Ladder circuit generation support program and device

Abstract

To achieve uniformity and improvement in generation efficiency in programming work for defining the operation of an external environment.SOLUTION: A ladder circuit generation support device takes, as input data, a template file that represents typical functions in industrial equipment using mnemonics, and a table of external environment definitions for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in which multiple definitions are made by combining the name of the template file containing the names of function blocks, the addresses of input devices and output devices related to the template, and parameters related to the type of function, and outputs a ladder program for a ladder circuit that defines the external environment in industrial equipment as a mnemonic list.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program and an apparatus for assisting in generating a ladder program for a ladder circuit, which relate to a programmable logic controller (PLC) of industrial equipment.

Background Art

[0002] The operation definition of the external environment related to a programmable logic controller (PLC) of industrial equipment such as a heat treatment furnace, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, is usually performed by generating a ladder circuit diagram. Here, the external environment refers to, for example, cylinders, analog values such as furnace temperature and pressure, analog instrument outputs such as regulators, position information of hardware driven by motors and inverters, and switch information such as water level.

[0003] A ladder circuit diagram is one of the programs used in a PLC and is displayed on a PC in the form of a relay circuit. A ladder circuit diagram is also referred to as a ladder program. It may also be used in text form as a mnemonic list.

[0004] The creation work of a ladder circuit diagram (ladder program) tends to be personally dependent on the designer, so variations in uniformity in the generation of the ladder program often occur. On the other hand, programming is an intellectual work related to innovation, and excessive standardization by an excessive manual method may inhibit the development of programming techniques.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

[0006] As described in Patent Documents 3 to 13, the operation of the external environment related to PLCs in industrial equipment varies, so it is necessary to generate the operation definitions of the external environment with flexibility. On the other hand, uniformity and generation efficiency are also required in the programming of the external environment operation definitions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The ladder circuit generation support device of this disclosure, A template file that represents typical functions in industrial equipment using mnemonics, A table defining the external environment operation of a programmable logic controller (PLC), in which multiple combinations are defined of the name of a template file containing the name of a functional block, the addresses of the input and output devices related to the template, and the parameters related to the function of that type. Using this as input data, This function outputs a ladder program related to a ladder circuit that defines the operation of the external environment in industrial equipment as a mnemonic list. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The ladder circuit generation support program and apparatus disclosed herein register programs related to the operation of equipment and processes such as motors, solenoid valves, and cylinders in the external environment of industrial equipment PLCs, along with numerical values ​​such as time and temperature, numbering (or naming) each operating part and modularizing them. Furthermore, by defining the registered component names and input / output parameters in spreadsheet software, ladder circuits can be instantly created in mnemonic notation (format). Therefore, since "blocks" of operation combinations can be defined, the ladder circuit generation support program and apparatus disclosed herein can appropriately support the generation of ladder circuits for the operation of the external environment of industrial equipment PLCs that perform large and complex movements. In particular, it can shorten the generation time and the time for checking, and in addition, it can prevent the occurrence of input errors. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a data flow diagram of a ladder circuit generation support device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of an external environment operation definition table, which is input data, in a ladder circuit generation support device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows the first half of an example of a mnemonic file (Cyl301), which is the input data template file for the ladder circuit generation support device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows the latter half of an example of a mnemonic file (Cyl301), which is the input data template file for the ladder circuit generation support device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C shows an example of a label definition file, which is the input data template file, in the ladder circuit generation support device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A shows a part of an example of a mnemonic list which is output data in the ladder circuit generation support device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B shows a part of an example of a ladder circuit diagram (ladder program) which is output data in the ladder circuit generation support device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing simulation by a mnemonic list and a ladder circuit generated by the ladder circuit generation support device according to the embodiment, and control program development using the simulation.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, detailed descriptions may be omitted more than necessary. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and duplicate descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0011] Note that the inventor provides the accompanying drawings and the following description for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and does not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims by these.

[0012] 1. [Embodiment] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] 1.1. [Configuration of Ladder Circuit Generation Support Device] The ladder circuit generation support device 2 according to the embodiment is a computer device that inputs a prototype file representing a typical function and a table of external environment operation definitions for a programmable logic controller (PLC), and outputs a ladder program related to a ladder circuit that defines the operation of the external environment as a mnemonic list.

[0014] The computer equipment comprising the ladder circuit generation support device 2 is a personal computer, workstation computer, tablet terminal, or server machine equipped with one or more processors. Therefore, the computer equipment comprising the ladder circuit generation support device 2 includes an interface device, a processing circuit, and memory.

[0015] The interface device is an interface unit that can acquire data from and send data to external sources, including network terminals, video input terminals, USB terminals, keyboards, mice, etc.

[0016] The processing circuit is comprised of a processor. The various processes of the ladder circuit generation support device 2 according to this embodiment are realized by the processing circuit executing various computer programs.

[0017] Memory is a data-rewritable storage unit inside a computer device (e.g., a personal computer), and is composed of RAM and ROM. The processing circuit reads the ladder circuit generation support program 4 stored in the ROM of the memory and loads it into the RAM, thereby enabling the processing circuit to execute the ladder circuit generation support program 4.

[0018] The ladder circuit generation support program 4 according to the embodiment is constructed using a computer language such as Python or Visual Basic. The computer languages ​​that can be used to construct the ladder circuit generation support program according to the embodiment are not limited to these, and of course, other computer languages ​​may be used.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the ladder circuit generation support program 4 according to the embodiment takes a template file representing typical functions and a table defining external environment operation related to the PLC as input data, and outputs a mnemonic list related to the ladder circuit diagram that defines the operation of the external environment.

[0020] 1.2. [Operation of the Ladder Circuit Generation Support Device] Figure 1 is a data flow diagram of the ladder circuit generation support device 2 according to the embodiment. The ladder circuit generation support device 2 takes a template file 8 representing typical functions in industrial equipment and an external environment operation definition table 6 related to the PLC as input and generates a mnemonic list 10 that defines the operation of the external environment. Furthermore, it is read by "GX Works3 (registered trademark)" or similar software and confirmed in the ladder circuit diagram 12. Below, an example is given in which the mnemonic list 10 and ladder circuit diagram 12 are output when the washing room entrance door operates from a closed state to an open state in a time of "6.5 seconds".

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the ladder circuit generation support program 4 in the ladder circuit generation support device 2 takes the template file 8 and the external environment operation definition table 6 as input.

[0022] Template file 8 is a data file that represents typical functions in industrial equipment using mnemonics. Template file 8 is prepared for each functional block. Figures 3A and 3B are examples of mnemonic files in template file 8 (Figure 3A is the first half, and Figure 3B is the second half). Figure 3C is an example of a label definition file in template file 8. Both are composed of text files, for example. Note that both files relate to the functional block "Cyl301".

[0023] Each of the template files 8 can be generated, for example, based on computer processing that converts a ladder circuit representing the function of a typical functional block in industrial equipment into mnemonic notation.

[0024] The External Environment Operation Definition Table 6 is a data table that defines the operation of the external environment to the PLC. It defines multiple combinations of the name of a template file containing the name of a functional block, the addresses of the input and output devices related to the template, and the parameters related to the function of that type. Figure 2 shows an example of the External Environment Operation Definition Table 6. The External Environment Operation Definition Table 6 is composed of, for example, an Excel® file.

[0025] The external environment operation definition table 6 shown in Figure 2 relates to the "cylinder drive settings" and consists of the functions (operations) of "washing chamber charging door," "washing chamber charging door clamp left," "washing chamber charging door clamp right," and "floor lifter." It is stated that the "washing chamber charging door" performs the function (operation) of the function block "Cyl301." The "input" section lists the input device and its address, and the "output" section lists the output device and its address. Furthermore, parameters related to the function of the function block are also listed. Note that "operating end direction SV," "original position direction SV," "operating time seconds," "operating end forced reversal," "original position forced reversal," "reset," "operating end side LS1," "operating end side LS2," "original position side LS1," "original position side LS2," and "operating position" are defined in the label definition file in Figure 3C, as shown enclosed in a rectangular frame in Figure 3C. For example, "washroom door open valve", "washroom door closed valve", and "FB_Reset" are converted (by an internal conversion list) to (for example) "y0a4", "y0a3", and "B500" (see Figure 4A and Table 1).

[0026] Furthermore, the PLC output becomes the "input" in the external environment operation definition table 6, and the external environment operation definition table 6 is defined such that the "output" in the external environment operation definition table 6 becomes the input of the PLC.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the ladder circuit generation support program 4 in the ladder circuit generation support device 2 according to the embodiment outputs a mnemonic list 10. In other words, when the ladder circuit generation support program 4 in the ladder circuit generation support device 2 reads the first row of the external environment operation definition table 6 shown in Figure 2 (i.e., the row for "washing room entrance door"), it refers to the entire template file 8 related to the functional block "Cyl301" shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C as follows, and outputs the mnemonic list 10 shown in Figure 4A.

[0028] For example, first, the ladder circuit generation support program 4 writes the following at the beginning of the mnemonic list 10, based on the description of "input" in the first row of the external environment operation definition table 6, namely, "operating end direction SV: washroom door open (y0a4)", "original position direction SV: washroom door closed (y0a3)", "operating time seconds: 6.5", "operating end forced inversion: SM401", "original position forced inversion: SM401", and "reset: FB_Reset (B500)". [Table 1] As shown in Table 1 above (partial excerpt from Figure 4A), the I / O device (address) "B0684" is allocated for "Operating end direction SV: Washroom door open (y0a4)", the I / O device (address) "B0685" is allocated for "Original position direction SV: Washroom door closed (y0a3)", the I / O device "W0B71" is allocated for "Operating time seconds: 6.5", the I / O device (address) "B0686" is allocated for "Operating end forced inversion: SM401", the I / O device (address) "B0687" is allocated for "Original position forced inversion: SM401", and the I / O device (address) "B0688" is allocated for "Reset: FB_Reset (B500)". Note that LD stands for Load, which is a PLC instruction to read data from memory to the processor, and OUT stands for PLC instruction to output data to I / O.

[0029] Furthermore, in setting the initial values, the ladder circuit generation support program 4, regarding the "outputs," specifically "operating end LS1," "operating end LS2," "original position LS1," and "original position LS2," refers to the "initial value setting" section of template file 8 in Figure 3A and makes the following description as mnemonic list 10. Note that in the "initial value setting" section of template file 8 in Figure 3A, "operating end LS1," "operating end LS2," "original position LS1," and "original position LS2" are enclosed in rectangular frames. [Table 2] As shown in Table 2 above (partial excerpt from Figure 4A), the I / O device (address) "B0689" is reserved for "operating end LS1", the I / O device (address) "B068A" is reserved for "operating end LS2", the I / O device (address) "B068B" is reserved for "original position LS1", and the I / O device (address) "B068C" is reserved for "original position LS2".

[0030] Furthermore, referring to the section of template file 8 from "Setting initial values" onwards, ladder circuit generation support program 4 assigns the respective I / O device (address) names reserved for "Operating end direction SV", "Original position direction SV", "Operating time seconds", "Operating end forced inversion", "Original position forced inversion", "Operating end side LS1", "Operating end side LS2", "Original position side LS1", and "Original position side LS2" to their respective positions in the section of template file 8 from "Setting initial values" onwards, and generates mnemonic list 10. Furthermore, in the section of template file 8 in Figure 3A, starting from "Setting initial values," "Operating end direction SV," "Original position direction SV," "Operating time seconds," "Operating end forced inversion," "Original position forced inversion," "Operating end side LS1," "Operating end side LS2," "Original position side LS1," and "Original position side LS2" are enclosed in rectangular frames.

[0031] The mnemonic list 10 output as described above is further converted into a ladder circuit diagram (ladder program) 12 by the ladder circuit generation support device 2 according to the embodiment, as shown in Figure 1. The ladder circuit diagram (ladder program) shown in Figure 4B is an example of the result of converting the mnemonic list 10 shown in Figure 4A.

[0032] 1.3. [Summary of Embodiments] The ladder circuit generation support device 2 according to this embodiment takes as input data a template file 8 that represents typical functions in industrial equipment using mnemonics, and a table 6 of external environment operation definitions for a programmable logic controller (PLC) that defines multiple combinations of the name of the template file 8 including the names of function blocks, the addresses of input devices and output devices related to the template, and parameters related to the type of function, and outputs a ladder program related to a ladder circuit that defines the operation of the external environment in industrial equipment as a mnemonic list 10.

[0033] The ladder circuit generation support device 2 according to this embodiment registers programs related to the operation of equipment and processes in the external environment of industrial equipment PLCs, along with numerical values ​​such as time and temperature, assigning names to each operating part and creating components. Furthermore, by defining the registered component names and input / output parameters in spreadsheet software, the ladder circuit is instantly created as a list of mnemonic notation. Therefore, since "blocks" of operation combinations can be defined, the ladder circuit generation support device according to this embodiment can appropriately support the generation of ladder circuits for the operation of the external environment of industrial equipment PLCs that perform large and complex movements. In particular, it can shorten the generation time and the time for checking, and in addition, it can prevent the occurrence of input errors.

[0034] 3. [Other Embodiments] As described above, embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that are modified, replaced, added, or omitted as appropriate.

[0035] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the simulation using the mnemonic list 10 and ladder diagram 12 generated by the ladder circuit generation support device 2 according to the above embodiment, and the development of a control program that utilizes the simulation.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the ladder circuit generation support device 2 takes the template file 8 and the external environment operation definition table 6 as input and generates the mnemonic list 10.

[0037] The generated mnemonic list 10 can be used to simulate the operation of the external environment deployed on the personal computer 14. In other words, the engineering software 18 on the personal computer 14 can simulate the operation of the external environment based on the mnemonic list 10 that defines the operation of the external environment. At the same time, the development work of the PLC control program 16 is carried out.

[0038] The development of the PLC control program 16 is carried out through screen design using screen design software 20.

[0039] The control program 16, developed using a simulation of the operation of the external environment deployed on the personal computer 14, can be easily ported to a PLC 22 that has multiple inputs 24 and multiple outputs 26.

[0040] The engineering software 18 mentioned above is, for example, "GX Works2 (registered trademark)" and "GX Works3 (registered trademark)" manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and the screen design software 20 is, for example, "GT Designer3 (registered trademark)" manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.

[0041] Thus, the mnemonic list 10 and ladder diagram 12 generated by the ladder circuit generation support device 2 of this disclosure can be used for simulation in engineering software 18 on a personal computer 14, and further, can be used for debugging the PLC control program 16.

[0042] Furthermore, attached drawings and a detailed description are provided to illustrate the embodiments. Therefore, among the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description, there may be not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem, provided that they illustrate the above technology. For this reason, the mere presence of such non-essential components in the attached drawings and detailed description should not be immediately assumed to mean that those non-essential components are essential.

[0043] Furthermore, since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 2...Ladder circuit generation support device, 4...Ladder circuit generation support program, 6...External environment operation definition table, 8...Template file, 10...Mnemonic list, 12...Ladder circuit diagram, 14...Personal computer, 16...Control program, 18...Engineering software, 20...Screen design software, 22...Programmable logic controller (PLC).

Claims

1. A template file that represents typical functions in industrial equipment using mnemonics, A table defining the external environment operation of a programmable logic controller (PLC), in which multiple definitions are created by combining the name of a template file containing the name of a functional block, the addresses of input and output devices related to the template, and parameters related to the function of that type. Using this as input data, Outputs a ladder program related to a ladder circuit that defines the operation of the external environment in industrial equipment as a mnemonic list. Ladder circuit generation support device.

2. The aforementioned template file includes a file created based on computer processing that converts ladder circuits representing typical functions in industrial equipment into mnemonic notation. The ladder circuit generation support device according to claim 1.

3. A template file that represents typical functions in industrial equipment using mnemonics, A table defining the external environment operation of a programmable logic controller (PLC), in which multiple definitions are created by combining the name of a template file containing the name of a functional block, the addresses of input and output devices related to the template, and parameters related to the function of that type. The process of inputting information, The process involves outputting a ladder program related to a ladder circuit that defines the operation of the external environment in industrial equipment as a mnemonic list. To have the processing circuit of a computer device execute it. Ladder circuit generation support program.

4. The aforementioned template file includes a file created based on computer processing that converts ladder circuits representing typical functions in industrial equipment into mnemonic notation. The ladder circuit generation support program according to claim 3.

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