Determination device

Abstract

A determination device (10) performs determination regarding detection signals (D, D1, D2) of a first detection sensor (22, 22a) and a second detection sensor (22, 22b) attached to mutually different positions (P1, P2) of an actuator (20) having a moving body (24). The determination device comprises a notification unit (78) that, when a determination unit (74) determines that both the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are a prescribed type of signal indicating HIGH or LOW, performs notification corresponding to the determination result by the determination unit.

Description

Determination device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a determination device.

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-14990 discloses an abnormality detection system for an actuator. Based on the movement time of the movable part of the actuator, an abnormality of the actuator is detected. The movement time of the movable part is calculated based on the detection results of a first sensor and a second sensor that are respectively arranged at one end and the other end of the actuator and detect the movable part.

[0003] The abnormality detection system for an actuator disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-14990 does not detect an abnormality or detects that an abnormality of the actuator has occurred even when an abnormality occurs in at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor. In that case, it is difficult to determine that the sensor is abnormal.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to solve the above-described problems.

[0005] An aspect of the present disclosure is a determination device that makes a determination regarding detection signals corresponding to the position of a moving body of an actuator having a moving body movable along a predetermined direction, the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor being attached at different positions from each other along the predetermined direction and both detecting the position of the moving body, the determination device including: a determination unit that determines whether the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are both signals of a predetermined type indicating HIGH or LOW; and a notification unit that performs notification corresponding to a determination result by the determination unit when the determination unit determines that the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are both signals of the predetermined type.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, when at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor that detects the position of the moving body of the actuator is abnormal, it can be determined by the user.

[0007] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a determination device according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a setting table for a pair of first and second detection sensors. Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C are time charts showing examples of changes in the detection signals of the first and second detection sensors over time. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of notification performed by the determination device. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the notification content displayed on a display device. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the notification processing procedure performed by the determination device. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a determination device according to a modified example.

[0008] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a determination device 10 according to one embodiment. The determination device 10 makes a determination regarding the detection signals D of two detection sensors 22 attached to each of one or more actuators 20. Actuators 20a and 20b are shown as examples in Figure 1. Each actuator 20 has a movable body 24. The movable body 24 is capable of reciprocating movement within the actuator 20 along a predetermined direction X. The position P of the movable body 24 changes in accordance with the movement of the movable body 24 between a position P1 corresponding to one end of the movement section M of the movable body 24 and a position P2 corresponding to the other end of the movement section M of the movable body 24.

[0009] The two detection sensors 22 include a first detection sensor 22a and a second detection sensor 22b. The first detection sensor 22a is positioned at the aforementioned position P1. The second detection sensor 22b is positioned at the aforementioned position P2. That is, the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b are mounted at different positions along a predetermined direction X of the actuator 20. The first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b are capable of outputting detection signals D corresponding to the position P of the moving body 24, respectively.

[0010] In the example shown in Figure 1, the position P of the moving object 24 is not included in the first range R1 in which the first detection sensor 22a can detect the moving object 24, nor is it included in the second range R2 in which the second detection sensor 22b can detect the moving object 24. Within the movement section M of the moving object 24 along a predetermined direction X, the first range R1 and the second range R2 are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, neither the first detection sensor 22a nor the second detection sensor 22b will detect the moving object 24.

[0011] If the position P of the moving body 24 is not included in the first range R1, the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a indicates LOW. If the position P of the moving body 24 is not included in the second range R2, the detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b indicates LOW. If the moving body 24 moves in a predetermined direction X and its position P is included in the first range R1, the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a indicates HIGH. If the moving body 24 moves in a predetermined direction X and its position P is included in the second range R2, the detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b indicates HIGH.

[0012] As described above, since the first range R1 and the second range R2 are spaced apart from each other, the detection signal D1 from the first detection sensor 22a and the detection signal D2 from the second detection sensor 22b will never both show HIGH. Therefore, if both detection signals D1 and D2 show HIGH, the user can easily determine that at least one of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b is malfunctioning.

[0013] The detection signal D1 from the first detection sensor 22a and the detection signal D2 from the second detection sensor 22b are input to the signal input device 30. The signal input device 30 is equipped with multiple input interfaces J to which the detection signals D from the multiple detection sensors 22 are each input. The detection signals D1 and D2 from the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b, which are respectively attached to each actuator 20, are input to two of the multiple input interfaces J.

[0014] For example, the detection signal D1 from the first detection sensor 22a attached to the actuator 20a is input to the first input interface J1 among the multiple input interfaces J. The detection signal D2 from the second detection sensor 22b attached to the actuator 20a is input to the second input interface J2 among the multiple input interfaces J. The first input interface J1 and the second input interface J2 correspond to the two input interfaces J described above.

[0015] The signal input device 30 shown in Figure 1 includes a first input interface J1, a second input interface J2, as well as a third input interface J3, a fourth input interface J4, ..., an mth input interface Jm, and an nth input interface Jn. Each of the input interfaces J other than the first input interface J1 and the second input interface J2 can receive a detection signal D from a detection sensor 22 attached to another actuator 20 other than the actuator 20a shown in Figure 1.

[0016] For example, the detection signal D1 from the first detection sensor 22a attached to the actuator 20b is input to the third input interface J3 among the multiple input interfaces J. The detection signal D2 from the second detection sensor 22b attached to the actuator 20b is input to the fourth input interface J4 among the multiple input interfaces J.

[0017] The signal input device 30 further includes indicator lights L corresponding to each input interface J. That is, the signal input device 30 includes a plurality of indicator lights L corresponding to each of the plurality of input interfaces J. The signal input device 30 includes a first indicator light L1 corresponding to the first input interface J1, a second indicator light L2 corresponding to the second input interface J2, a third indicator light L3 corresponding to the third input interface J3, a fourth indicator light L4 corresponding to the fourth input interface J4, ..., the mth indicator light Lm corresponding to the mth input interface Jm, and the nth indicator light Ln corresponding to the nth input interface Jn.

[0018] As described later, the determination device 10 can illuminate two indicator lights L corresponding to the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a and the detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b in a predetermined color such as red. The determination device 10 may also illuminate the two indicator lights L in a predetermined manner such as blinking. That is, the determination device 10 can illuminate the first indicator light L1 and the second indicator light L2 in a predetermined color. The determination device 10 may also illuminate the first indicator light L1 and the second indicator light L2 in a predetermined manner.

[0019] The determination device 10 can illuminate the third indicator light L3 and the fourth indicator light L4 in predetermined colors. The determination device 10 may illuminate the third indicator light L3 and the fourth indicator light L4 in predetermined ways. The determination device 10 can illuminate the mth indicator light Lm and the nth indicator light Ln in predetermined colors. The determination device 10 may illuminate the mth indicator light Lm and the nth indicator light Ln in predetermined ways.

[0020] As will be described later, the signal input device 30 can set a pair G of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b under the control of the determination device 10. By setting this pair G, the two input interfaces J that receive the detection signal D1 from the first detection sensor 22a and the detection signal D2 from the second detection sensor 22b are associated with each other. For example, by setting a pair G1 of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b attached to the actuator 20a, the first input interface J1 and the second input interface J2 are associated with each other.

[0021] Furthermore, the third input interface J3 and the fourth input interface J4 are associated with each other by setting the set G2 of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b attached to actuator 20b. Similarly, the mth input interface Jm and the nth input interface Jn are associated with each other by setting the set Gk of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b attached to either actuator 20.

[0022] In the signal input device 30, the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a input to the signal input device 30 and the set G of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b described above are associated with first detection information. The detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b input to the signal input device 30 and the set G of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b described above are associated with second detection information. As will be described later, the determination device 10 acquires the first detection information and the second detection information from the signal input device 30.

[0023] Communication between the determination device 10 and the signal input device 30 is performed via the protocol conversion device 40. The communication protocols used between the determination device 10 and the protocol conversion device 40 are, for example, Ethernet® and IP (Internet Protocol). The communication protocol used between the signal input device 30 and the protocol conversion device 40 is, for example, IO-Link®.

[0024] The protocol converter 40 can communicate with multiple signal input devices 30. Therefore, the determination device 10 can obtain the detection signals D of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b, each attached to one of the multiple actuators 20, from the multiple signal input devices 30 via the protocol converter 40. The determination device 10 obtains first detection information corresponding to the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a and second detection information corresponding to the detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b from the signal input devices 30.

[0025] Furthermore, the determination device 10 can, via the protocol conversion device 40, illuminate both indicator lights L provided on the signal input device 30 in the predetermined colors described above, or in the predetermined manner described above.

[0026] The determination device 10 includes a calculation unit 60 and a storage unit 62. The calculation unit 60 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). In other words, the calculation unit 60 includes processing circuitry. The storage unit 62 includes volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory.

[0027] The volatile memory is used as the processor's working memory. The non-volatile memory stores the program executed by the processor, the setting table for the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b set G (described later), and the like.

[0028] The calculation unit 60 includes a setting unit 70, an acquisition unit 72, a determination unit 74, a timing unit 76, and a notification unit 78. The setting unit 70, the acquisition unit 72, the determination unit 74, the timing unit 76, and the notification unit 78 are realized when the calculation unit 60 executes a program stored in the storage unit 62. At least a portion of the setting unit 70, the acquisition unit 72, the determination unit 74, the timing unit 76, and the notification unit 78 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0029] The setting unit 70 controls the signal input device 30 to set the set G of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b based on the setting table stored in the storage unit 62. Details of the setting table will be described later with reference to Figure 2. The setting table associates the names of the set G of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b with the set G. The names of the set G are entered into a predetermined field of the setting table by user input performed by the user operating the user input device Fi.

[0030] This makes it easier for the user to determine if there is an abnormality in the detection sensor 22 for each set G of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b. In addition, since the user can input the name of the set G, the user can set a name for the set G that is easy for them to understand.

[0031] The acquisition unit 72 acquires the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a and the detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b from the signal input device 30. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 72 acquires first detection information from the signal input device 30, which associates the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a with the set G of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b. The acquisition unit 72 acquires second detection information from the signal input device 30, which associates the detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b with the set G of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b.

[0032] The determination unit 74 determines whether the detection signal D1 from the first detection sensor 22a and the detection signal D2 from the second detection sensor 22b are both signals of a predetermined type. The condition that both detection signals D1 and D2 are signals of a predetermined type corresponds to both being signals indicating HIGH and both being signals indicating LOW. That is, the determination unit 74 determines whether both detection signals D1 and D2 are signals indicating HIGH, and whether both detection signals D1 and D2 are signals indicating LOW.

[0033] The timing unit 76 measures the duration Ts during which the determination unit 74 determines that both detection signals D1 and D2 are signals of a predetermined type. The timing unit 76 can measure the duration Ts based on the clock signal. When the determination unit 74 determines that both detection signals D1 and D2 are signals of a predetermined type, the measurement of the duration Ts is started.

[0034] Subsequently, if the determination unit 74 continues to determine that both detection signal D1 and detection signal D2 are signals of a predetermined type, the measurement of the duration Ts continues. If the above determination is no longer obtained before the duration Ts exceeds the predetermined time Tp described later, the timing unit 76 stops measuring the duration Ts.

[0035] If the above determination is continuously obtained and the measurement of the duration Ts continues, the duration Ts may exceed the predetermined time Tp. After the duration Ts exceeds the predetermined time Tp, the notification unit 78 provides notification corresponding to the determination result by the determination unit 74. The determination result by the determination unit 74 corresponds to the fact that both the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a and the detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b are signals of a predetermined type. As a result, the notification unit 78 can provide notification prompting the user to determine that at least one of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b is abnormal.

[0036] In this way, the user can determine that at least one of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b, which detect the position P of the moving body 24 of the actuator 20, is abnormal. Furthermore, since notification is given after the duration Ts exceeds a predetermined time Tp, it is prevented from prompting the user to make an incorrect judgment when it is not abnormal for both detection signals D1 and D2 to be signals of a predetermined type temporarily.

[0037] The notification unit 78 provides the notification described above by displaying the notification content on the display device Fo. An example of the notification content being displayed on the display device Fo will be described later with reference to Figure 5. The display device Fo is often located in a centralized control center that manages multiple actuators 20 and detection sensors 22 together with the determination device 10. Users can determine abnormalities in the detection sensors 22 at such a centralized control center, making it highly convenient.

[0038] The notification unit 78 may also provide the above-mentioned notification by illuminating both indicator lights L provided in the signal input device 30 in a predetermined color such as red. The notification unit 78 may also provide the above-mentioned notification by illuminating both indicator lights L in a predetermined manner such as flashing.

[0039] The signal input device 30 is likely to be placed in the workplace where the actuator 20 and detection sensor 22 are used. This is highly convenient because users can determine abnormalities in the detection sensor 22 in such a workplace.

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates a setting table for a pair G of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b. The setting table includes the pair G of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b, the two input interfaces J of the signal input device 30, and the name of the pair G. The detection signals D of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b are input to the two input interfaces J, respectively. The setting of the pair G associates the two input interfaces J with each other.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 2, a set G1 consisting of a first detection sensor 22a and a second detection sensor 22b attached to the actuator 20a is configured. As described above, the detection signal D1 from the first detection sensor 22a attached to the actuator 20a is input to the first input interface J1 of the signal input device 30. The detection signal D2 from the second detection sensor 22b attached to the actuator 20a is input to the second input interface J2 of the signal input device 30. The first input interface J1 and the second input interface J2 are associated with each other by the configuration of set G1. In addition, set G1 is associated with a name unique to set G1.

[0042] In the example shown in FIG. 2, a set G2 of a first detection sensor 22a and a second detection sensor 22b attached to an actuator 20b is set. As described above, the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a attached to the actuator 20b is input to the third input interface J3 of the signal input device 30. The detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b attached to the actuator 20b is input to the fourth input interface J4 of the signal input device 30. By setting the set G2, the third input interface J3 and the fourth input interface J4 are associated with each other. Also, a name unique to the set G2 is associated with the set G2.

[0043] In the example shown in FIG. 2, a set Gk of a first detection sensor 22a and a second detection sensor 22b attached to an actuator 20k is set. As described above, the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a attached to the actuator 20k is input to the m-th input interface Jm of the signal input device 30. The detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b attached to the actuator 20k is input to the m-th input interface Jm of the signal input device 30. By setting the set Gk, the m-th input interface Jm and the n-th input interface Jn are associated with each other. Also, a name unique to the set Gk is associated with the set Gk.

[0044] The setting table is generated based on a user input performed by the user operating the user input device Fi. The generated setting table is stored by the storage unit 62 of the determination device 10. The setting unit 70 of the determination device 10 reads the setting table from the storage unit 62. The setting unit 70 controls the signal input device 30 to set the set G based on the read setting table.

[0045] The signal input device 30 sets the set G under the control of the setting unit 70 of the determination device 10. The signal input device 30 associates the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a input to the signal input device 30 with the set G corresponding to the input interface J to which the detection signal D1 is input as first detection information. The signal input device 30 associates the detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b input to the signal input device 30 with the set G corresponding to the input interface J to which the detection signal D2 is input as second detection information.

[0046] The acquisition unit 72 of the determination device 10 acquires the first detection information and the second detection information, thereby acquiring the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a and the detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b attached to each of the plurality of actuators 20. The determination unit 74 determines whether both the detection signal D1 and the detection signal D2 are signals of a predetermined type for each set G of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b attached to each of the plurality of actuators 20.

[0047] Thus, when both the detection signal D1 and the detection signal D2 are signals of a predetermined type, the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b that output these detection signals D1 and detection signal D2 can be specified.

[0048] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are time charts showing examples of changes in the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a and the detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b over time T. FIG. 3A shows a simple example in which the detection signal D1 and the detection signal D2 each normally change periodically in accordance with the movement of the moving body 24 of the actuator 20.

[0049] Until the time Ta arrives, the detection signal D1 indicates LOW. At the time Ta, the detection signal D1 indicates HIGH. At the time Tb after the time U has elapsed from the time Ta, the detection signal D1 indicates LOW again. At the time Te after the time W has elapsed from the time Tb, the detection signal D1 indicates HIGH again. At the time Tf after the time U has elapsed from the time Te, the detection signal D1 indicates LOW again. Until the time arrives after the time W has elapsed from the time Tf, the detection signal D1 indicates LOW.

[0050] The detection signal D2 is LOW until time Tc arrives, which is after time Tb. At time Tc, the detection signal D2 is HIGH. At time Td, which is after time U has elapsed from time Tc, the detection signal D2 is LOW again. At time Tg, which is after time W has elapsed from time Td, the detection signal D2 is HIGH again. At time Th, which is after time U has elapsed from time Tg, the detection signal D2 is LOW again. The detection signal D2 is LOW until time W has elapsed from time Th arrives.

[0051] Both time Tc and time Td are between time Tb and time Te. Time Tc is a time after time Wc has elapsed from time Tb. Time Te is a time after time Wc has elapsed from time Td. Both time Te and time Tf are between time Td and time Tg. Time Te is a time after time Wc has elapsed from time Td. Time Tg is a time after time Wc has elapsed from time Tf.

[0052] As described above, the determination unit 74 of the determination device 10 determines whether both detection signal D1 and detection signal D2 are signals of a predetermined type. If the determination unit 74 determines that both detection signal D1 and detection signal D2 are signals of a predetermined type, the notification unit 78 makes the notification described above after the duration Ts described above has exceeded the predetermined time Tp.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 3A, there is no time when both detection signal D1 and detection signal D2 show HIGH. Therefore, if a predetermined type of signal is defined as a signal that shows HIGH, the predetermined time Tp described above is determined to be a value of 0 or greater. However, considering the case where only one of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b is abnormal and the other is normal, it is preferable that the predetermined time Tp is a value less than time U. That is, when both detection signal D1 and detection signal D2 show HIGH, it is preferable that the predetermined time Tp satisfies the inequality 0 ≤ Tp < U.

[0054] Furthermore, when both detection signals D1 and D2 indicate HIGH and the predetermined time Tp = 0, it is not necessary to determine whether the duration Ts has exceeded the predetermined time Tp. In other words, the timing unit 76 does not need to measure the duration Ts. Therefore, if the determination unit 74 determines that both detection signals D1 and D2 are signals indicating HIGH, the notification unit 78 makes the notification as described above.

[0055] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 3A, there exists a time Wc during which both detection signals D1 and D2 show LOW. Therefore, if a predetermined type of signal is defined as a LOW signal, the predetermined time Tp is determined to be greater than or equal to time Wc. However, considering the case where only one of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b is abnormal and the other is normal, it is preferable that the predetermined time Tp is less than time W. That is, when both detection signals D1 and D2 show LOW, it is preferable that the predetermined time Tp satisfies the inequality Wc ≤ Tp < W.

[0056] Figure 3B shows an example where the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a remains HIGH due to an abnormality in the first detection sensor 22a. At time Ta, the detection signal D1 is HIGH. Unlike the example shown in Figure 3A, at time Tb, after time U has elapsed from time Ta, the detection signal D1 does not change from HIGH to LOW. The detection signal D1 remains HIGH even after time Tb. The time Ua during which the detection signal D1 remains HIGH after time Ta is shown.

[0057] During the time period U from time Tc to time Td, both detection signals D1 and D2 indicate HIGH. That is, there exists a time period Uca during which both detection signals D1 and D2 indicate HIGH. In the example shown in Figure 3B, time Uca is equal to time U. Therefore, in this example, the duration Ts corresponding to time Uca exceeds the predetermined time Tp (0 ≤ Tp < U) when both detection signals D1 and D2 indicate HIGH. In that case, the notification unit 78 makes the notification described above.

[0058] Figure 3C shows an example where the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a remains LOW due to an abnormality in the first detection sensor 22a. At time Tb, the detection signal D1 is LOW. Unlike the example shown in Figure 3A, at time Te, after time W has elapsed from time Tb, the detection signal D1 does not change from LOW to HIGH. The detection signal D1 remains LOW even after time Te. The time Wa at which the detection signal D1 remains LOW after time Tb is shown.

[0059] During the time period W from time Td to time Tg, both detection signals D1 and D2 show LOW. That is, there exists a time Wca in which both detection signals D1 and D2 show LOW, and which exceeds the aforementioned time Wc. In the example shown in Figure 3C, time Wca is equal to time W. Therefore, in this example, the duration Ts corresponding to time Wca exceeds the predetermined time Tp (Wc ≤ Tp < W) when both detection signals D1 and D2 show LOW. In that case, the notification unit 78 makes the notification as described above.

[0060] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of notification performed by the determination device 10. Figure 4 shows whether or not notification is given depending on the combination of detection signal D1 from the first detection sensor 22a and detection signal D2 from the second detection sensor 22b. For simplicity of explanation, the predetermined time Tp = 0 when both detection signal D1 and detection signal D2 indicate HIGH. The predetermined time Tp = Wc when both detection signal D1 from the first detection sensor 22a and detection signal D2 from the second detection sensor 22b indicate LOW.

[0061] If both detection signal D1 and detection signal D2 are determined to be HIGH, the notification unit 78 will make the notification described above without measuring the duration Ts. The user will be prompted to determine that at least one of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b is abnormal. If detection signal D1 is HIGH and detection signal D2 is LOW, the notification unit 78 will not make the notification described above. If detection signal D1 is LOW and detection signal D2 is HIGH, the notification unit 78 will not make the notification described above.

[0062] If both detection signal D1 and detection signal D2 are determined to be LOW signals, measurement of the duration Ts is started. The notification unit 78 does not make the above-mentioned notification until the duration Ts, which is the time during which both detection signal D1 and detection signal D2 are determined to be LOW signals, exceeds a predetermined time Tp (=Wc). After the duration Ts exceeds the predetermined time Tp, the notification unit 78 makes the above-mentioned notification.

[0063] Figure 5 shows an example of the notification content being displayed on the display device Fo. The notification content from the notification unit 78 includes content indicating that both the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a and the detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b are HIGH, and content prompting the user to determine that at least one of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b is abnormal.

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 5, the fact that both detection signals D1 and D2 showed HIGH is reported, along with information to identify the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b that output detection signals D1 and D2. A message prompting the user to determine that one or both of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b are abnormal is also displayed.

[0065] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the notification processing procedure performed by the determination device 10. This processing procedure is carried out by executing a program stored in the memory unit 62 of the determination device 10.

[0066] When this processing procedure is started, in step S1, the acquisition unit 72 acquires the detection signal D1 of the first detection sensor 22a and the detection signal D2 of the second detection sensor 22b from the signal input device 30. More specifically, the acquisition unit 72 acquires first detection information from the signal input device 30, which associates the detection signal D1 with the pair G of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b. The acquisition unit 72 acquires second detection information from the signal input device 30, which associates the detection signal D2 with the pair G.

[0067] In step S2, the determination unit 74 determines whether both detection signal D1 and detection signal D2 are signals of a predetermined type. If the result in step S2 is YES, the process proceeds to step S3. If the result in step S2 is NO, the process ends.

[0068] In step S3, the timing unit 76 determines whether or not it is measuring the duration Ts. The duration Ts is the time during which the determination unit 74 continues to determine that both the detected signal D1 and the detected signal D2 are signals of a predetermined type. If the result in step S3 is YES, the process proceeds to step S4. If the result in step S3 is NO, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0069] In step S21, the timing unit 76 starts measuring the duration Ts. Once the process in step S21 is complete, the process returns to step S1.

[0070] In step S4, the timing unit 76 determines whether the duration Ts has exceeded a predetermined time Tp. If the answer in step S4 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5. If the answer in step S4 is NO, the process returns to step S1.

[0071] In step S5, the timing unit 76 stops measuring the duration Ts. In step S6, the notification unit 78 provides notification corresponding to the determination result that both detection signals D1 and D2 are signals of a predetermined type. The user is prompted to determine that at least one of the first detection sensor 22a and the second detection sensor 22b is abnormal. Once the processing in step S6 is completed, this processing procedure ends.

[0072] The embodiments described above may be modified as follows. In the following modifications, explanations that overlap with those in the embodiments will be omitted. Also, in the figures used in the following modifications, components identical to those described in the embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0073] (Modified Version) In the embodiment described above, the signal input device 30 is located outside the determination device 10. However, the signal input device 30 may be located inside the determination device 10. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a modified determination device 10. The determination device 10 further includes a arithmetic unit 60, a storage unit 62, and a signal input device 30. The signal input device 30 is often located in a workplace where the actuator 20 and detection sensor 22 are used. This provides high convenience as the user can determine abnormalities in the detection sensor 22 in such a workplace.

[0074] With regard to the embodiments and modifications described above, the following additional information is disclosed.

[0075] (Note 1) The determination device (10) of the present disclosure is a determination device that performs a determination regarding detection signals (D, D1, D2) corresponding to the position of a moving body (24) of an actuator (20) having a moving body (24) that can move along a predetermined direction (X), and is attached to each other at different positions (P1, P2) along the predetermined direction, and both detect the position (P) of the moving body, and comprises a determination unit (74) that determines whether the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are both signals of a predetermined type indicating HIGH or LOW, and a notification unit (78) that provides notification corresponding to the determination result by the determination unit when the determination unit determines that the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are both signals of the predetermined type. With such a configuration, a user can determine that at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor that detect the position of the moving body of the actuator is abnormal.

[0076] (Note 2) The determination device described in Note 1 further comprises a timing unit (76) that measures the duration (Ts) during which the determination unit determines that both the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are signals of the predetermined type, and the notification unit may make the notification after the duration exceeds the predetermined time (Tp). With such a configuration, when it is not abnormal for both the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor to be signals of the predetermined type temporarily, it is possible to prevent prompting the user to make an incorrect judgment.

[0077] (Note 3) The determination device described in Note 1 or 2 further comprises an acquisition unit (72) capable of acquiring the detection signals of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor attached to each of the plurality of actuators, wherein the determination unit may determine, for each pair (G) of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor attached to each of the plurality of actuators, whether the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are both signals of the predetermined type. With such a configuration, if the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are both signals of the predetermined type, the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor that output these detection signals can be identified.

[0078] (Note 4) The determination device described in Note 3 further comprises a setting unit (70) for setting the set by controlling a signal input device (30) to which the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are input, the acquisition unit acquires first detection information from the signal input device in which the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the set are associated, and acquires second detection information from the signal input device in which the detection signal of the second detection sensor and the set are associated, and the determination unit may determine, based on the first detection information and the second detection information, whether the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are both signals of the predetermined type for each set. With such a configuration, it becomes easier for the user to determine the abnormality of the detection sensor for each set of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor.

[0079] (Note 5) In the determination device described in Note 4, the setting unit may control the signal input device to set the set to which the name of the set input by user input is associated. With such a configuration, the user can set a name of the set that is easy for the user to understand.

[0080] (Note 6) The determination device described in Note 4 may further include the signal input device. With this configuration, the user can determine abnormalities in the detection sensor in the workplace where the actuator and detection sensor are used, which is highly convenient.

[0081] (Note 7) In a determination device described in any of Notes 1 to 6, the notification unit may provide the notification by illuminating a first indicator light (L, L1) corresponding to the detection signal of the first detection sensor and a second indicator light (L, L2) corresponding to the detection signal of the second detection sensor in a predetermined color, or by illuminating them in a predetermined manner. With such a configuration, the user can determine if there is an abnormality in the detection sensor in the workplace where the actuator and detection sensor are used, thus providing high convenience.

[0082] (Note 8) In the determination device described in any of Notes 1 to 6, the notification unit may perform the notification by displaying the determination result on a display device (Fo). With such a configuration, abnormalities in the detection sensor can be determined at a centralized control center that manages multiple actuators and detection sensors, making it highly convenient.

[0083] (Note 9) A determination device according to any one of Notes 1 to 8, wherein the detection signal of the first detection sensor indicates HIGH when the position of the moving body is included in a first range (R1) in which the first detection sensor can detect the moving body, and indicates LOW when the position of the moving body is not included in the first range, the detection signal of the second detection sensor indicates HIGH when the position of the moving body is included in a second range (R2) in which the second detection sensor can detect the moving body, and indicates LOW when the position of the moving body is not included in the second range, and the first range and the second range may be spaced apart from each other in the movement section (M) of the moving body along the predetermined direction. With such a configuration, it is easy for the user to determine that at least one of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor is abnormal.

[0084] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are given as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above.

[0085] 10... Judgment device 20... Actuator 22... Detection sensor 24... Mobile body 30... Signal input device 40... Protocol conversion device 60... Calculation unit 62... Memory unit 70... Setting unit 72... Acquisition unit 74... Judgment unit 76... Timing unit 78... Notification unit

Claims

1. A determination device (10) that performs a determination regarding detection signals (D, D1, D2) corresponding to the position of a moving body (D) of an actuator (20) having a moving body (24) that can move along a predetermined direction (X), wherein first detection sensors (22, 22a) and second detection sensors (22, 22b) are attached to each other at different positions (P1, P2) along the predetermined direction and both detect the position (P) of the moving body, the determination device comprising: a determination unit (74) that determines whether the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are both signals of a predetermined type indicating HIGH or LOW; and a notification unit (78) that, if the determination unit determines that the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are both signals of the predetermined type, notifies the determination result of the determination unit.

2. A determination device according to claim 1, further comprising a timing unit (76) that measures a duration (Ts) during which the determination unit determines that both the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are signals of the predetermined type, wherein the notification unit makes the notification after the duration exceeds a predetermined time (Tp).

3. A determination device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an acquisition unit (72) capable of acquiring the detection signals of each of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor attached to each of the plurality of actuators, wherein the determination unit determines whether, for each pair (G) of the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor attached to each of the plurality of actuators, the detection device determines whether both the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are signals of the predetermined type.

4. A determination device according to claim 3, further comprising a setting unit (70) for setting the set by controlling a signal input device (30) to which the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are input, wherein the acquisition unit acquires first detection information from the signal input device to associate the detection signal of the first detection sensor with the set, and acquires second detection information from the signal input device to associate the detection signal of the second detection sensor with the set, and the determination unit determines, based on the first detection information and the second detection information, whether the detection signal of the first detection sensor and the detection signal of the second detection sensor are both signals of the predetermined type for each set.

5. A determination device according to claim 4, wherein the setting unit controls the signal input device to set the set to which the name of the set input by user input is associated.

6. A determination device according to claim 4, further comprising the signal input device.

7. A determination device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit provides notification by illuminating a first indicator light (L, L1) corresponding to the detection signal of the first detection sensor and a second indicator light (L, L2) corresponding to the detection signal of the second detection sensor in a predetermined color, or by illuminating them in a predetermined manner.

8. A determination device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the notification unit provides notification by displaying the determination result on a display device (Fo).

9. A determination device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection signal of the first detection sensor indicates HIGH when the position of the moving body is included in a first range (R1) in which the first detection sensor can detect the moving body, and indicates LOW when the position of the moving body is not included in the first range; the detection signal of the second detection sensor indicates HIGH when the position of the moving body is included in a second range (R2) in which the second detection sensor can detect the moving body, and indicates LOW when the position of the moving body is not included in the second range; and the first range and the second range are spaced apart from each other in the movement section (M) of the moving body along the predetermined direction.

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