Unit module, module system, and communication module

Abstract

A unit module (18) comprises: a signal processing unit (76) that processes and outputs a first signal; a data communication unit (68) that can perform data communication via a pair of voltage lines (L); a termination resistor (Rt) that is interposed between the pair of voltage lines; a switch (W) that is connected in series to the termination resistor; a switch control unit (70) that switches the switch between an on state and an off state; a communication control unit (78) that causes unit module data to be transmitted by data communication; and a connection identification circuit (66) that outputs the first signal from a subsequent-stage adjacent module or the signal processing unit.

Description

Unit Module, Module System, and Communication Module

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a unit module, a module system, and a communication module.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-68700 discloses a solenoid valve control device including a communication module and a plurality of solenoid valve modules connected to the communication module. Signals related to diagnostic information of the plurality of solenoid valve modules are transmitted through a third communication line. Signals related to diagnostic information of the plurality of solenoid valve modules return from the terminal solenoid valve module to the communication module via a reception line. Thereby, the communication module can grasp the diagnostic information of the plurality of solenoid valve modules.

[0003] According to the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-68700, the communication module can grasp the number of unit modules connected to the communication module based on diagnostic information. However, the communication module cannot grasp the communication performance of the unit modules. Therefore, it is necessary for the user to identify the unit modules connected to the communication module and grasp the communication performance of the identified unit modules based on the information of the identified unit modules.

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

[0005] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a unit module constituting a module system, comprising: a signal processing unit that processes a first signal output from a preceding adjacent module connected to the unit module and outputs the processed first signal; a data communication unit to which a pair of voltage lines having a predetermined voltage difference are connected and which can perform data communication via the pair of voltage lines; a termination resistor interposed between the pair of voltage lines; a switch interposed between the pair of voltage lines and connected in series with the termination resistor; a switch control unit that switches the on and off states of the switch based on a second signal that changes depending on whether or not a subsequent adjacent module is connected to the unit module; a communication control unit that controls the data communication unit to transmit unit module data including preset information about the unit module via data communication; and a connection identification circuit that outputs the first signal from the subsequent adjacent module to the preceding adjacent module when the second signal indicates that the subsequent adjacent module is connected to the unit module, and outputs the first signal from the signal processing unit to the preceding adjacent module when the second signal indicates that the subsequent adjacent module is not connected to the unit module.

[0006] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a module system comprising at least one unit module according to the first aspect and a communication module, wherein at least one unit module is connected downstream of the communication module, and the communication module includes a generation unit that generates a first signal and outputs the first signal to a downstream unit module which is the unit module connected downstream of the communication module, an acquisition unit that acquires the first signal output from the downstream unit module, a first communication unit that, when a communication link for data communication is established in response to the acquisition of the first signal by the acquisition unit, receives unit module data from each of the at least one unit module by data communication, a calculation unit that calculates an I / O size indicating the communication performance of the module system based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit, and a display unit that displays the I / O size calculated by the calculation unit.

[0007] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a communication module constituting a module system, comprising: a generation unit that generates a first signal and outputs the first signal to a downstream unit module which is at least one unit module connected downstream of the communication module; an acquisition unit that acquires the first signal output from the downstream unit module; a first communication unit that, when a communication link for data communication is established in response to the acquisition of the first signal by the acquisition unit, receives unit module data including information about the unit module from each of the at least one unit module connected downstream of the communication module via data communication; a calculation unit that calculates an I / O size indicating the communication performance of the module system based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit; and a display unit that displays the I / O size calculated by the calculation unit.

[0008] According to this disclosure, the information of the unit module necessary to understand the communication performance of the unit module can be automatically obtained.

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a module system. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the processing sequence from the assembly of the module system to the calculation and display of the module system's I / O size. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the differences in operation in a unit module in response to a second signal. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the module system's I / O size. Figures 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the setting screen of the module system.

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a module system 10. The module system 10 includes a power supply module 12, an output module 14, a communication module 16, a unit module 18, a valve control module 20, and a valve module 22. The module system 10 may have multiple output modules 14. The module system 10 may have multiple unit modules 18. The module system 10 may have multiple valve modules 22. The module system 10 according to this embodiment has two unit modules 18A and 18B and two valve modules 22A and 22B.

[0011] The power supply module 12 supplies power to each of the modules that make up the module system 10. An output module 14 is connected downstream and next to the power supply module 12. A communication module 16 is connected downstream and next to the output module 14.

[0012] At least one unit module 18 is connected in a sequence after the communication module 16. The at least one unit module 18 connected after the communication module 16 is also called the downstream unit module 18. In the example shown in Figure 1, each of the two unit modules 18A and 18B corresponds to a downstream unit module 18. Unit module 18A is connected after and next to the communication module 16. Unit module 18B is connected after and next to unit module 18A.

[0013] When the module system 10 has multiple valve modules 22, the multiple valve modules 22 are connected in a series to all downstream of at least one unit module 18 described above. The valve control module 20 is connected between all of the at least one unit module 18 described above and the multiple valve modules 22. In the example shown in Figure 1, the valve control module 20 is connected downstream and adjacent to unit module 18B. Valve module 22A is connected downstream and adjacent to valve control module 20. Valve module 22B is connected downstream and adjacent to valve module 22A.

[0014] A valve module 22 is connected to the last stage of the module system 10. As shown in Figure 1, a valve module 22B is connected to the last stage of the module system 10. No module is connected after the valve module 22B.

[0015] The output module 14 drives an external device 24. The external device 24 is, for example, a valve device. The output module 14 includes an output processing unit 26, a drive control communication unit 28, and an output circuit 30. The output processing unit 26 receives instructions from the main control unit 32 regarding the drive control of the external device 24 via the drive control communication unit 28 and the communication module 16. The output processing unit 26 causes the output circuit 30 to drive the external device 24 according to the received instructions. The output processing unit 26 is implemented, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0016] The main control unit 32 described above is a higher-level control unit of the module system 10. The main control unit 32 is, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The main control unit 32 is connected to the communication module 16 via a communication network. That is, the communication module 16 is used for communication processing between the main control unit 32 and each of the modules that make up the module system 10.

[0017] The drive control communication unit 28 receives instructions from the main control unit 32 regarding the drive control of the external device 24 via communication from the communication module 16. For this communication, the communication protocol used is, for example, RS (Recommended Standard)-485, CAN (Controller Area Network), or CAN FD (CAN with Flexible Data Rate). The drive control communication unit 28 is implemented, for example, by an IC (Integrated Circuit). The output circuit 30 drives the external device 24 under the control of the output processing unit 26. Using this communication, output module data corresponding to the I / O size of the output module 14, as described later, may be acquired by the communication module 16.

[0018] The communication module 16 includes a communication processing unit 34, a communication processing circuit 36, a drive control communication unit 38, a connection identification circuit 40, a first communication unit 42, a display unit 44, an operation unit 46, a pull-up resistor Ru, and a termination resistor Rc. The communication processing unit 34 acquires instructions from the main control unit 32 and outputs information to the main control unit 32 via the communication processing circuit 36 ​​and the communication network described above. Details of the communication processing unit 34 will be described later. The communication processing circuit 36 ​​is connected to the main control unit 32 via the communication network. The communication processing circuit 36 ​​is implemented, for example, by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0019] The drive control communication unit 38 of the communication module 16 transmits instructions from the main control unit 32 to the drive control communication unit 28 of the output module 14, under the control of the communication processing device 34. Instructions from the main control unit 32 regarding the drive control of the external device 24 are transmitted via communication using the communication protocol described above.

[0020] The communication processing device 34 has an arithmetic unit 48 and a storage unit 50. The arithmetic unit 48 includes a processor such as a CPU or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). In other words, the arithmetic unit 48 includes processing circuitry. The storage unit 50 includes volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) or flash memory. The volatile memory is used as the working memory of the processor. The non-volatile memory stores the program executed by the processor, the I / O size of each module (described later), the I / O size of the valve 22v of each valve module 22 (described later), and so on.

[0021] The calculation unit 48 includes a generation unit 52, an acquisition unit 54, a calculation unit 56, a display control unit 58, a setting unit 60, and a valve control unit 62. The calculation unit 48 executes a program stored in the storage unit 50 to realize the generation unit 52, the acquisition unit 54, the calculation unit 56, the display control unit 58, the setting unit 60, and the valve control unit 62. At least a portion of the generation unit 52, the acquisition unit 54, the calculation unit 56, the display control unit 58, the setting unit 60, and the valve control unit 62 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0022] The generation unit 52 generates a first signal and outputs the first signal to a subsequent unit module 18 connected to the communication module 16. The first signal output by the generation unit 52 is input to the unit module 18, which is connected to the communication module 16 and is adjacent to it, via the first rear output terminal Ca of the communication module 16.

[0023] The first rear output terminal Ca is located on the rear surface 16r of the communication module 16. The rear surface 16r of the communication module 16 faces the front surface 18f of the unit module 18 that is connected to the next and subsequent stage of the communication module 16. In the example shown in Figure 1, the unit module 18 that is connected to the next and subsequent stage of the communication module 16 is unit module 18A. As will be described later, the first signal is processed sequentially in each of the subsequent modules, and the processed first signal is returned to the communication module 16.

[0024] The acquisition unit 54 acquires the first signal output from the downstream unit module 18 and returned to the communication module 16 via the connection identification circuit 40, as will be described later. As mentioned above, the first signal is processed. Based on the processed first signal, the modules connected downstream of the communication module 16 can be identified. However, the valve module 22 is excluded. In the example shown in Figure 1, the two unit modules 18A and 18B and the valve control module 20 are identified.

[0025] The acquisition unit 54 controls the first communication unit 42 to establish a communication link for data communication, described later, between the identified downstream module and the communication module 16. Subsequently, through this data communication, the first communication unit 42 receives unit module data, described later, from each of the two unit modules 18A and 18B. Also through this data communication, the first communication unit 42 receives valve data and control module data, described later, from the valve control module 20.

[0026] The calculation unit 56 calculates the I / O size, which indicates the communication performance of the module system 10, based on the unit module data, valve data, and control module data, all of which are received by the first communication unit 42. The I / O size of each module varies depending on the external connection communication lines that each module accommodates. For example, if 2 bytes of data can be transmitted and received simultaneously on one communication line, the I / O size of that communication line is 2 bytes. If a module has a communication port that can accommodate four such communication lines, the I / O size of that module is 8 bytes. This indicates the communication performance of that module.

[0027] The unit module data includes information about the unit module 18. In this embodiment, the information about the unit module 18 is, for example, the part number information of the unit module 18. As described above, the storage unit 50 has the IO size for each module stored in advance. The calculation unit 56 reads the IO size stored in the storage unit 50 that is associated with the part number of the unit module 18. In this way, the calculation unit 56 can identify the IO size of the unit module 18.

[0028] The information of the unit module 18 may also be information indicating the I / O size of the unit module 18. In that case, the calculation unit 56 can determine the I / O size of the unit module 18 by referring to the unit module data received by the first communication unit 42.

[0029] The control module data includes information about the valve control module 20. In this embodiment, the information about the valve control module 20 is, for example, the part number information of the valve control module 20. As described above, the storage unit 50 has the IO size for each module stored in advance. The calculation unit 56 reads the IO size stored in the storage unit 50 that is associated with the part number of the valve control module 20. In this way, the calculation unit 56 can identify the IO size of the valve control module 20.

[0030] The information for the valve control module 20 may also be information indicating the I / O size of the valve control module 20. In that case, the calculation unit 56 can determine the I / O size of the valve control module 20 by referring to the control module data received by the first communication unit 42.

[0031] As will be described later, each valve module 22 has a valve 22v. The valve data corresponds to the number of valves 22v included in the module system 10. As mentioned above, the storage unit 50 has the IO size for each valve 22v stored in advance. The calculation unit 56 reads the IO size for each valve 22v stored in the storage unit 50. In this way, the calculation unit 56 can calculate the total IO size of all valves 22v included in the module system 10 by multiplying the IO size for each valve 22v by the number of valves 22v.

[0032] The calculation unit 56 calculates the IO size of the module system 10 by summing the IO sizes of each module. That is, the IO size of the module system 10 is the sum of the IO sizes of each unit module 18, the total IO size of the valves 22v included in the module system 10, and the IO size of the valve control module 20. The calculation unit 56 may also similarly identify the IO size of the output module 14 and include the IO size of the output module 14 in the IO size of the module system 10.

[0033] The display control unit 58 displays the I / O size of the module system 10, calculated by the calculation unit 56, on the display unit 44 as described later with reference to Figure 4. The display control unit 58 may also display the I / O size of each unit module 18, the I / O size of the entire valve 22v included in the module system 10, and the I / O size of the valve control module 20 on the display unit 44. Furthermore, if the I / O size of the module system 10 includes the I / O size of the output module 14, the I / O size of the output module 14 may also be displayed on the display unit 44.

[0034] When the module system 10 has many modules, it becomes difficult for the user to accurately understand the communication performance of each module. According to this embodiment, as described above, the information of each module necessary to understand the communication performance of each module is automatically obtained. Therefore, it is easy to accurately understand the communication performance of each module. Thus, the communication performance of the module system 10 can be accurately and easily understood.

[0035] The setting unit 60 configures various items in the module system 10. As will be described later with reference to Figures 5A and 5B, the display unit 44 can display the settings screen for the module system 10. The user operates the settings screen using the operation unit 46 to execute predetermined processes in the module system 10. These predetermined processes are used for preparing and testing the module system 10 after its assembly but before actual operation begins. Examples of predetermined processes include setting the operating parameters of the module system 10 or opening and closing a specific valve 22v.

[0036] Let's assume the predetermined process is setting the operating parameters of the module system 10. In this case, the setting unit 60 instructs each module constituting the module system 10 to perform the operation parameter setting process input by the user using the operation unit 46, via data communication described later. Let's assume the predetermined process is opening and closing a specific valve 22v. In this case, the setting unit 60 instructs the valve control module 20 to perform the opening and closing process of the specific valve 22v based on the opening and closing process setting for the valve 22v input by the user using the operation unit 46, via data communication described later.

[0037] As described above, the first signal output by the generation unit 52 of the communication processing device 34 is sequentially processed by each module downstream of the communication module 16, and the processed first signal is returned to the communication module 16. The first signal output from the unit module 18 that is downstream of and adjacent to the communication module 16 is input to the connection identification circuit 40 of the communication module 16 via the first rear input terminal Cb of the communication module 16. In the example shown in Figure 1, the unit module 18 that is downstream of and adjacent to the communication module 16 is unit module 18A. The first rear input terminal Cb is provided on the rear surface 16r of the communication module 16.

[0038] The connection identification circuit 40 passes the first signal input to the connection identification circuit 40 to the acquisition unit 54 of the communication processing device 34. If a module is connected downstream and adjacent to the communication module 16, the first signal can be input to the connection identification circuit 40. If no module is connected downstream and adjacent to the communication module 16, the connection identification circuit 40 passes the first signal, whose signal value is set to a fixed value in advance, to the acquisition unit 54.

[0039] The connection identification circuit 40 receives a voltage signal that changes depending on whether or not a module is connected downstream and adjacent to the communication module 16. If a module is connected downstream and adjacent to the communication module 16, a voltage signal indicating the ground potential is input to the connection identification circuit 40 from the ground connection line provided on that module. This voltage signal is input to the connection identification circuit 40 via the second rear input terminal Cc of the communication module 16. The second rear input terminal Cc is provided on the rear surface 16r of the communication module 16.

[0040] If no module is connected downstream or adjacent to the communication module 16, a voltage signal indicating the supply voltage from the low-voltage power supply Vr to which the power line is connected is input from the power line within the communication module 16 to the connection identification circuit 40. This voltage signal is input to the connection identification circuit 40 via a pull-up resistor Ru.

[0041] Therefore, when a voltage signal indicating ground potential is input to the connection identification circuit 40, the connection identification circuit 40 passes the first signal output from the unit module 18 connected downstream and adjacent to the communication module 16 to the acquisition unit 54 of the communication processing device 34. When a voltage signal indicating the supply voltage from the low-voltage power supply Vr is input to the connection identification circuit 40, the connection identification circuit 40 passes the first signal, whose signal value is set to a fixed value in advance, to the acquisition unit 54.

[0042] As described above, the acquisition unit 54 of the communication processing device 34 can identify the module connected to the subsequent stage of the communication module 16 based on the first signal that has been processed and returned to the communication module 16. Under the control of the acquisition unit 54, the first communication unit 42 establishes a communication link for data communication between the module at the subsequent stage of the communication module 16 and the communication module 16.

[0043] In the present embodiment, for example, RS-485, CAN, or CAN FD is used as the communication protocol for the data communication. As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of voltage lines L having a predetermined voltage difference are connected to the first communication unit 42. The first communication unit 42 can perform data communication via the pair of voltage lines L. In order to stabilize the data communication, a termination resistor Rc is inserted between the pair of voltage lines L.

[0044] The pair of voltage lines L includes a high voltage line Lh and a low voltage line Lo. The pair of voltage lines L is connected to a pair of rear communication terminals Cd, Ce. The high voltage line Lh is connected to the terminal Cd among the pair of rear communication terminals Cd, Ce. The low voltage line Lo is connected to the terminal Ce among the pair of rear communication terminals Cd, Ce. Note that both of the pair of rear communication terminals Cd, Ce are provided on the rear surface 16r of the communication module 16.

[0045] The acquisition unit 54 of the communication processing device 34 determines communication IDs (Identifiers) corresponding to each of the module at the subsequent stage of the communication module 16 and the communication module 16 identified based on the first signal. The acquisition unit 54 notifies the modules at the subsequent stage of the communication IDs corresponding to the determined modules at the subsequent stage via the first rear output terminal Ca, and causes the communication units of each module to be set. The acquisition unit 54 sets the communication ID corresponding to the determined communication module 16 in the first communication unit 42. Thereby, the first communication unit 42 can establish a communication link for data communication with the communication units of each module at the subsequent stage.

[0046] That is, in response to the acquisition of the first signal by the acquisition unit 54, a communication link for data communication is established. Thus, data communication becomes possible between the first communication unit 42 and the communication units of each subsequent module. Through this data communication, the first communication unit 42 receives the above-described unit module data from each unit module 18 via the terminals Cd and Ce. Through this data communication, the first communication unit 42 receives the above-described valve data and control module data from the valve control module 20 via the terminals Cd and Ce.

[0047] Also, the valve control unit 62 performs operation control communication regarding the operation control of the valve 22v with the valve control module 20 in accordance with an instruction from the main control device 32. This operation control communication is performed using the data communication by the first communication unit 42.

[0048] A second rear output terminal Cf is further provided on the rear surface 16r of the communication module 16. A safety control communication line Ls is connected to the second rear output terminal Cf. The valve control unit 62 performs safety control communication with the valve control module 20 via the safety control communication line Ls and the second rear output terminal Cf in accordance with an instruction from the main control device 32.

[0049] The display unit 44 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display. Under the control of the display control unit 58, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 4, the display unit 44 displays the IO size of the module system 10, the IO size of each unit module 18, the overall IO size of the valves 22v included in the module system 10, the IO size of the valve control module 20, and the IO size of the output module 14.

[0050] Furthermore, the display unit 44, under the control of the display control unit 58, displays the settings screen of the module system 10, as will be described later with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. The user uses the operation unit 46 to operate the settings screen and execute the predetermined processes described above in the module system 10. That is, the predetermined processes are executed when the user operates the settings screen using the operation unit 46. The operation unit 46 may be, for example, a push button, a touch panel, or a stylus pen.

[0051] When the module system 10 has multiple unit modules 18, these multiple unit modules 18 may perform the same function or different functions. Each of the multiple unit modules 18 has components that are common regardless of function and components that differ depending on the function. Figure 1 shows only the components that are common to the two unit modules 18A and 18B. Therefore, although the two unit modules 18A and 18B shown in Figure 1 have the same configuration, they may differ in components that are not shown.

[0052] The unit module 18 includes a function processing unit 64, a connection identification circuit 66, a data communication unit 68, a switch control unit 70, a pull-up resistor Rv, a termination resistor Rt, and a switch W. The function processing unit 64 includes an arithmetic unit 72 and a storage unit 74. The arithmetic unit 72 includes a processor such as a CPU or GPU. That is, the arithmetic unit 72 includes a processing circuit. The storage unit 74 includes volatile memory such as RAM and non-volatile memory such as ROM or flash memory. The volatile memory is used as the working memory of the processor. The non-volatile memory stores programs executed by the processor, information about the unit module 18 described above, etc.

[0053] The arithmetic unit 72 includes a signal processing unit 76 and a communication control unit 78. The signal processing unit 76 and the communication control unit 78 are realized when the arithmetic unit 72 executes a program stored in the storage unit 74. At least a portion of the signal processing unit 76 and the communication control unit 78 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA, or by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0054] A first signal from the preceding adjacent module connected to the unit module 18 is input to the first front input terminal Fa and then to the signal processing unit 76. The signal processing unit 76 processes the first signal output from the preceding adjacent module and input to the signal processing unit 76. Through processing of the first signal by the signal processing unit 76, for example, the signal value of the first signal is rewritten. The signal processing unit 76 outputs the processed first signal to the output signal line Ld.

[0055] The output signal line Ld branches into two. One of the two branched output signal lines Ld is connected to the first rear output terminal Ba. The other branch of the two branched output signal line Ld is connected to the connection identification circuit 66 within the same unit module 18. The first signal from the signal processing unit 76 is transmitted via the output signal line Ld to either the first rear output terminal Ba or the connection identification circuit 66.

[0056] When a downstream adjacent module is connected to the unit module 18, the first signal from the signal processing unit 76 is output to the downstream adjacent module from the first rear output terminal Ba. In the example shown in Figure 1, the downstream adjacent module connected to unit module 18A is unit module 18B. The downstream adjacent module connected to unit module 18B is valve control module 20. When no downstream adjacent module is connected to the unit module 18, the first signal from the signal processing unit 76 is input to the connection identification circuit 66 within the same unit module 18.

[0057] The first front input terminal Fa is provided on the front surface 18f of the unit module 18. The preceding adjacent module is connected to the front surface 18f of the unit module 18. That is, the front surface 18f of the unit module 18 faces the rear surface of the preceding adjacent module. The first rear output terminal Ba is provided on the rear surface 18r of the unit module 18. The subsequent adjacent module is connected to the rear surface 18r of the unit module 18. That is, the rear surface 18r of the unit module 18 faces the front surface of the subsequent adjacent module.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 1, the preceding adjacent module of the unit module 18A is the communication module 16. The front surface 18f of the unit module 18A faces the rear surface 16r of the communication module 16. The first rear output terminal Ca of the communication module 16 and the first front input terminal Fa of the unit module 18A are connected to each other.

[0059] Furthermore, the adjacent module downstream of unit module 18A is unit module 18B. The rear surface 18r of unit module 18A faces the front surface 18f of unit module 18B. In other words, the adjacent module upstream of unit module 18B is unit module 18A. The front surface 18f of unit module 18B faces the rear surface 18r of unit module 18A. The first rear output terminal Ba of unit module 18A and the first front input terminal Fa of unit module 18B are connected to each other.

[0060] The communication ID described above is notified to the communication control unit 78 via the first front input terminal Fa from the preceding adjacent module connected to the unit module 18. The communication control unit 78 sets the communication ID in the data communication unit 68. As a result, the first communication unit 42 of the communication module 16 can establish a data communication link with the data communication unit 68 of the unit module 18. In other words, data communication between the first communication unit 42 and the data communication unit 68 becomes possible.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 1, the preceding adjacent module connected to the unit module 18A is the communication module 16. The communication ID for the unit module 18A from the communication module 16 is notified to the communication control unit 78 of the unit module 18A. By setting the communication ID in the data communication unit 68, the communication control unit 78 enables data communication between the first communication unit 42 of the communication module 16 and the data communication unit 68 of the unit module 18A.

[0062] The preceding adjacent module connected to unit module 18B is unit module 18A. The communication ID for unit module 18B from communication module 16 is notified to the communication control unit 78 of unit module 18B via unit module 18A. When the communication control unit 78 sets the communication ID in the data communication unit 68, data communication becomes possible between the first communication unit 42 of communication module 16 and the data communication unit 68 of unit module 18B.

[0063] The valve control module 20 is connected downstream and adjacent to the unit module 18B. The communication ID for the valve control module 20 from the communication module 16 is notified to the valve control module 20 via unit modules 18A and 18B. As will be described later, once the communication ID is set for the valve control module 20, data communication between the communication module 16 and the valve control module 20 becomes possible.

[0064] The communication control unit 78 reads the information of the unit module 18 that is pre-set in the storage unit 74. As described above, the information of the unit module 18 is, for example, the part number information of the unit module 18. The information of the unit module 18 may also be information indicating the I / O size of the unit module 18. The communication control unit 78 generates unit module data that includes the information of the unit module 18 that has been read. The communication control unit 78 controls the data communication unit 68 to transmit the generated unit module data to the communication module 16 via data communication.

[0065] As described above, when a subsequent adjacent module is connected to the unit module 18, the first signal from the signal processing unit 76 is output to the subsequent adjacent module. The first signal output from the signal processing unit 76 of the unit module 18 is sequentially processed by each module after the unit module 18, and the processed first signal returns to the unit module 18. Therefore, the first signal from the subsequent adjacent module is input to the connection identification circuit 66 of the unit module 18 via the first rear input terminal Bb of the unit module 18. The first rear input terminal Bb is provided on the rear surface 18r of the unit module 18.

[0066] As described above, if no subsequent adjacent module is connected to the unit module 18, the first signal from the signal processing unit 76 is input to the connection identification circuit 66. An example in which no subsequent adjacent module is connected to the unit module 18 will be described later using Figure 3. The connection identification circuit 66 outputs the first signal input to the connection identification circuit 66 to the preceding adjacent module connected to the unit module 18. The first signal from the connection identification circuit 66 is output to the preceding adjacent module from the first front output terminal Fb.

[0067] The first front output terminal Fb is provided on the front surface 18f of the unit module 18. The first front output terminal Fb of the unit module 18 and the first rear input terminal of the preceding adjacent module are connected to each other.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 1, the preceding adjacent module connected to unit module 18A is communication module 16. The first front output terminal Fb of unit module 18A and the first rear input terminal Cb of communication module 16 are connected to each other. The preceding adjacent module connected to unit module 18B is unit module 18A. The first front output terminal Fb of unit module 18B and the first rear input terminal Bb of unit module 18A are connected to each other.

[0069] The connection identification circuit 66 receives a second signal, which is a voltage signal that changes depending on whether or not a subsequent adjacent module is connected to the unit module 18. When a subsequent adjacent module is connected to the unit module 18, a second signal indicating the ground potential is input to the connection identification circuit 66 from the ground connection line provided on the subsequent adjacent module. This second signal is input to the connection identification circuit 66 via the second rear input terminal Bc of the unit module 18. The second rear input terminal Bc is provided on the rear surface 18r of the unit module 18.

[0070] If no downstream adjacent module is connected to the unit module 18, a second signal indicating the supply voltage from the low-voltage power supply Vr to which the power line is connected is input to the connection identification circuit 66 from the power line within the unit module 18. This second signal is input to the connection identification circuit 66 via a pull-up resistor Rv.

[0071] If the second signal indicates that a subsequent adjacent module is connected to the unit module 18, the connection identification circuit 66 outputs the first signal from the subsequent adjacent module to the preceding adjacent module. If the second signal indicates that a subsequent adjacent module is not connected to the unit module 18, the connection identification circuit 66 outputs the first signal from the signal processing unit 76 to the preceding adjacent module. With this configuration, the first signal can be automatically returned to the communication module 16.

[0072] A second front output terminal Fc is provided on the front surface 18f of the unit module 18. The second front output terminal Fc of the unit module 18 and the second rear input terminal of the preceding adjacent module are connected to each other. A ground connection line provided on the unit module 18 is connected to the second front output terminal Fc. A voltage signal indicating the ground potential is input from the ground connection line to the preceding adjacent module of the unit module 18.

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 1, the second front output terminal Fc of unit module 18A and the second rear input terminal Cc of communication module 16 are connected to each other. The second front output terminal Fc of unit module 18B and the second rear input terminal Bc of unit module 18A are connected to each other.

[0074] As described above, the data communication unit 68 transmits unit module data to the first communication unit 42 of the communication module 16 via data communication under the control of the function processing device 64. In this embodiment, a communication ID is used for the data communication. As shown in Figure 1, a pair of voltage lines L having a predetermined voltage difference are connected to the data communication unit 68. The data communication unit 68 can perform data communication via the pair of voltage lines L. A termination resistor Rt and a switch W are interposed between the pair of voltage lines L. The switch W is connected in series with the termination resistor Rt.

[0075] The second signal described above is input to the switch control unit 70. Based on the second signal, which changes depending on whether or not a subsequent adjacent module is connected to the unit module 18, the switch control unit 70 switches the switch W between the ON and OFF states. If a subsequent adjacent module is connected to the unit module 18, the switch control unit 70 switches the switch W to the OFF state. If a subsequent adjacent module is not connected to the unit module 18, the switch control unit 70 switches the switch W to the ON state. When the switch W is ON, the termination resistor Rt functions. This stabilizes data communication.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 1, unit module 18A is connected to unit module 18B, which is a downstream adjacent module. Therefore, the switch control unit 70 of unit module 18A switches switch Wa of unit module 18A to the off state. Unit module 18B is connected to valve control module 20, which is a downstream adjacent module. Therefore, the switch control unit 70 of unit module 18B switches switch Wb of unit module 18B to the off state. An example in which no downstream adjacent module is connected to unit module 18 will be described later using Figure 3.

[0077] A pair of voltage lines L includes a high-voltage line Lh and a low-voltage line Lo. The pair of voltage lines L are connected to a pair of front communication terminals Fd and Fe and a pair of rear communication terminals Bd and Be. The high-voltage line Lh is connected to terminal Fd of the pair of front communication terminals Fd and Fe and to terminal Bd of the pair of rear communication terminals Bd and Be. The low-voltage line Lo is connected to terminal Fe of the pair of front communication terminals Fd and Fe and to terminal Be of the pair of rear communication terminals Bd and Be.

[0078] The pair of front communication terminals Fd and Fe are both located on the front surface 18f of the unit module 18. The pair of rear communication terminals Bd and Be are both located on the rear surface 18r of the unit module 18. In the example shown in Figure 1, terminal Fd of unit module 18A and terminal Cd of communication module 16 are connected to each other. Terminal Fe of unit module 18A and terminal Ce of communication module 16 are connected to each other. Terminal Bd of unit module 18A and terminal Fd of unit module 18B are connected to each other. Terminal Be of unit module 18A and terminal Fe of unit module 18B are connected to each other.

[0079] The unit module data transmitted by the data communication unit 68 is transmitted to the preceding adjacent module connected to the unit module 18 via a pair of front communication terminals Fd and Fe. The unit module data transmitted from the subsequent unit module 18, which is located further down the line than the unit module 18, is transmitted to the unit module 18 from the subsequent adjacent module connected to the unit module 18 via a pair of rear communication terminals Bd and Be. The unit module data transmitted to the unit module 18 from the subsequent unit module 18 is then transmitted to the preceding adjacent module via a pair of front communication terminals Fd and Fe.

[0080] If valve control modules 20 are connected to all subsequent and adjacent units of the unit module 18, valve data and control module data are transmitted to the unit module 18 from the adjacent units connected to the unit module 18 via a pair of rear communication terminals Bd and Be. The valve data and control module data transmitted to the unit module 18 from the subsequent unit module 18 are then transmitted to the adjacent units via a pair of front communication terminals Fd and Fe.

[0081] In this way, the unit module data, control module data, and valve data are transmitted to the first communication unit 42 of the communication module 16 via a pair of rear communication terminals Cd and Ce. With this configuration, the information of the unit module 18 necessary to understand the communication performance of the unit module 18 can be automatically obtained. Based on the unit module data, valve data, and control module data received by the first communication unit 42, the communication module 16 calculates the IO size indicating the communication performance of the module system 10. The IO size indicating the communication performance of the module system 10 can be easily obtained.

[0082] A second front input terminal Ff is provided on the front surface 18f of the unit module 18. A second rear output terminal Bf is provided on the rear surface 18r of the unit module 18. In the example shown in Figure 1, the second front input terminal Ff of unit module 18A and the second rear output terminal Cf of communication module 16 are connected to each other. The second front input terminal Ff of unit module 18B and the second rear output terminal Bf of unit module 18A are connected to each other. By connecting the terminals to each other, it is possible to prevent the modules constituting the module system 10 from becoming detached.

[0083] A safety control communication line Ls is connected to the second front input terminal Ff and the second rear output terminal Bf. Safety control communication between the valve control unit 62 of the communication module 16 and the valve control module 20 is performed via the second front input terminal Ff, the second rear output terminal Bf, the safety control communication line Ls, and the second rear output terminal Cf.

[0084] The valve control module 20 includes a valve control device 80, a second communication unit 82, a safety control device 84, and a safety output circuit 86. The valve control device 80 includes a calculation unit 88 and a storage unit 90. The calculation unit 88 includes a processor such as a CPU or GPU. That is, the calculation unit 88 includes a processing circuit. The storage unit 90 includes volatile memory such as RAM and non-volatile memory such as ROM or flash memory. The volatile memory is used as the working memory of the processor. The non-volatile memory stores programs executed by the processor, information about the valve control module 20 described above, and so on.

[0085] The arithmetic unit 88 includes a signal processing unit 92, a communication control unit 94, a signal output unit 96, a signal input unit 98, a determination unit 100, and an operation control unit 102. The signal processing unit 88 executes a program stored in the storage unit 90 to realize the signal processing unit 92, the communication control unit 94, the signal output unit 96, the signal input unit 98, the determination unit 100, and the operation control unit 102. At least a portion of the signal processing unit 92, the communication control unit 94, the signal output unit 96, the signal input unit 98, the determination unit 100, and the operation control unit 102 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA, or by an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0086] A first signal from a unit module 18 connected upstream and adjacent to the valve control module 20 is input to the first front input terminal Sa and then to the signal processing unit 92. The signal processing unit 92 processes the first signal it receives. Through processing of the first signal by the signal processing unit 92, for example, the signal value of the first signal is rewritten. The signal processing unit 92 outputs the processed first signal to the aforementioned unit module 18 connected upstream and adjacent to the valve control module 20. The first signal from the signal processing unit 92 is output to the aforementioned unit module 18 from the first front output terminal Sb.

[0087] The first front input terminal Sa is provided on the front surface 20f of the valve control module 20. The unit module 18 described above is connected to the front surface 20f of the valve control module 20. That is, the front surface 20f of the valve control module 20 faces the rear surface 18r of the unit module 18 described above.

[0088] In the example shown in Figure 1, a unit module 18B is connected to the valve control module 20, both before and next to it. The front surface 20f of the valve control module 20 faces the rear surface 18r of the unit module 18B. The first rear output terminal Ba of the unit module 18B and the first front input terminal Sa of the valve control module 20 are connected to each other. Also, the first front output terminal Sb of the valve control module 20 and the first rear input terminal Bb of the unit module 18B are connected to each other.

[0089] The above-mentioned communication ID is notified to the communication control unit 94 via the first front input terminal Sa from the unit module 18, which is connected upstream and adjacent to the valve control module 20. The communication control unit 94 sets the communication ID in the second communication unit 82. As a result, the first communication unit 42 of the communication module 16 can establish a data communication link with the second communication unit 82 of the valve control module 20. In other words, data communication between the first communication unit 42 and the second communication unit 82 becomes possible.

[0090] In the example shown in Figure 1, a unit module 18B is connected prior to and next to the valve control module 20. The communication ID for the valve control module 20 from the communication module 16 is notified to the communication control unit 94 of the valve control module 20 via unit modules 18A and 18B. By setting the communication ID in the second communication unit 82, the communication control unit 94 enables data communication between the first communication unit 42 of the communication module 16 and the second communication unit 82 of the valve control module 20.

[0091] The communication control unit 94 reads the information of the valve control module 20 that is pre-set in the storage unit 90. As described above, the information of the valve control module 20 is, for example, the part number information of the valve control module 20. The information of the valve control module 20 may also be information indicating the I / O size of the valve control module 20. The communication control unit 94 generates control module data that includes the information of the valve control module 20 that has been read. The communication control unit 94 controls the second communication unit 82 to transmit the generated control module data to the communication module 16 via data communication.

[0092] A second front output terminal Sc is provided on the front surface 20f of the valve control module 20. The second front output terminal Sc of the valve control module 20 and the second rear input terminal Bc of the unit module 18, which is connected to the valve control module 20 in front of and adjacent to it, are connected to each other. A ground connection line provided on the valve control module 20 is connected to the second front output terminal Sc. A voltage signal indicating the ground potential is input from the ground connection line to the unit module 18 as a second signal.

[0093] In the example shown in Figure 1, the second front output terminal Sc of the valve control module 20 and the second rear input terminal Bc of the unit module 18B are connected to each other.

[0094] The signal output unit 96 outputs a third signal to multiple valve modules 22. The third signal output by the signal output unit 96 is input to the valve modules 22 that are downstream and adjacent to the valve control module 20. As will be described later, the third signal is processed sequentially in each downstream valve module 22, and the processed third signal is returned to the valve control module 20. For the communication of the third signal, a communication protocol such as UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) can be used.

[0095] In other words, the third signal processed by the multiple valve modules 22 is input to the signal input unit 98 from one of the multiple valve modules 22. In the example shown in Figure 1, of the two valve modules 22A and 22B, the processed third signal is input to the signal input unit 98 of the valve control module 20 via each valve module 22 from valve module 22B, which is located at the last stage of the module system 10. The determination unit 100 can determine the number of valves 22v included in the module system 10 based on the third signal processed by the multiple valve modules 22.

[0096] For example, if the processing of the third signal in each valve module 22 corresponds to the number of valve modules 22, and the number of valves 22v in each valve module 22 is constant, the number of valves 22v included in the module system 10 can be determined based on the signal value of the third signal. For example, if the time required for processing the third signal in each valve module 22 is the same, and the number of valves 22v in each valve module 22 is constant, the number of valves 22v included in the module system 10 can be determined based on the time required from the output to the input of the third signal.

[0097] The determination unit 100 determines valve data corresponding to the number of valves 22v included in the module system 10. The communication control unit 94 controls the second communication unit 82 to transmit the control module data generated as described above and the valve data determined by the determination unit 100 to the communication module 16 via data communication.

[0098] As described above, the second communication unit 82 transmits control module data and valve data to the first communication unit 42 of the communication module 16 via data communication under the control of the valve control device 80. With this configuration, the I / O size of the module system 10 can be obtained more accurately. In this embodiment, the communication protocol for the data communication is, for example, RS-485, CAN, or CAN FD. As shown in Figure 1, a pair of voltage lines L having a predetermined voltage difference are connected to the second communication unit 82. The second communication unit 82 can perform data communication via the pair of voltage lines L. To stabilize the data communication, a termination resistor Re is interposed between the pair of voltage lines L.

[0099] The pair of voltage lines L includes a high-voltage line Lh and a low-voltage line Lo. The pair of voltage lines L are connected to a pair of front-facing communication terminals Sd and Se. The high-voltage line Lh is connected to terminal Sd of the pair of front-facing communication terminals Sd and Se. The low-voltage line Lo is connected to terminal Se of the pair of front-facing communication terminals Sd and Se.

[0100] The pair of front communication terminals Sd and Se are both located on the front surface 20f of the valve control module 20. In the example shown in Figure 1, terminal Sd of the valve control module 20 is connected to terminal Bd of the unit module 18B. Terminal Se of the valve control module 20 is connected to terminal Be of the unit module 18B.

[0101] The control module data and valve data transmitted by the second communication unit 82 are transmitted via a pair of front communication terminals Sd and Se to at least one unit module 18 connected to the front of the valve control module 20. As described above, the control module data and valve data transmitted to the unit module 18 from a downstream adjacent module connected to the unit module 18 via a pair of rear communication terminals Bd and Be are transmitted to the upstream adjacent module via a pair of front communication terminals Fd and Fe.

[0102] Thus, the control module data and valve data are transmitted to the first communication unit 42 of the communication module 16 via a pair of rear communication terminals Cd and Ce. Based on the unit module data, valve data, and control module data received by the first communication unit 42, the communication module 16 calculates the IO size, which indicates the communication performance of the module system 10.

[0103] After the assembly of the module system 10, and once the preparation and testing of the module system 10 are complete, actual operation of the module system 10 can be started. Operation control communication regarding the operation control of the valve 22v described above is performed using data communication between the first communication unit 42 of the communication module 16 and the second communication unit 82 of the valve control module 20. When the operation control signal for the valve 22v is received by the second communication unit 82 in response to an instruction from the main control device 32, the operation control unit 102 acquires the operation control signal. Based on the operation control signal, the operation control unit 102 performs operation control of the valve 22v.

[0104] A second front input terminal Sf is provided on the front surface 20f of the valve control module 20. In the example shown in Figure 1, the second front input terminal Sf of the valve control module 20 and the second rear output terminal Bf of the unit module 18B are connected to each other. A safety control communication line Ls is connected to the second front input terminal Sf.

[0105] Safety control communication between the valve control unit 62 of the communication module 16 and the safety control device 84 of the valve control module 20 is performed via the second front input terminal Sf and the safety control communication line Ls. The safety control device 84 receives instructions from the main control device 32 regarding safety control for the multiple valve modules 22 via the valve control unit 62 of the communication module 16 and the safety control communication line Ls.

[0106] The safety control device 84 operates the safety output circuit 86 according to the acquired instructions to perform safety control on some or all of the valve modules 22. The safety output circuit 86 is, for example, a power supply circuit breaker. The safety control is, for example, a control that stops the power supply from the power module 12 to the valve modules 22 by operating the power supply circuit breaker.

[0107] Power is supplied from the power supply module 12 to the valve module 22 via the power line Lt. The power line from the power supply module 12 to the valve control module 20 is not shown in the diagram. When the safety output circuit 86 is activated and the power line Lt is opened, the power supply to the valve module 22 is stopped.

[0108] The valve module 22 includes a drive unit 104, a connection identification circuit 106, the valve 22v described above, and a pull-down resistor Rd. In the example shown in Figure 1, each of the two valve modules 22A and 22B has four valves 22v. The drive unit 104 drives the valve 22v according to the operation control of the valve 22v described above by the operation control unit 102 of the valve control module 20. This causes the valve 22v to open and close. If the target of the operation control is a valve module 22 downstream of the valve module 22, the drive unit 104 outputs the instruction signal for the operation control to the drive unit 104 of the downstream valve module 22. The drive unit 104 is implemented, for example, by an IC.

[0109] The third signal described above is input to the drive unit 104 from the module connected upstream and adjacent to the valve module 22. The drive unit 104 processes the third signal. Through the processing of the third signal by the drive unit 104, for example, the signal value of the third signal is rewritten. The drive unit 104 outputs the processed third signal to the output signal line. The output signal line from the drive unit 104 branches into two.

[0110] One of the two branched output signal lines is connected to a terminal located on the rear surface of the valve module 22. The other branched output signal line is connected to a connection identification circuit 106 within the same valve module 22. The third signal output from the signal output unit 96 of the valve control module 20 is transmitted via the output signal line to the terminal located on the rear surface of the valve module 22 or to the connection identification circuit 106.

[0111] If another valve module 22 is connected downstream and adjacent to the valve module 22, the third signal processed by the drive unit 104 of the valve module 22 is output to the other valve module 22. In the example shown in Figure 1, the other valve module 22 connected downstream and adjacent to valve module 22A is valve module 22B. The third signal output from the signal output unit 96 of the valve control module 20 is processed sequentially by each of the valve modules 22 downstream of the valve control module 20.

[0112] In the case of valve module 22B, no other valve module 22 is connected downstream or adjacent to it. In this case, the third signal processed by the drive unit 104 of the valve module 22 is input to the connection identification circuit 106 within the same valve module 22. The connection identification circuit 106 outputs the third signal input to the module connected upstream and adjacent to the valve module 22.

[0113] In this way, the third signal processed by each of the valve modules 22 connected downstream of the valve control module 20 is returned to the valve control module 20. The processed third signal is input to the signal input unit 98 of the valve control module 20. As described above, based on the third signal input to the signal input unit 98, the determination unit 100 of the valve control module 20 identifies the number of valves 22v included in the module system 10. With this configuration, the number of valves 22v included in the module system 10 can be easily identified.

[0114] The connection identification circuit 106 receives a voltage signal that changes depending on whether or not another valve module 22 is connected downstream and adjacent to the valve module 22. If another valve module 22 is connected downstream and adjacent to the valve module 22, a voltage signal indicating the supply voltage from the low-voltage power supply Vr to which the power line is connected is input to the connection identification circuit 106 from the power line within that other valve module 22.

[0115] If no other valve module 22 is connected downstream or adjacent to valve module 22, a voltage signal indicating ground potential is input to the connection identification circuit 106 from the ground connection line provided on valve module 22. This voltage signal is input to the connection identification circuit 106 via a pull-down resistor Rd.

[0116] In the example shown in Figure 1, if no other valve module 22 is connected upstream and adjacent to valve module 22, as in valve module 22A, then valve control module 20 is connected. In this case, the power line provided in valve module 22 and connected to the low-voltage power supply Vr is open, so no voltage signal indicating the supply voltage from the low-voltage power supply Vr is output from valve module 22.

[0117] The power line Lt that supplies power to the valve module 22 is connected to the safety output circuit 86 of the valve control module 20, as described above. The power line Lt branches into two. One of the two branches of the power line Lt is connected to the drive unit 104 within the same valve module 22. In this way, power is supplied to the drive unit 104. The other branch of the power line Lt is connected to a terminal provided on the rear surface of the valve module 22. The power for the valve module 22 supplied via the power line Lt is transmitted to this terminal.

[0118] If another valve module 22 is connected downstream and adjacent to the valve module 22, the power for valve module 22 transmitted to that terminal is supplied to the other valve module 22. In the example shown in Figure 1, the other valve module 22 connected downstream and adjacent to valve module 22A is valve module 22B. The power transmitted from valve module 22A is transmitted through the power line Lt within valve module 22B.

[0119] The power line Lt within the valve module 22A branches into two. One of the two branched power lines Lt is connected to the drive unit 104 within the same valve module 22A. The other branched power line Lt is connected to a terminal provided on the rear surface of the valve module 22A. Another valve module 22B is connected downstream and adjacent to the valve module 22A.

[0120] The power line Lt within the valve module 22B branches into two. One of the two branched power lines Lt is connected to the drive unit 104 within the same valve module 22B. The other branched power line Lt is connected to a terminal provided on the rear surface of the valve module 22B. No valve module 22 is connected downstream of valve module 22B. Since the power line Lt connected to the terminal on the rear surface of valve module 22B is open, no power is transmitted from valve module 22B to the outside.

[0121] In other words, the power transmitted through the power line Lt in valve module 22A is supplied to the drive unit 104 of valve module 22A and the drive unit 104 of valve module 22B. The power transmitted through the power line Lt in valve module 22B is supplied to the drive unit 104 of valve module 22B. When the safety output circuit 86 is activated by the safety control described above and the power line Lt is opened, the power supply to valve module 22 may be stopped. The power supply to either valve module 22A or valve module 22B, or both, may be stopped.

[0122] Figure 2 illustrates the processing sequence from the assembly of the module system 10 to the calculation and display of the I / O size of the module system 10. After the module system 10 is powered on, a first signal is generated in the communication module 16 and output to the unit module 18A. The first signal is processed in the unit module 18A and output to the unit module 18B. The first signal is processed in the unit module 18B and output to the valve control module 20.

[0123] When the first signal is processed in the valve control module 20, the processed first signal is returned to the communication module 16 via unit modules 18B and 18A. When the communication module 16 receives the first signal, it performs a process to set a communication ID accordingly. The communication ID is notified from the communication module 16 to each module of the unit modules 18A, 18B, and the valve control module 20. The communication ID is set in each module of the unit modules 18A, 18B, and the valve control module 20. Unit module data is transmitted from each of the unit modules 18A and 18B to the communication module 16 via data communication.

[0124] In the valve control module 20, a third signal is generated and output to the valve module 22A. The third signal is processed in the valve module 22A and output to the valve module 22B. When the third signal is processed in the valve module 22B, the processed third signal returns to the valve control module 20 via the valve module 22A.

[0125] In the valve control module 20, when a third signal is input, valve data is determined based on it. The valve data and control module data are transmitted to the communication module 16 via data communication. In the communication module 16, the I / O size of the module system 10 is calculated based on the unit module data, valve data, and control module data. The output module data described above may also be used to calculate the I / O size of the module system 10. The calculated I / O size is displayed on the display unit 44 of the communication module 16.

[0126] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the differences in operation in the unit module 18 in response to the second signal. In Figure 3, components identical to those shown in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Explanations that overlap between Figure 1 and Figure 3 are omitted. Figure 3 shows an example in which no subsequent adjacent modules are connected to the unit module 18B. That is, the valve control module 20 and valve module 22 shown in Figure 1 are not shown in Figure 3.

[0127] Unit module 18B is located at the last stage of the module system 10. The second signal input to the connection identification circuit 66 of unit module 18B indicates that no subsequent adjacent modules are connected to unit module 18B. Therefore, the connection identification circuit 66 of unit module 18B outputs the first signal from the signal processing unit 76 to the preceding adjacent module, unit module 18A. This first signal returns to the communication module 16 via unit module 18A.

[0128] The second signal input to the switch control unit 70 of the unit module 18B also indicates that no subsequent adjacent modules are connected to the unit module 18B. Therefore, the switch control unit 70 switches switch W to the ON state. When switch W is ON, the termination resistor Rt functions. This stabilizes data communication.

[0129] Figure 4 shows an example of the display of the I / O size of the module system 10. As described above, the I / O size of the module system 10 is displayed on the display unit 44 of the communication module 16. The display unit 44 and the operation unit 46 are provided on one visible surface of the outer surface of the communication module 16. A terminal 108 is also provided on this surface to which a cable connecting the main control device 32 and the communication processing circuit 36 ​​of the communication module 16 is attached.

[0130] In the example shown in Figure 4, the X [Byte] shown in the total IO size column represents the IO size of the module system 10. The breakdown of the IO size of the module system 10 may also be displayed on the display unit 44. In the example shown in Figure 4, the IO size X1 [Byte] of the output module 14, the IO size X2 [Byte] of the unit module 18A, the IO size X3 [Byte] of the unit module 18B, the IO size X4 [Byte] of the valve control module 20, and the IO size X5 [Byte] of the two valve modules 22A and 22B that constitute the module system 10 are displayed.

[0131] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the setting screens of the module system 10. Figure 5A illustrates the setting screen when the predetermined process is the setting of the operating parameters of the module system 10. This setting screen is displayed on the display unit 44 of the communication module 16.

[0132] The settings screen can display parameters for, for example, the module system 10, the unit module 18, and the valve module 22. By operating the control unit 46, the user can decide which of these three types of parameters to set. Once a parameter has been selected, a detailed parameter setting screen is displayed. The user then uses the control unit 46 to operate the detailed setting screen and set the parameter. This allows for easy setting of operating parameters.

[0133] Figure 5B illustrates a setting screen when the predetermined process is the setting of the opening and closing process for a specific valve 22v. This setting screen is displayed on the display unit 44 of the communication module 16. This setting screen is used, for example, when an opening and closing process test for a specific valve 22v is performed after the assembly of the module system 10. This makes it possible to easily set the opening and closing process for valve 22v.

[0134] By operating the control unit 46, the user can determine whether to open or close each of the eight valves 22v exemplified in Figure 1. Opening and closing processes are set for all eight valves 22v. This allows even users who cannot operate the main control device 32 to perform opening and closing process tests of the valves 22v by operating the opening and closing process setting screen on the control unit 46. In other words, workers involved in the assembly of the module system 10 can perform opening and closing process tests of the valves 22v to confirm that there are no errors in the assembly work.

[0135] With regard to the embodiments described above, the following additional information is disclosed.

[0136] (Note 1) The unit module (18) of the present disclosure is a unit module constituting a module system (10), and includes a signal processing unit (76) that processes a first signal output from a preceding adjacent module connected to the unit module and outputs the processed first signal, a data communication unit (68) to which a pair of voltage lines (L) having a predetermined voltage difference are connected and which can perform data communication via the pair of voltage lines, a termination resistor (Rt) interposed between the pair of voltage lines, a switch (W) interposed between the pair of voltage lines and connected in series with the termination resistor, and a second signal that changes depending on whether or not a subsequent adjacent module is connected to the unit module. Based on this, the system includes a switch control unit (70) that switches the on and off states of the switch, a communication control unit (78) that controls the data communication unit to transmit unit module data, including preset information about the unit module, via data communication, and a connection identification circuit (66) that outputs the first signal from the downstream adjacent module to the preceding adjacent module when the second signal indicates that the downstream adjacent module is connected to the unit module, and outputs the first signal from the signal processing unit to the preceding adjacent module when the second signal indicates that the downstream adjacent module is not connected to the unit module. With this configuration, the information about the unit module necessary to understand the communication performance of the unit module can be automatically obtained.

[0137] (Note 2) In the unit module described in Note 1, if the downstream adjacent module is connected to the unit module, the first signal from the signal processing unit is output to the downstream adjacent module, and the first signal from the downstream adjacent module is input to the connection identification circuit. If the downstream adjacent module is not connected to the unit module, the first signal from the signal processing unit may be input to the connection identification circuit. With this configuration, the first signal can be automatically returned to the communication module.

[0138] (Note 3) In the case of the unit module described in Note 1 or 2, if the downstream adjacent module is connected to the unit module, the switch control unit may switch the switch to the off state, and if the downstream adjacent module is not connected to the unit module, the switch control unit may switch the switch to the on state. With such a configuration, data communication can be stabilized.

[0139] (Note 4) A unit module as described in any one of Notes 1 to 3 may have a front front input terminal (Fa) on the front (18f) to which the preceding adjacent module is connected, to which the first signal from the preceding adjacent module is input, a first front output terminal (Fb) on which the first signal from the connection identification circuit is output to the preceding adjacent module, and a pair of front communication terminals (Fd, Fe) connected to a pair of voltage lines; and a rear (18r) to which the succeeding adjacent module is connected, to which the first signal from the signal processing unit is output to the succeeding adjacent module, a first rear input terminal (Bb) on which the first signal from the succeeding adjacent module is input, a second rear input terminal (Bc) on which the second signal is input, and a pair of rear communication terminals (Bd, Be) connected to a pair of front communication terminals. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the modules constituting the module system from becoming detached.

[0140] (Note 5) The module system of the present disclosure is a module system comprising at least one of the unit modules described in any one of Notes 1 to 4 and a communication module (16), wherein at least one of the unit modules is connected downstream of the communication module, and the communication module has a generation unit (52) that generates the first signal and outputs the first signal to a downstream unit module which is the unit module connected downstream of the communication module, an acquisition unit (54) that acquires the first signal output from the downstream unit module, a first communication unit (42) that, when a communication link for data communication is established in response to the acquisition of the first signal by the acquisition unit, receives the unit module data from each of the at least one of the unit modules by data communication, a calculation unit (56) that calculates an IO size indicating the communication performance of the module system based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit, and a display unit (44) that displays the IO size calculated by the calculation unit. With such a configuration, the IO size indicating the communication performance of the module system can be easily obtained.

[0141] (Note 6) The module system described in Note 5 further comprises a plurality of valve modules (22) having valves (22v), wherein the plurality of valve modules are connected in a series to all downstream stages of at least one of the unit modules, and the calculation unit of the communication module calculates the IO size based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit and valve data corresponding to the number of valves included in the module system. With such a configuration, the number of valves included in the module system can be easily determined.

[0142] (Note 7) The module system described in Note 6 further comprises a valve control module (20) that controls a plurality of valve modules, wherein the valve control module is connected between at least one of the unit modules and the plurality of valve modules, and the valve control module has a signal output unit (96) that outputs a third signal to the plurality of valve modules, a signal input unit (98) that receives the third signal processed by the plurality of valve modules from one of the plurality of valve modules, a determination unit (100) that determines the valve data based on the third signal processed by the plurality of valve modules, and a second communication unit (82) that transmits the valve data to the communication module by data communication, wherein the first communication unit of the communication module receives the valve data from the second communication unit by data communication, and the calculation unit of the communication module calculates the IO size based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit and the valve data received by the first communication unit. With such a configuration, the IO size of the module system can be obtained more accurately.

[0143] (Note 8) A module system as described in Note 6 or 7, wherein the display unit displays a setting screen for the module system, and the communication module further includes an operation unit (46) used by the user to operate the setting screen and execute a predetermined process in the module system, and the predetermined process may include setting the operating parameters of the module system or opening and closing a specific valve. With such a configuration, the setting of operating parameters and the setting of valve opening and closing processes can be easily performed.

[0144] (Note 9) The communication module (16) of the present disclosure is a communication module that constitutes a module system (10) and comprises: a generation unit (52) that generates a first signal and outputs the first signal to a downstream unit module which is at least one unit module connected downstream of the communication module; an acquisition unit (54) that acquires the first signal output from the downstream unit module; a first communication unit (42) that, when a communication link for data communication is established in response to the acquisition of the first signal by the acquisition unit, receives unit module data including information about the unit module from each of the at least one unit module connected downstream of the communication module via data communication; a calculation unit (56) that calculates an IO size indicating the communication performance of the module system based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit; and a display unit (44) that displays the IO size calculated by the calculation unit. With such a configuration, the IO size indicating the communication performance of the module system can be easily obtained.

[0145] (Note 10) The communication module described in Note 9, wherein the module system further includes a plurality of valve modules (22) having valves (22v), and the calculation unit may calculate the IO size based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit and valve data corresponding to the number of valves included in the module system. With such a configuration, the number of valves included in the module system can be easily identified.

[0146] (Note 11) In the communication module described in Note 10, the first communication unit receives the valve data by the data communication, and the calculation unit calculates the IO size based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit and the valve data received by the first communication unit. With such a configuration, the IO size of the module system can be obtained more accurately. With such a configuration, the setting of operating parameters and the setting of valve opening and closing processes can be easily performed.

[0147] (Note 12) A communication module as described in Note 10 or 11, further comprising an operation unit (46) used by a user to operate a setting screen of the module system displayed on the display unit to perform a predetermined process in the module system, wherein the predetermined process may include setting the operating parameters of the module system or opening and closing a specific valve.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 10...Module system 12...Power module 14...Output module 16...Communication module 18...Unit module 20...Valve control module 22...Valve module 24...External device 26...Output processing device 28, 38...Communication unit for drive control 30...Output circuit 32...Main control device 34...Communication processing device 36...Communication processing circuit 40, 66, 106...Connection identification circuit 42...First communication unit 44...Display unit 46...Operation unit 48, 72, 88...Calculation unit 50, 74, 90...Storage unit 52...Generation unit 54...Acquisition unit 56...Calculation unit 58...Display control unit 60...Setting unit 62...Valve control unit 64...Function processing unit 68...Data communication unit 70...Switch control unit 76, 92...Signal processing unit 78, 94...Communication control unit 80...Valve control device 82...Second communication unit 84...Safety control device 86...Safety output circuit 96...Signal output section 98...Signal input section 100...Decision section 102...Operation control section 104...Drive section 108...Terminal

Claims

1. A unit module (18) constituting a module system (10), comprising: a signal processing unit (76) that processes a first signal output from a preceding adjacent module connected to the unit module and outputs the processed first signal; a data communication unit (68) to which a pair of voltage lines (L) having a predetermined voltage difference are connected and which can perform data communication via the pair of voltage lines; a termination resistor (Rt) interposed between the pair of voltage lines; a switch (W) interposed between the pair of voltage lines and connected in series with the termination resistor; a switch control unit (70) that switches the on and off states of the switch based on a second signal that changes depending on whether or not a subsequent adjacent module is connected to the unit module; and a communication control unit (78) that controls the data communication unit to transmit unit module data including preset information about the unit module via data communication. A unit module comprising: a connection identification circuit (66) that outputs the first signal from the subsequent adjacent module to the preceding adjacent module when the second signal indicates that the subsequent adjacent module is connected to the unit module, and outputs the first signal from the signal processing unit to the preceding adjacent module when the second signal indicates that the subsequent adjacent module is not connected to the unit module.

2. A unit module according to claim 1, wherein, when the downstream adjacent module is connected to the unit module, the first signal from the signal processing unit is output to the downstream adjacent module, and the first signal from the downstream adjacent module is input to the connection identification circuit, and when the downstream adjacent module is not connected to the unit module, the first signal from the signal processing unit is input to the connection identification circuit.

3. A unit module according to claim 1, wherein when the downstream adjacent module is connected to the unit module, the switch control unit switches the switch to the off state, and when the downstream adjacent module is not connected to the unit module, the switch control unit switches the switch to the on state.

4. A unit module according to claim 1, the unit module having a front surface (18f) to which the preceding adjacent module is connected, a first front input terminal (Fa) to which the first signal from the preceding adjacent module is input, a first front output terminal (Fb) to which the first signal from the connection identification circuit is output to the preceding adjacent module, and a pair of front communication terminals (Fd, Fe) connected to a pair of voltage lines; and a rear surface (18r) to which the succeeding adjacent module is connected, a first rear output terminal (Ba) to which the first signal from the signal processing unit is output to the succeeding adjacent module, a first rear input terminal (Bb) to which the first signal from the succeeding adjacent module is input, a second rear input terminal (Bc) to which the second signal is input, and a pair of rear communication terminals (Bd, Be) connected to a pair of front communication terminals.

5. A module system comprising: at least one of the unit modules described in any one of claims 1 to 4; and a communication module (16), wherein at least one of the unit modules is connected in a manner downstream of the communication module; the communication module includes: a generation unit (52) that generates the first signal and outputs the first signal to a downstream unit module which is the unit module connected downstream of the communication module; an acquisition unit (54) that acquires the first signal output from the downstream unit module; a first communication unit (42) that, when a communication link for data communication is established in response to the acquisition of the first signal by the acquisition unit, receives the unit module data from each of the at least one of the unit modules by data communication; a calculation unit (56) that calculates an I / O size indicating the communication performance of the module system based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit; and a display unit (44) that displays the I / O size calculated by the calculation unit.

6. A module system according to claim 5, further comprising a plurality of valve modules (22) having valves (22v), wherein the plurality of valve modules are connected in a series to all downstream stages of at least one unit module, and the calculation unit of the communication module calculates the IO size based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit and valve data corresponding to the number of valves included in the module system.

7. A module system according to claim 6, further comprising a valve control module (20) for controlling a plurality of valve modules, wherein the valve control module is connected between at least one of the unit modules and the plurality of valve modules, and the valve control module includes: a signal output unit (96) for outputting a third signal to the plurality of valve modules; a signal input unit (98) for receiving the third signal processed by the plurality of valve modules from one of the plurality of valve modules; a determination unit (100) for determining the valve data based on the third signal processed by the plurality of valve modules; and a second communication unit (82) for transmitting the valve data to the communication module via data communication, wherein the first communication unit of the communication module receives the valve data from the second communication unit via data communication, and the calculation unit of the communication module calculates the IO size based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit and the valve data received by the first communication unit.

8. The module system according to claim 6, wherein the display unit displays a setting screen for the module system, and the communication module further includes an operation unit (46) used by a user to operate the setting screen and perform a predetermined process in the module system, and the predetermined process includes setting the operating parameters of the module system or opening and closing a specific valve.

9. A communication module (16) constituting a module system (10), comprising: a generation unit (52) that generates a first signal and outputs the first signal to a downstream unit module which is at least one unit module connected downstream of the communication module; an acquisition unit (54) that acquires the first signal output from the downstream unit module; a first communication unit (42) that, when a communication link for data communication is established in response to the acquisition of the first signal by the acquisition unit, receives unit module data including information about the unit module from each of the at least one unit module connected downstream of the communication module via data communication; a calculation unit (56) that calculates an I / O size indicating the communication performance of the module system based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit; and a display unit (44) that displays the I / O size calculated by the calculation unit.

10. A communication module according to claim 9, wherein the module system further includes a plurality of valve modules (22) having valves (22v), and the calculation unit calculates the IO size based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit and valve data corresponding to the number of valves included in the module system.

11. A communication module according to claim 10, wherein the first communication unit receives the valve data by the data communication, and the calculation unit calculates the I / O size based on the unit module data received by the first communication unit and the valve data received by the first communication unit.

12. A communication module according to claim 10, further comprising an operation unit (46) used by a user to operate a setting screen of the module system displayed on the display unit to perform a predetermined process in the module system, wherein the predetermined process includes setting the operating parameters of the module system or opening and closing a specific valve.

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