be positioned with greater accuracy by narrowing the detection range.

[0234] The symbol display unit 505 and the OLED displays 630 and 2530 are examples of a display unit that shows the position of the displacement body along the first direction and the detection range. As shown in the embodiment described above, the display unit can graphically display the position of the displacement body and the detection range. Graphical display means a display mode that allows the user to understand the position of the displacement body and the detection range by means of symbols, without relying solely on characters and numerical values.

[0235] Housing 200 is an example of a first housing that contains the detection unit, the positioning unit, and the determination unit. Housings 1900 and 2500 are examples of a second housing that contains the setting unit. In this case, the display unit (examples: the OLED displays 630 and 2530) is provided in the second housing.

[0236] The second housing (example: housing 1900) can be a housing of a relay device (example: relay amplifier 104) which is connected to the first housing via a cable (example: IO-Link cable 113) and also via another cable (example: IO-Link cable 112) to a control unit that controls the displacement body.

[0237] The display unit (example: the OLED display 2530) can be a display panel 105 connected to a specific communication port 123 provided in a control device (example: the control unit 121 of the valve system 101) that controls the displacement body.

[0238] Output units 517 and 617 are examples of an output unit that outputs a predetermined signal when the position of the displacement body is within the detection range. Setting units 613 and 2513 can define a threshold and width to define the detection range.

[0239] As in Fig. 28, Fig. 29 and Fig. As shown in Figure 33, the setting units 613 and 2513 can define the first region for detecting whether the displacer body exists at the first position within the displacement area or not, the second region for detecting whether the displacer body exists at the second position within the displacement area or not, and the third region for detecting whether the displacer body exists at the intermediate position between the first position and the second position or not.

[0240] The displacement body can be a variety of jaws 2702 provided on the chuck 2701 to grip the workpiece 2703. For example, as shown in Fig. 28 and Fig. Figure 29 shows the first position as a position in which the plurality of claws is open. The second position can be a position in which the plurality of claws is closed. The intermediate position can be a position in which the plurality of claws grips the workpiece 2703.

[0241] The displacement body can be the piston 402 in the air cylinder 102.

[0242] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 37 and similar diagrams, the setting units 613 and 2513 can define a width candidate for the detection range from several possible widths, according to the user's operation (examples: 4.0 mm, 8.0 mm). It should be noted that the width can be changed in finer increments by pressing the right button 3203 or the left button 3202 (example: 4.1 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.4 mm ... 7.9 mm, 8.0 mm).

[0243] As with reference to Fig. As described in section 38, the setting units 613 and 2513 can define both the number and the width of the detection ranges. For example, the number is one if only the detection range associated with the first output signal is defined. The number is two if the detection ranges associated with the first and second output signals are defined. The number is three if the detection ranges associated with the first, second, and third output signals are defined. The number is N if the detection ranges associated with the N output signals are defined. 19. Other modifications(1) External interface 5060

[0244] In the Fig. In the control system of the cylinder sensor 103 shown in Figure 5, the output unit 517 outputs the position information, which indicates the position of the piston 402 specified by the position determination unit 512, to the relay amplifier 104 via the external output port 506 and the IO-Link cable 113. As shown in Figure 5, the control system of the cylinder sensor 103 is as follows: Fig. As shown in Figure 39, the external output port 506 can, for example, be changed to an external interface 5060.

[0245] In Fig. Figure 39 shows that the external interface 5060 comprises a control output circuit 5060a for sending a control output such as on / off to a programmable logic controller (PLC), a communication circuit 5060b for sending position information, setting information, and the like to the relay amplifier 104 and an I / O-Link master (not shown), and an external output terminal 5060c. Here, one external output terminal 5060c is shared by the control output circuit 5060a and the communication circuit 5060b, but this is only an example. Two external output terminals 5060c can be provided separately. In this case, the control output circuit 5060a and the communication circuit 5060b can each use individual external output terminals 5060c, corresponding to each other.

[0246] The control output circuit 5060a is a circuit with the function of converting a voltage value (for example, 3.3 V) output by the output unit 517, indicating a control output, into a desired voltage level (for example, 24 V). Furthermore, the communication circuit 5060b is a circuit with the function of converting a voltage value (for example, 3.3 V) output by the output unit 517, indicating position-related information or the like, into a desired voltage level (for example, 24 V).

[0247] Furthermore, it is in Fig. 39. Since the control output circuit 5060a and the communication circuit 5060b are physically implemented by an integrated circuit, it is possible to improve the user-friendliness of the cylinder sensor 103 while keeping manufacturing costs low. Furthermore, since the cylinder sensor 103 is often attached to a gripper (chuck) or other moving part, it is necessary to reduce its size as much as possible. By physically separating the control output circuit 5060a and the communication circuit 5060b, the size of the cylinder sensor 103 can be reduced. More precisely, in a case where a threshold value or similar is set for the cylinder sensor 103, the relay amplifier 104 is connected to the cylinder sensor 103. In this case, the cylinder sensor 103 can communicate with the relay amplifier 104 via the communication circuit 5060b of the external interface 5060.On the other hand, in a case where the control output is transmitted to the PLC, the relay amplifier 104 can be disconnected from the cylinder sensor 103, and the cylinder sensor 103 and the PLC can be connected directly. In this case, the cylinder sensor 103 can transmit the control output to the PLC via the control output circuit 5060a of the external interface 5060. (2) I / O Link Master 1041

[0248] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of the position sensor system 100 in which the cylinder sensor 103 is connected to the valve system 101 via the relay amplifier 104. The present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, as shown in Figure 1, the invention can be used in the following ways: Fig. As shown in 40A, the cylinder sensor 103 can also be connected to the PLC 1042 via the I / O-Link master 1041.

[0249] The I / O-Link Master 1041 functions as a relay device, connecting a sensor and an actuator located remotely from the PLC 1042 to a network (e.g., Ethernet (registered trademark)) to which the PLC 1042 is connected, and relaying the sensor and actuator measurement results to the PLC 1042. The I / O-Link Master 1041 includes a CPU, a memory device, a relay memory (for temporary storage), a communication circuit, and other components to implement this relay function. The I / O-Link Master 1041 communicates with the cylinder sensor 103 according to a predefined communication protocol (e.g., IEC 61131-9), receives identification information and measurement results, and stores the identification information and measurement results in a relay memory. The measurement results are received cyclically (periodically) and transmitted to the PLC 1042 via the relay memory.When the PLC 1042 performs an input / output update, the I / O-Link master 1041 transmits the measurement results stored in the relay memory to the PLC 1042. It should be noted that the first cycle (acquisition cycle), in which the I / O-Link master 1041 acquires information from the cylinder sensor 103, and the second cycle (control cycle), in which the I / O-Link master 1041 transmits information to the PLC 1042, can be the same or different. If the first cycle is longer than the second cycle, the amount of data acquired by the PLC 1042 will be relatively small, and the data processing load on the PLC 1042 will be low. In a case where the first cycle is shorter than the second cycle, the PLC 1042 can acquire the value of the cylinder sensor 103 without missing the value, but the same value is acquired multiple times, and the load on the PLC 1042 increases.

[0250] In Fig. 40A The cylinder sensor 103 generates process data (position-related information, etc.) such as position-related information in each predetermined measurement cycle according to a predetermined output format and transmits the process data to the I / O-Link master 1041. As described above, the PLC 1042 communicates with the I / O-Link master 1041 via an industrial network. The PLC 1042 receives the position-related information measured by the cylinder sensor 103 via the I / O-Link master 1041 and stores the position-related information in a predetermined memory area (data storage, relay device, word device, etc.). The PLC 1042 can either perform cyclic communication to acquire data from the I / O-Link master 1041 in each predetermined communication cycle or message communication to acquire data as a response by transmitting a command.

[0251] On the other hand, as in Fig. Figure 40B shows a case in which the cylinder sensor 103 is connected to the relay amplifier 104, and the relay amplifier 104 is connected to a mobile battery 1040. In this case, the external interface 5060 (communication circuit 5060b) of the cylinder sensor 103 described above communicates with the relay amplifier 104.

[0252] In a case where the cylinder sensor 103 is connected to the PLC 1042 (via the I / O-Link master 1041), as in Fig. As shown in diagram 40A, the control output circuit 5060a of the external interface 5060 of the cylinder sensor 103 functions. On the other hand, in a case where the cylinder sensor 103 is connected to the relay amplifier 104, it functions as shown in diagram 40A. Fig. Figure 40B shows the communication circuit 5060b of the external interface 5060 of the cylinder sensor 103. In this way, the cylinder sensor 103 can be miniaturized by sharing the external interface 5060. Furthermore, as described above, the physically identical design of the control output circuit 5060a and the communication circuit 5060b contributes to a further miniaturization of the cylinder sensor 103.

[0253] Here, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 40B, the relay amplifier 104 is connected to the mobile battery 1040. The relay amplifier 104 can, for example, include a voltage request unit 6070 and a voltage converter 6071, as shown in Figure 40B. Fig.Figure 41 shows the voltage request unit 6070 requesting a desired voltage (for example, 5 V) from the mobile battery 1040. In response to this request, the mobile battery 1040 supplies the desired voltage (predetermined voltage) to the relay amplifier 104. Furthermore, the voltage converter 6071 converts the voltage supplied by the mobile battery 1040 into an optimal voltage for supplying the cylinder sensor 103. The relay amplifier 104 can also function as a power supply unit for communication. (3) Error handling

[0254] The next modification describes the fault handling in a case where the cylinder sensor 103 is disconnected from the relay amplifier 104 and then the cylinder sensor 103 is reconnected to the relay amplifier 104.

[0255] First, a procedure is described for determining that the cylinder sensor 103 is connected to the relay amplifier 104. To enable the cylinder sensor 103 to recognize that it is connected to the relay amplifier 104 and to establish communication via an output line, the relay amplifier 104 applies a pulse of a specific duration to the cylinder sensor 103 via the output line, thereby switching the cylinder sensor 103 into a communication mode. Communication is then initiated from the relay amplifier 104, so that the cylinder sensor 103 returns a response, and communication becomes possible.

[0256] In this case, where cylinder sensor 103 is disconnected from relay amplifier 104, a communication error is assumed if no feedback is received from cylinder sensor 103 regarding the transmission from relay amplifier 104 to cylinder sensor 103 within a certain time. The transmission from relay amplifier 104 to cylinder sensor 103 can be repeated several times until it is determined that a communication error has occurred.

[0257] Next, the processing is described for the case in which the cylinder sensor 103 is disconnected from the relay amplifier 104 and then reconnected. For example, the following processing methods are conceivable: Pattern 1) To restore communication, the cylinder sensor 103 is switched to communication mode by applying a pulse of a specific duration from the relay amplifier 104. Afterward, the cylinder sensor 103 communicates with the relay amplifier 104 to enable transmission and reception. Pattern 2) The cylinder sensor 103 is switched to communication mode by a specific user operation (for example, pressing a button on the relay amplifier 104) without attempting to automatically restore communication from the relay amplifier 104.

[0258] Examples of other anomaly processing include a detection error of the magnetic flux density. Since a threshold value of the magnetic flux density is maintained on the side of a cylinder sensor 103, it can be determined whether the magnetic flux density detected by the cylinder sensor 103 is within a predetermined threshold range or not, and the determination result can be transmitted to the relay amplifier 104.

[0259] The invention is not limited to the embodiments mentioned above, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the nature of the invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2003-240531A [0002, 0003, 0004]

Claims

A position sensor system configured to detect the position of a displacement body movable parallel to a first direction, the position sensor system comprising: a detection unit configured to generate a detection signal corresponding to the position of a magnet provided on the displacement body; a position determination unit configured to specify a position of the displacement body in the first direction based on the detection signal generated by the detection unit; and a determination unit configured to generate determination information based on a position of the displacement body along the first direction specified by the position determination unit and predefined detection ranges.and a setting unit configured to adjust the positions of a first region and a second region, which are defined as detection areas, and to adjust at least either the number or the width of the detection areas. Position sensor system according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit configured to display a position of the displacement body along the first direction specified by the position determination unit and the detection ranges. Position sensor system according to claim 2, wherein the display unit graphically displays the position of the displacement body and the detection areas. Position sensor system according to claim 2, further comprising: a first housing configured to accommodate the detection unit, the position determination unit and the determination unit; and a second housing containing the setting unit, wherein the display unit is provided in the second housing. Position sensor system according to claim 4, wherein the second housing comprises a housing of a relay device which is connected to the first housing via a cable and is also connected via another cable to a control unit which is configured to control the displacement body. The position sensor system according to claim 4, wherein the display unit comprises a display panel connected to a specific communication port provided in a control unit configured to control the displacement body. Position sensor system according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit configured to output a predetermined output signal when a position of the displacement body is contained in each of the detection areas, wherein the setting unit sets a threshold and width to define the detection area. Position sensor system according to claim 7, wherein the setting unit defines as detection areas, the first region for detecting whether the displacer body exists at a first position within a displacement area or not, the second region for detecting whether the displacer body exists at a second position within the displacement area or not, and a third region for detecting whether the displacer body exists at an intermediate position between the first position and the second position or not. Position sensor system according to claim 8, wherein the displacement body comprises a plurality of claws provided and configured on a chuck to grip a workpiece, the first position comprising a position where the plurality of claws is open, the second position comprising a position where the plurality of claws is closed, and the intermediate position comprising a position where the plurality of claws grips the workpiece. Position sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the displacement body comprises a piston in an air cylinder. Position sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit determines a width candidate from a plurality of width candidates as the width of the detection areas according to a user's operation. The position sensor system according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit determines both the number and the width of the detection areas.

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