Drive device, drive system, determination method, program, and computer-readable non-transitory storage medium

Abstract

Provided is a drive device (14) that drives an electric actuator (12) to which different unique identification information for each individual is allocated. The drive device comprises: an individual information storage unit (40) that stores, as first correspondence relationship information, the correspondence relationship between a port (22) of the drive device and the unique identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port; and an individual determination unit (34) that, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, determines whether a first correspondence relationship, which is the correspondence relationship between the port and the unique identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches a correspondence relationship indicated by the first correspondence relationship information.

Description

Drive device, drive system, determination method, program, and computer-readable non-transitory storage medium

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device, a drive system, a determination method, a program, and a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2012-108608 discloses an actuator drive control device. The actuator drive control device controls the drive of an actuator. The actuator includes a displacement member and a drive unit. The drive unit is, for example, a linear motor, and displaces the displacement member.

[0003] Recently, there has been a demand for a better drive device, drive system, determination method, program, and computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a drive device that drives electric actuators to which different unique identification information is assigned, the drive device comprising: an individual information storage unit that stores information indicating a correspondence between a port of the drive device and the unique identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as first correspondence information; and an individual determination unit that, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, determines whether the first correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port and the unique identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information.

[0006] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a drive device that drives electric actuators to which different model identification information is assigned for each model, and includes a model information storage unit that stores information indicating the correspondence between a port of the drive device and the model identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as second correspondence information, and a model determination unit that, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, determines whether the second correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information.

[0007] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a drive system including the drive device of the first aspect described above, wherein the drive system includes: an acquisition unit that acquires specification information corresponding to the electric actuator connected to the drive device from a specification information storage unit that stores specification information, which is information regarding the specifications of the electric actuator, when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information; and a setting unit that sets the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit in the drive device.

[0008] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a determination method for determining an electric actuator connected to a drive device that drives an electric actuator, each of which is assigned a different unique identification information, the determination method comprising: an individual information storage step of storing information indicating a correspondence between a port of the drive device and the unique identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as first correspondence information in an individual information storage unit; and an individual determination step of determining, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, whether the first correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port and the unique identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information.

[0009] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a determination method for determining an electric actuator connected to a drive device that drives an electric actuator assigned different model identification information for each model, the determination method comprising: a model information storage step of storing information indicating a correspondence between a port of the drive device and the model identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as second correspondence information in a model information storage unit; and a model determination step of determining, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, whether the second correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information.

[0010] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a determination method for determining the electric actuator connected to the drive unit provided in the drive system of the third aspect above, the determination method may include an acquisition step in which, when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence relationship does not match the correspondence relationship indicated by the second correspondence relationship information, the acquisition unit acquires the specification information corresponding to the electric actuator connected to the drive unit from the specification information storage unit, and a setting step in which the setting unit sets the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit in the drive unit.

[0011] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the determination method of the fourth aspect.

[0012] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing the program of the seventh aspect.

[0013] The present invention can provide a better drive device, drive system, determination method, program, and computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.

[0014] The above objects, features and advantages will be easily understood from the following description of the embodiments, which will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electric actuator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a drive unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the correspondence relationship determination process performed in the drive unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electric actuator according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a drive unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the correspondence relationship determination process performed in the drive unit according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a drive system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an electric actuator according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a drive unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a setting device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the correspondence relationship determination process performed in the drive unit according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the specification information setting process performed in the setting device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a drive unit according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the specification information setting process performed in the drive unit according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an electric actuator according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 17 is a block diagram of a drive device according to the fifth embodiment, and Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the specification information setting process performed in the drive device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0016] There are various types of electric actuators, including slider type, rod type, rotary table, etc. For example, in a slider type electric actuator, the rotational motion of an electric motor is converted into linear motion by a linear motion mechanism, and the slide table moves along a linear guide.

[0017] Specifications for electric actuators are determined for each model of electric actuator. Information regarding the specifications of an electric actuator is necessary to operate the electric actuator and is managed as specification information. Examples of the specifications of an electric actuator include the minimum and maximum speeds of the electric actuator. The specifications differ depending on the model of the electric actuator.

[0018] The electric actuator is connected to a drive unit and is driven based on a drive signal sent from the drive unit. The drive unit has multiple ports, each of which can be connected to one electric actuator. The drive unit stores specification information for each of the ports.

[0019] Typically, the model of the electric actuator to be connected to a drive unit is predetermined, and therefore, the specification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the drive unit is set in the drive unit when the drive unit is shipped from the manufacturer.

[0020] On the other hand, in order to increase the versatility of the drive unit, the manufacturer may ship the drive unit without setting any specification information in the drive unit. Such a drive unit is called a blank controller. When an electric actuator is connected to a drive unit that is a blank controller, the user must set the specification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the drive unit in the drive unit.

[0021] For each port of the drive device, specification information for the electric actuator that is to be connected to that port is set. However, if an electric actuator that is not intended to be connected to a port is connected, there is a risk of malfunction occurring in the drive device and the electric actuator.

[0022] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to determine when an electric actuator that is not intended to be connected to a port of a drive device is connected to that port, thereby preventing malfunctions in the drive device and the electric actuator.

[0023] 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive system 10 according to the present embodiment. The drive system 10 includes an electric actuator 12 and a drive device 14.

[0024] The electric actuator 12 of this embodiment is a slider-type electric actuator. The electric actuator 12 has an electric motor 16, a slide table 18, and a linear guide 20. The electric actuator 12 converts the rotational motion of the electric motor 16 into linear motion using a linear motion mechanism (not shown), and moves the slide table 18 along the linear guide 20. The type of electric actuator 12 is not limited to a slider type, and may be another type such as a rod type or a rotary table.

[0025] The driving device 14 has a plurality of ports 22. One electric actuator 12 can be connected to each port 22. The driving device 14 drives the electric actuator 12 connected to each port 22 based on a ladder program or the like created by the user. The driving device 14 may be a device having one port 22.

[0026] 2 is a block diagram of the electric actuator 12 according to this embodiment. The electric actuator 12 has a storage unit 24. The storage unit 24 is a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium. The storage unit 24 is, for example, a non-volatile memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include a read-only memory (ROM) and a flash memory.

[0027] The storage unit 24 has a unique identification information storage unit 26. The unique identification information storage unit 26 stores the unique identification information of the electric actuator 12. The unique identification information is, for example, a serial number (production number). A different number is assigned to each individual electric actuator 12 as the unique identification information. The unique identification information may include letters, symbols, etc. in addition to numbers.

[0028] 3 is a block diagram of the driving device 14 according to this embodiment. The driving device 14 includes a calculation unit 30 and a storage unit 32.

[0029] The calculation unit 30 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The calculation unit 30 has an individual determination unit 34, a control unit 38, and an individual information update unit 50. The individual determination unit 34, the control unit 38, and the individual information update unit 50 can be realized by executing a program stored in the storage unit 32 in the calculation unit 30. At least a portion of the individual determination unit 34, the control unit 38, and the individual information update unit 50 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). At least a portion of the individual determination unit 34, the control unit 38, and the individual information update unit 50 may be realized by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0030] The storage unit 32 is a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium. The storage unit 32 may be configured, for example, with a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of the volatile memory include a random access memory (RAM). The volatile memory is used as a working memory for the processor and temporarily stores data necessary for processing or calculation. Examples of the non-volatile memory include a read-only memory (ROM) and a flash memory. The non-volatile memory is used as a storage memory and stores programs, tables, maps, etc. At least a portion of the storage unit 32 may be included in the processor, integrated circuit, etc. described above. The storage unit 32 includes an individual information storage unit 40 and a setting specification information storage unit 44.

[0031] First, we will explain the configuration of the storage unit 32. The individual information storage unit 40 stores information indicating the correspondence between the port 22 of the drive device 14 and the unique identification information of the electric actuator 12 to be connected to the port 22 as first correspondence information.

[0032] The set specification information storage unit 44 stores specification information of the electric actuators 12 to be connected to each port 22 of the drive unit 14. As described above, the specification information is information relating to the specifications of the electric actuators 12. As described above, the specifications of the electric actuators 12 include, for example, the minimum speed and maximum speed of the electric actuators 12. As described above, the specifications of the electric actuators 12 differ depending on the model of the electric actuator 12.

[0033] Next, the configuration of the calculation unit 30 will be described. When the electric actuator 12 is connected to the port 22, the individual determination unit 34 determines whether or not a first correspondence, which is a correspondence between the port 22 and the unique identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to the port 22, matches the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information stored in the individual information storage unit 40.

[0034] The control unit 38 controls the notification unit 46 to notify the user. The notification unit 46 notifies the user by flashing a light, emitting a sound, etc. The notification unit 46 may notify the user by other methods.

[0035] For example, when an electric actuator 12 is connected to port 22, if the first correspondence, which is the correspondence between port 22 and the unique identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to that port 22, does not match the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information stored in the individual information storage unit 40, the control unit 38 controls the alarm unit 46 to alert the user.

[0036] As a result, if an electric actuator 12 that is not intended to be connected to port 22 is connected to that port 22, the alarm unit 46 will alert the user, allowing the user to recognize that they have connected the wrong electric actuator 12 to that port 22.

[0037] The control unit 38 also controls the electric actuators 12. The control unit 38 generates drive signals based on a ladder program or the like created by the user. The generated drive signals are output to the electric actuators 12 connected to each port 22.

[0038] The individual information update unit 50 updates the first correspondence relationship information stored in the individual information storage unit 40 .

[0039] [Specifications of the Electric Actuator] Examples of specifications of the electric actuator 12 will be described below.

[0040] Examples of specifications relating to the characteristics of the electric actuator 12 include "minimum speed," "maximum speed," "maximum acceleration," "maximum movement position," "maximum pushing torque," and "gear ratio."

[0041] "Minimum speed" is the minimum speed that can be set as the movement speed of the slide table 18 of the electric actuator 12. "Maximum speed" is the maximum speed that can be set as the movement speed of the slide table 18. "Maximum acceleration" is the maximum acceleration that can be set as the movement acceleration of the slide table 18. "Maximum movement position" is the maximum position that can be set as the movement position of the slide table 18. "Maximum pushing torque" is the maximum pushing torque that can be set for the electric actuator 12. "Gear ratio" is the gear ratio of the electric actuator 12.

[0042] Examples of specifications regarding alarm thresholds include "overspeed level" and "power abnormality level."

[0043] The "overspeed level" is a threshold value for outputting an alarm when the moving speed of the slide table 18 becomes excessive. If the moving speed of the slide table 18 exceeds the speed specified by the "overspeed level," an alarm is output. The "power supply abnormality level" is a threshold value for outputting an alarm when the voltage of a power supply (not shown) becomes excessively high or low. If the voltage of the power supply falls outside the voltage range specified by the "power supply abnormality level," an alarm is output.

[0044] Examples of specifications related to the characteristics of the electric motor 16 include "inertia," "rated current," "motor resistance," "motor inductance," and "motor current gain." Examples of specifications related to the control characteristic gain include "PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential) gain," "magnetic field weakening," "regeneration ratio," and "lead angle command." These are pieces of information necessary for the drive device 14 to control the electric actuator 12.

[0045] 4 is a flowchart showing the correspondence determination process performed in the drive device 14 according to this embodiment. The correspondence determination process is executed every time the electric actuator 12 is connected to the port 22.

[0046] In step S1, the individual determination unit 34 determines whether a first correspondence, which is a correspondence between a port 22 and the unique identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to that port 22, matches the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information stored in the individual information storage unit 40. If it is determined that the first correspondence matches the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information (step S1: YES), the correspondence determination process ends. If it is determined that the first correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information (step S1: NO), the process proceeds to step S2.

[0047] In step S2, the control unit 38 controls the notification unit 46 to notify the user, and then the process proceeds to step S3.

[0048] In step S3, the individual information update unit 50 determines whether the user has permitted the update. If it is determined that the user has permitted the update (step S3: YES), the process proceeds to step S4. If it is determined that the user has not permitted the update (step S3: NO), the correspondence relationship determination process ends.

[0049] For example, when the notification unit 46 notifies the user, and the user performs an operation such as pressing a reset button (not shown) on the drive device 14, the individual information update unit 50 determines that the user has authorized the update.

[0050] In step S4, the individual information update unit 50 stores information indicating the first correspondence, which is the correspondence between the current port 22 and the unique identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to that port 22, as first correspondence information in the individual information storage unit 40. Thereafter, the correspondence determination process is terminated.

[0051] Second Embodiment Configuration of Drive System The drive system 10 of this embodiment includes an electric actuator 12 and a drive device 14, similar to the drive system 10 of the first embodiment.

[0052] 5 is a block diagram of the electric actuator 12 according to this embodiment. The electric actuator 12 has a storage unit 24. Like the storage unit 24 in the first embodiment, the storage unit 24 in this embodiment is a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.

[0053] The storage unit 24 has a model identification information storage unit 28. The model identification information storage unit 28 stores model identification information of the electric actuator 12. The model identification information is, for example, the model number (model name, product model number) of the electric actuator 12. A different number is assigned as the model identification information for each model of the electric actuator 12. The model identification information may include letters, symbols, etc. in addition to numbers.

[0054] 6 is a block diagram of the driving device 14 according to this embodiment. The driving device 14 includes a calculation unit 30 and a storage unit 32.

[0055] Like the calculation unit 30 ( FIG. 3 ) of the drive device 14 of the first embodiment, the calculation unit 30 of this embodiment is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The calculation unit 30 has a model determination unit 36, a control unit 38, and a model information update unit 52. The model determination unit 36, the control unit 38, and the model information update unit 52 can be realized by executing a program stored in the storage unit 32 in the calculation unit 30. At least a portion of the model determination unit 36, the control unit 38, and the model information update unit 52 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. At least a portion of the model determination unit 36, the control unit 38, and the model information update unit 52 may be realized by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0056] Like the storage unit 32 (FIG. 3) of the drive device 14 of the first embodiment, the storage unit 32 of this embodiment is a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The storage unit 32 includes a model information storage unit 42 and a setting specification information storage unit 44.

[0057] First, we will explain the configuration of the storage unit 32. The model information storage unit 42 stores, as second correspondence information, information indicating the correspondence between the ports 22 of the drive unit 14 and the model identification information of the electric actuators 12 to be connected to those ports 22. The setting specification information storage unit 44 stores specification information of the electric actuators 12 to be connected to each port 22 of the drive unit 14.

[0058] Next, we will explain the configuration of the calculation unit 30. When the electric actuator 12 is connected to the port 22, the model determination unit 36 ​​determines whether or not a second correspondence relationship, which is a correspondence relationship between the port 22 and the model identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to the port 22, matches the correspondence relationship indicated by the second correspondence relationship information stored in the model information storage unit 42.

[0059] The control unit 38 controls the notification unit 46 to notify the user. The notification unit 46 notifies the user by flashing a light, emitting a sound, etc. The notification unit 46 may notify the user by other methods.

[0060] For example, when an electric actuator 12 is connected to port 22, if the second correspondence relationship, which is the correspondence relationship between port 22 and the model identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to that port 22, does not match the correspondence relationship indicated by the second correspondence relationship information stored in the model information storage unit 42, the control unit 38 controls the alarm unit 46 to alert the user.

[0061] As a result, if an electric actuator 12 that is not intended to be connected to port 22 is connected to that port 22, the alarm unit 46 will alert the user, allowing the user to recognize that they have connected the wrong electric actuator 12 to that port 22.

[0062] The control unit 38 also controls the electric actuators 12. The control unit 38 generates drive signals based on a ladder program or the like created by the user. The generated drive signals are output to the electric actuators 12 connected to each port 22.

[0063] 7 is a flowchart showing the correspondence relationship determination process performed in the drive device 14 according to this embodiment. The correspondence relationship determination process is executed every time the electric actuator 12 is connected to the port 22.

[0064] In step S5, the model determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the second correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port 22 and the model identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to that port 22, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information stored in the model information storage unit 42. If it is determined that the second correspondence matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information (step S5: YES), the correspondence determination process ends. If it is determined that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information (step S5: NO), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0065] In step S6, the control unit 38 controls the notification unit 46 to notify the user, and then the process proceeds to step S7.

[0066] In step S7, the model information update unit 52 determines whether the user has permitted the update. If it is determined that the user has permitted the update (step S7: YES), the process proceeds to step S8. If it is determined that the user has not permitted the update (step S7: NO), the correspondence relationship determination process ends.

[0067] In step S8, the model information update unit 52 stores information indicating the second correspondence, which is the correspondence between the current port 22 and the model identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to that port 22, as second correspondence information in the model information storage unit 42. Thereafter, the correspondence determination process is terminated.

[0068] [Third embodiment] In this embodiment, the first correspondence information stored in the individual information storage unit 40, the second correspondence information stored in the model information storage unit 42, and the specification information stored in the setting specification information storage unit 44 are updated according to the electric actuator 12 connected to the port 22 of the drive device 14.

[0069] 8 is a schematic diagram of the drive system 10 according to this embodiment. The drive system 10 according to this embodiment includes a setting device 48 in addition to the electric actuator 12 and the drive device 14.

[0070] The setting device 48 is, for example, a personal computer. Setting software is installed in the setting device 48. The setting software sets the specification information of the electric actuator 12 in the drive unit 14. When the specification information of the electric actuator 12 is set in the drive unit 14, the setting device 48 is connected to the drive unit 14. When the drive unit 14 drives the electric actuator 12, the setting device 48 does not need to be connected to the drive unit 14.

[0071] 9 is a block diagram of the electric actuator 12 according to this embodiment. The electric actuator 12 has a storage unit 24. Like the storage unit 24 in the first embodiment, the storage unit 24 in this embodiment is a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.

[0072] The storage unit 24 has a unique identification information storage unit 26 and a model identification information storage unit 28. The unique identification information storage unit 26 stores the unique identification information of the electric actuator 12. The model identification information storage unit 28 stores the model identification information of the electric actuator 12.

[0073] 10 is a block diagram of the driving device 14 according to this embodiment. The driving device 14 includes a calculation unit 30 and a storage unit 32.

[0074] Like the calculation unit 30 ( FIG. 3 ) of the drive device 14 of the first embodiment, the calculation unit 30 of the drive device 14 of the present embodiment is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The calculation unit 30 includes an individual determination unit 34, a model determination unit 36, a control unit 38, an individual information update unit 50, and a model information update unit 52. The individual determination unit 34, the model determination unit 36, the control unit 38, the individual information update unit 50, and the model information update unit 52 can be realized by executing a program stored in the storage unit 32 in the calculation unit 30. At least a portion of the individual determination unit 34, the model determination unit 36, the control unit 38, the individual information update unit 50, and the model information update unit 52 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. At least a portion of the individual determination unit 34, the model determination unit 36, the control unit 38, the individual information update unit 50, and the model information update unit 52 may be realized by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0075] Like the storage unit 32 (FIG. 3) of the drive device 14 of the first embodiment, the storage unit 32 of the drive device 14 of this embodiment is a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The storage unit 32 of the drive device 14 of this embodiment has an individual information storage unit 40, a model information storage unit 42, and a setting specification information storage unit 44.

[0076] First, the configuration of the storage unit 32 will be described. The individual information storage unit 40 stores the first correspondence information described above. The model information storage unit 42 stores the second correspondence information described above. The setting specification information storage unit 44 stores specification information of the electric actuator 12 to be connected to each port 22 of the drive unit 14.

[0077] Next, the configuration of the calculation unit 30 will be described. When an electric actuator 12 is connected to a port 22, the individual determination unit 34 determines whether a first correspondence, which is a correspondence between the port 22 and the unique identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to the port 22, matches the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information stored in the individual information storage unit 40. When an electric actuator 12 is connected to a port 22, the model determination unit 36 ​​determines whether a second correspondence, which is a correspondence between the port 22 and the model identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to the port 22, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information stored in the model information storage unit 42.

[0078] The control unit 38 controls the notification unit 46 to notify the user. The notification unit 46 notifies the user by flashing a light, emitting a sound, etc. The notification unit 46 may notify the user by other methods. The control unit 38 also controls the electric actuator 12.

[0079] The individual information update unit 50 updates the first correspondence information stored in the individual information storage unit 40. The model information update unit 52 updates the second correspondence information stored in the model information storage unit .

[0080] 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the setting device 48 according to this embodiment. The setting device 48 includes a calculation unit 51 and a storage unit 53.

[0081] The calculation unit 51 is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The calculation unit 51 has an acquisition unit 54 and a setting unit 56. The acquisition unit 54 and the setting unit 56 can be realized by executing a program stored in the storage unit 53 in the calculation unit 51. At least a part of the acquisition unit 54 and the setting unit 56 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. At least a part of the acquisition unit 54 and the setting unit 56 may be realized by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0082] The storage unit 53 is a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium. The storage unit 53 may be configured with a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown). The volatile memory may be, for example, a RAM. The non-volatile memory may be, for example, a ROM, a flash memory, etc. Data, etc., are stored in the volatile memory. Programs, tables, maps, etc., are stored in the non-volatile memory, for example. At least a portion of the storage unit 53 may be provided in the above-mentioned processor, integrated circuit, etc. At least a portion of the storage unit 53 may be mounted on a device connected to the setting device 48 via a network.

[0083] The storage unit 53 includes a specification information storage unit 58. The specification information storage unit 58 stores specification information for each model of the electric actuator 12.

[0084] The acquisition unit 54 acquires model identification information of the electric actuator 12 from the electric actuator 12 connected to each port 22 of the drive unit 14. As described above, the model identification information is, for example, the model number (model name, product model number) of the electric actuator 12. The acquisition unit 54 acquires specification information of the electric actuator 12 corresponding to the acquired model identification information from the specification information storage unit 58. As described above, the specification information is information related to the specifications of the electric actuator 12. As described above, the specifications of the electric actuator 12 are, for example, the minimum speed, maximum speed, etc. that can be set for the electric actuator 12.

[0085] The setting unit 56 sets the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit 54 in the drive device 14. More specifically, the setting unit 56 stores the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit 54 in the set specification information storage unit 44 provided in the drive device 14. As a result, the specification information of the electric actuators 12 connected to each port 22 is stored in the set specification information storage unit 44.

[0086] In this embodiment, the setting device 48 sets, in the drive device 14, the specification information of the electric actuators 12 connected to each port 22 of the drive device 14. This makes it possible to prevent incorrect specification information from being set in the drive device 14, and to prevent malfunctions of the drive device 14 and the electric actuators 12.

[0087] 12 is a flowchart showing the correspondence relationship determination process performed in the drive device 14 according to this embodiment. Each time the electric actuator 12 is connected to the port 22, the correspondence relationship determination process is executed.

[0088] In step S11, the model determination unit 36 ​​determines whether a second correspondence, which is a correspondence between a port 22 and the model identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to that port 22, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information stored in the model information storage unit 42. If it is determined that the second correspondence matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information (step S11: YES), the process proceeds to step S12. If it is determined that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information (step S11: NO), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0089] Note that, in a state where the electric actuator 12 has never been connected to the drive device 14, the second correspondence information is not stored in the model information storage unit 42. In this case, in step S11, it is determined that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information.

[0090] In step S12, the individual determination unit 34 determines whether the first correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port 22 and the unique identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to that port 22, matches the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information stored in the individual information storage unit 40. If it is determined that the first correspondence matches the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information (step S12: YES), the correspondence determination process ends. If it is determined that the first correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information (step S12: NO), the process proceeds to step S13.

[0091] Note that, in a state where the electric actuator 12 has never been connected to the drive device 14, the first correspondence information is not stored in the individual information storage unit 40. In this case, in step S12, it is determined that the first correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information.

[0092] In step S13, the control unit 38 controls the notification unit 46 to notify the user, and then the process proceeds to step S14.

[0093] In step S14, the individual information update unit 50 determines whether the user has permitted the update. If it is determined that the user has permitted the update (step S14: YES), the process proceeds to step S15. If it is determined that the user has not permitted the update (step S14: NO), the correspondence relationship determination process ends.

[0094] In step S15, the individual information update unit 50 stores information indicating the first correspondence, which is the correspondence between the current port 22 and the unique identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to that port 22, as first correspondence information in the individual information storage unit 40. Thereafter, the correspondence determination process is terminated.

[0095] In step S16, the control unit 38 controls the notification unit 46 to notify the user, and then the process proceeds to step S17.

[0096] In step S17, the individual information update unit 50 and the model information update unit 52 determine whether the user has permitted the update. If it is determined that the user has permitted the update (step S17: YES), the process proceeds to step S18. If it is determined that the user has not permitted the update (step S17: NO), the correspondence relationship determination process ends.

[0097] In step S18, the individual information update unit 50 stores information indicating the first correspondence, which is the correspondence between the current port 22 and the unique identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to that port 22, as first correspondence information in the individual information storage unit 40. Then, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0098] In step S19, the model information update unit 52 stores information indicating the second correspondence, which is the correspondence between the current port 22 and the model identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to that port 22, as second correspondence information in the model information storage unit 42. Then, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0099] In step S20, the drive device 14 calls the specification information setting process, and then ends the correspondence relationship determination process.

[0100] 13 is a flowchart showing the specification information setting process performed by the setting device 48 according to this embodiment. The specification information setting process is executed every time the specification information setting process is called in step S20 of the correspondence relationship determination process (FIG. 12).

[0101] In step S21, the acquisition unit 54 acquires model identification information of each electric actuator 12 from the electric actuator 12 connected to each port 22 of the drive unit 14. Then, the process proceeds to step S22. As described above, the model identification information is, for example, the model number (model name, product model number) of the electric actuator 12.

[0102] In step S22, the acquisition unit 54 acquires specification information of the electric actuator 12 corresponding to the acquired model identification information from the specification information storage unit 58 provided in the setting device 48. Then, the process proceeds to step S23. As described above, the specification information is information related to the specifications of the electric actuator 12. As described above, the specifications of the electric actuator 12 include, for example, the minimum speed, maximum speed, etc. that can be set for the electric actuator 12.

[0103] In step S23, the setting unit 56 sets the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit 54 in the drive device 14. Thereafter, the specification information setting process ends. More specifically, the setting unit 56 stores the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit 54 in the set specification information storage unit 44 provided in the drive device 14. As a result, the specification information of the electric actuators 12 connected to each port 22 is stored in the set specification information storage unit 44.

[0104] Fourth Embodiment In the third embodiment, a specification information storage unit 58 is provided in the storage unit 53 of the setting device 48. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the specification information of the electric actuator 12 is set in the drive device 14 by the setting device 48.

[0105] In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, a specification information storage unit 64 is provided in the storage unit 32 of the drive device 14. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the specification information of the electric actuator 12 is set in the drive device 14 by the drive device 14. In the present embodiment, the setting device 48 does not need to be connected to the drive device 14.

[0106] 14 is a block diagram of the driving device 14 according to this embodiment. The driving device 14 includes a calculation unit 30 and a storage unit 32.

[0107] Like the calculation unit 30 ( FIG. 3 ) of the drive device 14 of the first embodiment, the calculation unit 30 of the drive device 14 of the present embodiment is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The calculation unit 30 of the present embodiment includes an individual determination unit 34, a model determination unit 36, a control unit 38, an individual information update unit 50, a model information update unit 52, an acquisition unit 60, and a setting unit 62. The individual determination unit 34, the model determination unit 36, the control unit 38, the individual information update unit 50, the model information update unit 52, the acquisition unit 60, and the setting unit 62 can be realized by executing a program stored in the storage unit 32 in the calculation unit 30. At least a portion of the individual determination unit 34, the model determination unit 36, the control unit 38, the individual information update unit 50, the model information update unit 52, the acquisition unit 60, and the setting unit 62 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. At least a portion of the individual determination unit 34, model determination unit 36, control unit 38, individual information update unit 50, model information update unit 52, acquisition unit 60, and setting unit 62 may be realized by electronic circuits including discrete devices.

[0108] Like the storage unit 32 (FIG. 3) of the drive device 14 of the first embodiment, the storage unit 32 of the drive device 14 of this embodiment is a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The storage unit 32 of this embodiment includes an individual information storage unit 40, a model information storage unit 42, a setting specification information storage unit 44, and a specification information storage unit 64.

[0109] First, the configuration of the storage unit 32 will be described. The individual information storage unit 40 stores the first correspondence information described above. The model information storage unit 42 stores the second correspondence information described above. The setting specification information storage unit 44 stores specification information of the electric actuators 12 to be connected to each port 22 of the drive unit 14. The specification information storage unit 64 stores specification information for each model of the electric actuator 12.

[0110] Next, the configuration of the calculation unit 30 will be described. When an electric actuator 12 is connected to a port 22, the individual determination unit 34 determines whether a first correspondence, which is a correspondence between the port 22 and the unique identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to the port 22, matches the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information stored in the individual information storage unit 40. When an electric actuator 12 is connected to a port 22, the model determination unit 36 ​​determines whether a second correspondence, which is a correspondence between the port 22 and the model identification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to the port 22, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information stored in the model information storage unit 42.

[0111] The control unit 38 controls the notification unit 46 to notify the user. The notification unit 46 notifies the user by flashing a light, emitting a sound, etc. The notification unit 46 may notify the user by other methods. The control unit 38 also controls the electric actuator 12.

[0112] The individual information update unit 50 updates the first correspondence information stored in the individual information storage unit 40. The model information update unit 52 updates the second correspondence information stored in the model information storage unit .

[0113] The acquisition unit 60 acquires model identification information of the electric actuator 12 from the electric actuator 12 connected to each port 22 of the drive unit 14. The acquisition unit 60 acquires specification information of the electric actuator 12 corresponding to the acquired model identification information from the specification information storage unit 64.

[0114] The setting unit 62 sets the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit 60 in the drive device 14. More specifically, the setting unit 62 stores the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit 60 in the set specification information storage unit 44. As a result, the specification information of the electric actuators 12 connected to each port 22 is stored in the set specification information storage unit 44.

[0115] In this embodiment, the specification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to each port 22 of the drive unit 14 is set in the drive unit 14. This prevents incorrect specification information from being set in the drive unit 14, and prevents malfunctions of the drive unit 14 and the electric actuator 12.

[0116] [Specification Information Setting Process] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the specification information setting process performed in the drive device 14 according to this embodiment.

[0117] Similar to the drive device 14 of the third embodiment, the drive device 14 of this embodiment executes the correspondence relationship determination process. The specification information setting process is executed every time the specification information setting process is called in step S20 of the correspondence relationship determination process (FIG. 12).

[0118] In step S31, the acquisition unit 60 acquires model identification information of each electric actuator 12 from the electric actuator 12 connected to each port 22. Then, the process proceeds to step S32. As described above, the model identification information is, for example, the model number (model name, product model number) of the electric actuator 12.

[0119] In step S32, the acquisition unit 60 acquires specification information of the electric actuator 12 corresponding to the acquired model identification information from the specification information storage unit 64 provided in the drive unit 14. Then, the process proceeds to step S33. As described above, the specification information is information related to the specifications of the electric actuator 12. As described above, the specifications of the electric actuator 12 include, for example, the minimum speed, maximum speed, etc. that can be set for the electric actuator 12.

[0120] In step S33, the setting unit 62 sets the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit 60 in the drive unit 14. Thereafter, the specification information setting process ends. More specifically, the setting unit 62 stores the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit 60 in the set specification information storage unit 44 provided in the drive unit 14. As a result, the specification information of the electric actuators 12 connected to each port 22 is stored in the set specification information storage unit 44.

[0121] Fifth Embodiment In the third embodiment, a specification information storage unit 58 is provided in the storage unit 53 of the setting device 48. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the specification information of the electric actuator 12 is set in the drive device 14 by the setting device 48.

[0122] In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, a specification information storage unit 66 is provided in the storage unit 24 of the electric actuator 12. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the specification information of the electric actuator 12 is set in the drive device 14 by the drive device 14. In the present embodiment, the setting device 48 does not need to be connected to the drive device 14.

[0123] 16 is a block diagram of the electric actuator 12 according to this embodiment. The electric actuator 12 has a storage unit 24. Like the storage unit 24 of the electric actuator 12 of the first embodiment, the storage unit 24 of the electric actuator 12 of this embodiment is a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.

[0124] The storage unit 24 of this embodiment has a unique identification information storage unit 26, a model identification information storage unit 28, and a specification information storage unit 66. The unique identification information storage unit 26 stores the unique identification information of the electric actuator 12. The model identification information storage unit 28 stores the model identification information of the electric actuator 12.

[0125] The specification information storage unit 66 stores specification information of the electric actuator 12 that is equipped with the specification information storage unit 66. The specification information storage unit 58 of the setting device 48 of the third embodiment and the specification information storage unit 64 of the drive unit 14 of the fourth embodiment store specification information of multiple models of electric actuators 12 that can be connected to the drive unit 14. On the other hand, the specification information storage unit 66 of the electric actuator 12 of the present embodiment stores only the specification information of the electric actuator 12 that is equipped with the specification information storage unit 66.

[0126] 17 is a block diagram of the driving device 14 according to this embodiment. The driving device 14 includes a calculation unit 30 and a storage unit 32.

[0127] Like the calculation unit 30 (FIG. 3) of the drive device 14 of the first embodiment, the calculation unit 30 of the drive device 14 of this embodiment is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The configuration of the calculation unit 30 of this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the calculation unit 30 of the fourth embodiment.

[0128] Like the storage unit 32 (FIG. 3) of the drive device 14 of the first embodiment, the storage unit 32 of the drive device 14 of this embodiment is a computer-readable, non-transitory storage medium. The storage unit 32 of this embodiment has an individual information storage unit 40, a model information storage unit 42, and a setting specification information storage unit 44. That is, unlike the storage unit 32 (FIG. 14) of the fourth embodiment, the storage unit 32 of this embodiment does not have a specification information storage unit 64.

[0129] In this embodiment, the specification information of the electric actuator 12 connected to each port 22 of the drive unit 14 is set in the drive unit 14. This prevents incorrect specification information from being set in the drive unit 14, and prevents malfunctions of the drive unit 14 and the electric actuator 12.

[0130] 18 is a flowchart showing the specification information setting process performed in the drive device 14 according to this embodiment. Similar to the drive device 14 of the third embodiment, the correspondence relationship determination process is executed in the drive device 14 of this embodiment. The specification information setting process is executed every time the specification information setting process is called in step S20 of the correspondence relationship determination process (FIG. 12).

[0131] In step S41, the acquisition unit 60 acquires specification information of the electric actuator 12 from the specification information storage unit 66 provided in the electric actuator 12 connected to each port 22. As described above, the specification information is information relating to the specifications of the electric actuator 12. As described above, the specifications of the electric actuator 12 include, for example, the minimum speed and maximum speed of the electric actuator 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S42.

[0132] In step S42, the setting unit 62 sets the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit 60 in the drive device 14. More specifically, the setting unit 62 stores the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit 60 in the set specification information storage unit 44 provided in the drive device 14. Thereafter, the specification information setting process ends.

[0133] In a third embodiment, the setting device 48 acquires the specification information of the electric actuator 12 from the specification information storage unit 58 of the setting device 48, and sets the specification information of the electric actuator 12 in the driving device 14. Alternatively, the driving device 14 may acquire the specification information of the electric actuator 12 from the specification information storage unit 58 of the setting device 48, and set the specification information of the electric actuator 12 in the driving device 14.

[0134] In the fourth embodiment, the drive unit 14 acquires the specification information of the drive unit 14 from the specification information storage unit 64 of the drive unit 14, and sets the specification information of the electric actuator 12 in the drive unit 14. Alternatively, the setting device 48 may acquire the specification information of the drive unit 14 from the specification information storage unit 64 of the drive unit 14, and set the specification information of the electric actuator 12 in the drive unit 14.

[0135] In the fifth embodiment, the driving device 14 acquires the specification information of the electric actuator 12 from the specification information storage unit 66 of the electric actuator 12, and sets the specification information of the electric actuator 12 in the driving device 14. Alternatively, the setting device 48 may acquire the specification information of the electric actuator 12 from the specification information storage unit 66 provided in the electric actuator 12, and set the specification information of the electric actuator 12 in the driving device 14.

[0136] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0137] In addition to the above disclosure, the following additional notes are also disclosed.

[0138] (Supplementary Note 1) A drive device (14) for driving electric actuators (12) each assigned with unique identification information that differs for each individual, the drive device includes: an individual information storage unit (40) that stores information indicating a correspondence between a port (22) of the drive device and the unique identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as first correspondence information; and an individual determination unit (34) that, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, determines whether the first correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port and the unique identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information. This makes it possible to determine that an electric actuator that is not to be connected to a port of the drive device has been connected to the port.

[0139] (Supplementary Note 2) The drive device described in Supplementary Note 1 may further include a control unit (38) that performs control to notify a user when the individual determination unit determines that the first correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information. As a result, when an electric actuator that is not intended to be connected to a port of the drive device is connected to the port, the user is notified, and the user can be made aware that the user has connected the wrong electric actuator to the port.

[0140] (Supplementary Note 3) The drive device described in Supplementary Note 1 may further include an individual information update unit (50) that, when the individual determination unit determines that the first correspondence relationship does not match the correspondence relationship indicated by the first correspondence relationship information, stores information indicating the first correspondence relationship in the individual information storage unit as the first correspondence relationship information. This makes it possible to update the first correspondence relationship information in the individual information storage unit in accordance with the electric actuator connected to a port of the drive device.

[0141] (Supplementary Note 4) The drive device described in Supplementary Note 3 may further include a model information storage unit (42) that stores information indicating a correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as second correspondence information, a model determination unit (36) that, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, determines whether the second correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information, and a model information update unit (52) that, when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information, stores the information indicating the second correspondence in the model information storage unit as the second correspondence information. This allows the second correspondence information in the model information storage unit to be updated depending on the electric actuator connected to the port of the drive device.

[0142] (Supplementary Note 5) A drive device for driving electric actuators, each assigned different model identification information, includes a model information storage unit that stores information indicating a correspondence between a port of the drive device and the model identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as second correspondence information, and a model determination unit that, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, determines whether the second correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information. This makes it possible to determine that an electric actuator that is not to be connected to a port of the drive device has been connected to the port.

[0143] (Supplementary Note 6) The drive device described in Supplementary Note 5 may further include a control unit that controls to notify a user when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information. As a result, when an electric actuator that is not intended to be connected to a port of the drive device is connected to the port, the user is notified, and the user can be made aware that the user has connected the wrong electric actuator to the port.

[0144] (Supplementary Note 7) The drive device described in Supplementary Note 5 may further include a model information update unit that, when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence relationship does not match the correspondence relationship indicated by the second correspondence relationship information, stores information indicating the second correspondence relationship in the model information storage unit as the second correspondence relationship information. This makes it possible to update the second correspondence relationship information in the model information storage unit in accordance with the electric actuator connected to a port of the drive device.

[0145] (Supplementary Note 8) A drive system (10) including the drive device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 4 to 7, wherein the drive system includes: an acquisition unit (54) that acquires specification information corresponding to the electric actuator connected to the drive device from a specification information storage unit (58, 64, 66) that stores specification information that is information related to the specifications of the electric actuator when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence relationship does not match the correspondence relationship indicated by the second correspondence relationship information; and a setting unit (56) that sets the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit in the drive device. This makes it possible to suppress malfunctions of the drive device and the electric actuator.

[0146] (Supplementary Note 9) In the drive system described in Supplementary Note 8, the specification information storage unit may be provided in the electric actuator. This makes it possible to suppress malfunctions in the drive device and the electric actuator.

[0147] (Supplementary Note 10) In the drive system described in Supplementary Note 8, the specification information storage unit may be provided in the drive device. This makes it possible to suppress malfunctions in the drive device and the electric actuator.

[0148] (Supplementary Note 11) In the drive system described in Supplementary Note 8, the acquisition unit, the setting unit, and the specification information storage unit may be provided in a setting device (48) connected to the drive device. This makes it possible to suppress malfunctions of the drive device and the electric actuator.

[0149] (Supplementary Note 12) A method for determining whether an electric actuator connected to a drive device that drives an electric actuator, each of which is assigned unique identification information that differs for each individual, is connected to the drive device, the method comprising: an individual information storage step of storing information indicating a correspondence between a port of the drive device and the unique identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as first correspondence information in an individual information storage unit; and an individual determination step of determining, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, whether the first correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port and the unique identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information. This makes it possible to determine whether an electric actuator that is not to be connected to a port of the drive device has been connected to the port of the drive device.

[0150] (Supplementary Note 13) The determination method according to Supplementary Note 12 may further include a control step in which the control unit performs control to notify a user when the individual determination unit determines that the first correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information. This notifies the user when an electric actuator that is not intended to be connected to a port of a drive device is connected to the port, allowing the user to recognize that the user has connected the wrong electric actuator to the port.

[0151] (Supplementary Note 14) The determination method according to Supplementary Note 12 may further include an individual information updating step in which, when the individual determination unit determines that the first correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information, an individual information updating unit stores information indicating the first correspondence as the first correspondence information in the individual information storage unit. This allows the first correspondence information in the individual information storage unit to be updated in accordance with the electric actuator connected to a port of the drive device.

[0152] (Supplementary Note 15) The determination method described in Supplementary Note 14 may include a model information storage step in which different model identification information is assigned to each electric actuator model, and information indicating a correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port is stored as second correspondence information in a model information storage unit, a model determination step in which, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, a model determination unit determines whether the second correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information, and a model information update step in which, when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information, a model information update unit stores the information indicating the second correspondence as the second correspondence information in the model information storage unit. This allows the second correspondence information in the model information storage unit to be updated depending on the electric actuator connected to the port of the drive device.

[0153] (Supplementary Note 16) A method for determining whether an electric actuator connected to a drive device that drives an electric actuator assigned different model identification information for each model, the method comprising: a model information storage step of storing information indicating a correspondence between a port of the drive device and the model identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as second correspondence information in a model information storage unit; and a model determination step of determining, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, whether the second correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information. This makes it possible to determine whether an electric actuator that is not to be connected to a port of the drive device has been connected to the port of the drive device.

[0154] (Supplementary Note 17) The determination method according to Supplementary Note 16 may further include a control step in which the control unit performs control to notify a user when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information. This notifies the user when an electric actuator that is not intended to be connected to a port of the drive device is connected to the port, thereby making the user aware that the user has connected the wrong electric actuator to the port.

[0155] (Supplementary Note 18) The determination method according to Supplementary Note 16 may further include a model information updating step in which, when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence relationship does not match the correspondence relationship indicated by the second correspondence relationship information, a model information updating unit stores information indicating the second correspondence relationship as the second correspondence relationship information in the model information storage unit. This allows the second correspondence relationship information in the model information storage unit to be updated in accordance with the electric actuator connected to a port of the drive device.

[0156] (Supplementary Note 19) A determination method for determining the electric actuator connected to the drive unit included in the drive system according to Supplementary Note 8, the method comprising: an acquisition step in which, when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence relationship does not match the correspondence relationship indicated by the second correspondence relationship information, the acquisition unit acquires the specification information corresponding to the electric actuator connected to the drive unit from the specification information storage unit; and a setting step in which the setting unit sets the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit in the drive unit. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions of the drive unit and the electric actuator.

[0157] (Supplementary Note 20) In the determination method according to Supplementary Note 19, in the acquiring step, the acquiring unit may acquire the specification information from the specification information storage unit provided in the electric actuator. This makes it possible to suppress malfunctions of the drive device and the electric actuator.

[0158] (Supplementary Note 21) In the determination method according to Supplementary Note 19, in the acquiring step, the acquiring unit may acquire the specification information from the specification information storage unit provided in the drive device. This makes it possible to suppress malfunctions of the drive device and the electric actuator.

[0159] (Supplementary Note 22) In the determination method described in Supplementary Note 19, the drive system may include a setting device having the acquisition unit, the setting unit, and the specification information storage unit, and in the acquisition step, the acquisition unit provided in the setting device may acquire the specification information from the specification information storage unit provided in the setting device. This makes it possible to suppress malfunctions of the drive device and the electric actuator.

[0160] (Supplementary Note 23) A program for causing a computer to execute the determination method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 12 to 18. This makes it possible to determine whether an electric actuator that is not intended to be connected to a port of a drive device has been connected to that port.

[0161] (Supplementary Note 24) A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing the program according to Supplementary Note 23. This makes it possible to determine whether an electric actuator that is not intended to be connected to a port of the drive device has been connected to that port.

Claims

1. A drive device (14) that drives an electric actuator (12) to which different unique identification information is assigned, the drive device comprising: an individual information storage unit (40) that stores information indicating a correspondence between a port (22) of the drive device and the unique identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as first correspondence information; and an individual determination unit (34) that, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, determines whether or not a first correspondence, which is a correspondence between the port and the unique identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information.

2. A drive device as described in claim 1, further comprising a control unit (38) that performs control to notify a user when the individual determination unit determines that the first correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information.

3. A drive device as described in claim 1, further comprising an individual information update unit (50) which, when the individual determination unit determines that the first correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information, causes information indicating the first correspondence to be stored in the individual information storage unit as the first correspondence information.

4. A drive device as described in claim 3, further comprising: a model information storage unit (42) for storing information indicating a correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as second correspondence information; a model determination unit (36) for determining, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, whether a second correspondence, which is a correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information; and a model information update unit (52) for storing information indicating the second correspondence as the second correspondence information in the model information storage unit when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information.

5. A driving device for driving an electric actuator, each model of which is assigned different model identification information, comprising: a model information storage unit that stores information indicating a correspondence between a port of the driving device and the model identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as second correspondence information; and a model determination unit that, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, determines whether the second correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information.

6. A drive device as described in claim 5, further comprising a control unit that performs control to notify a user when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information.

7. A drive device as described in claim 5, further comprising a model information update unit which, when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence relationship does not match the correspondence relationship indicated by the second correspondence relationship information, stores information indicating the second correspondence relationship in the model information storage unit as the second correspondence relationship information.

8. A drive system equipped with a drive unit according to any one of claims 4 to 7, comprising: an acquisition unit (54) that acquires specification information corresponding to the electric actuator connected to the drive unit from a specification information storage unit (58, 64, 66) that stores specification information, which is information regarding the specifications of the electric actuator, when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information; and a setting unit (56) that sets the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit in the drive unit.

9. A drive system according to claim 8, wherein the specification information storage unit is provided in the electric actuator.

10. A drive system according to claim 8, wherein the specification information storage unit is provided in the drive device.

11. A drive system according to claim 8, wherein the acquisition unit, the setting unit and the specification information storage unit are provided in a setting device (48) connected to the drive device.

12. A method for determining whether an electric actuator is connected to a driving device that drives the electric actuator, each of which is assigned a different unique identification information, comprising: an individual information storage step of storing information indicating a correspondence between a port of the driving device and the unique identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as first correspondence information in an individual information storage unit; and an individual determination step of determining whether, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, a first correspondence, which is a correspondence between the port and the unique identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information by an individual determination unit.

13. A determination method as described in claim 12, further comprising a control step in which a control unit performs control to notify a user when the individual determination unit determines that the first correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information.

14. A determination method as described in claim 12, further comprising an individual information update step in which, when the individual determination unit determines that the first correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the first correspondence information, an individual information update unit stores information indicating the first correspondence in the individual information storage unit as the first correspondence information.

15. A determination method as claimed in claim 14, comprising: a model information storing step in which different model identification information is assigned to the electric actuators for each model, and information indicating the correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port is stored in a model information storage unit as second correspondence information; a model determination step in which, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, a model determination unit determines whether a second correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information; and a model information updating step in which, when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information, a model information updating unit stores the information indicating the second correspondence as the second correspondence information in the model information storage unit.

16. A method for determining whether an electric actuator is connected to a driving device that drives the electric actuator, each of which is assigned different model identification information, comprising: a model information storage step of storing information indicating the correspondence between a port of the driving device and the model identification information of the electric actuator to be connected to the port as second correspondence information in a model information storage unit; and a model determination step of determining whether, when the electric actuator is connected to the port, the second correspondence, which is the correspondence between the port and the model identification information of the electric actuator connected to the port, matches the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information, by a model determination unit.

17. A determination method according to claim 16, further comprising a control step in which a control unit performs control to notify a user when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information.

18. A determination method as claimed in claim 16, further comprising a model information update step in which, when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence relationship does not match the correspondence relationship indicated by the second correspondence relationship information, a model information update unit stores information indicating the second correspondence relationship as the second correspondence relationship information in the model information storage unit.

19. A method for determining the electric actuator connected to the drive unit provided in the drive system described in claim 8, comprising: an acquisition step in which, when the model determination unit determines that the second correspondence does not match the correspondence indicated by the second correspondence information, the acquisition unit acquires, from the specification information storage unit, the specification information corresponding to the electric actuator connected to the drive unit; and a setting step in which the setting unit sets, in the drive unit, the specification information acquired by the acquisition unit.

20. A determination method according to claim 19, wherein in the acquisition step, the acquisition unit acquires the specification information from the specification information storage unit provided in the electric actuator.

21. A determination method according to claim 19, wherein in the acquisition step, the acquisition unit acquires the specification information from the specification information storage unit provided in the drive device.

22. A determination method as described in claim 19, wherein the drive system includes a setting device having the acquisition unit, the setting unit, and the specification information storage unit, and in the acquisition step, the acquisition unit provided in the setting device acquires the specification information from the specification information storage unit provided in the setting device.

23. A program for causing a computer to execute the determination method according to any one of claims 12 to 18.

24. A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium storing the program according to claim 23.

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