Programmable logic controller system and programmable logic controller

Abstract

A PLC system according to the present disclosure includes a reception terminal (100) and a PLC (200). The reception terminal (100) comprises: a reception unit (111) that receives input of a device value; a first communication control unit (112) that transmits the device value received by the reception unit (111) to the PLC (200); and an output control unit (113) that outputs prescribed information received from the PLC (200). The PLC (200) comprises: a second communication control unit (211) that receives the device value transmitted from the reception terminal (100); and a setting unit (212) that sets, in the PLC (200), the device value received by the second communication control unit (211). After the device value is set in the PLC (200), the second communication control unit (211) transmits, to the reception terminal (100), setting completion information (122) indicating that the setting of the device value has been completed. The output control unit (113) outputs setting completion information (222) received from the PLC (200).

Description

Programmable Logic Controller System and Programmable Logic Controller

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a programmable logic controller system and a programmable logic controller.

[0002] When performing maintenance, inspection, etc. of a programmable logic controller (hereinafter referred to as PLC) that controls a device to be controlled, it is common to communicatively connect an external device having a monitoring function to the PLC.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, a portable monitor device, which is a reception terminal that receives an input of predetermined information for monitoring a PLC, is communicatively connected to a PMC (programmable machine controller) corresponding to the PLC, and address designation is received via the keyboard of the portable monitor device, and the device value stored in the designated address is read from the PMC and displayed on the portable monitor device, etc., to perform maintenance, inspection, etc. of the PMC. Here, for example, when communicatively connecting from a portable terminal to a PLC to set a device value, due to communication failures or the like, even though the user intends to set it, it may not actually be reflected on the PLC side, and it is desired to be able to automatically confirm whether the device value has actually been reflected on the PLC at the timing when the device value is set.

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-313714

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, the system composed of the reception terminal and the PLC does not have a means for automatically confirming whether the device value set for the PLC has actually been reflected on the PLC, so it is not possible to automatically confirm whether the device value set for the PLC via the reception terminal has actually been reflected on the PLC.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technology capable of automatically confirming that a device value set for a PLC via a reception terminal has been set in the PLC in a system composed of the reception terminal and the PLC.

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the programmable logic controller system according to this disclosure includes a programmable logic controller for controlling a device to be controlled, and a receiving terminal for receiving device values ​​to be set in a device used by a user program in the programmable logic controller. The receiving terminal includes a receiving unit for receiving input of device values ​​to be set in the programmable logic controller, a first communication control unit for transmitting the device values ​​received by the receiving unit to the programmable logic controller, and an output control unit for outputting predetermined information received from the programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller includes a second communication control unit for receiving device values ​​transmitted from the receiving terminal, and a setting unit for setting the device values ​​received by the second communication control unit in the programmable logic controller. After the device values ​​have been set in the programmable logic controller, the second communication control unit transmits setting completion information to the receiving terminal indicating that the setting of the device values ​​has been completed, and the output control unit outputs the setting completion information received from the programmable logic controller.

[0008] According to this disclosure, in a system consisting of a reception terminal and a PLC, it becomes possible to confirm that the device value set on the PLC is set on the PLC.

[0009] A diagram showing an example configuration of the programmable logic controller system according to the embodiment. A diagram showing an example operation of the programmable logic controller system according to the embodiment. A diagram showing an example of setting completion information displayed by the reception terminal according to the embodiment. A diagram showing another example operation of the programmable logic controller system according to the embodiment. A diagram showing an example of device values ​​displayed by the reception terminal according to the embodiment.

[0010] The programmable logic controller system according to Embodiment 1 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, this invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0011] Embodiment. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system 1000 according to an embodiment. The PLC system 1000 shown in Figure 1 includes a reception terminal 100 for receiving device values ​​set in a device used by a user program in the programmable logic controller 200, and a programmable logic controller 200 for controlling the equipment to be controlled.

[0012] The receiving terminal 100 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer, display, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc., for receiving input of device values ​​for devices used in the PLC 200. The receiving terminal 100 receives input of device values ​​to be set in the PLC 200. The receiving terminal 100 transmits the received device values ​​to the PLC 200. The receiving terminal 100 outputs predetermined information received from the PLC 200.

[0013] The PLC 200 is, for example, an industrial computer and a controller that controls industrial machinery such as manufacturing equipment, conveying equipment, and inspection equipment in factory automation. The PLC 200 executes, for example, a control program for controlling industrial machinery. The PLC 200 also receives, for example, device values ​​transmitted from the reception terminal 100. The PLC 200 sets the received device values ​​in the PLC 200. After setting the device values ​​in the programmable logic controller, the PLC 200 sends setting completion information to the reception terminal 100 indicating that the setting of the device values ​​is complete.

[0014] In Figure 1, the reception terminal 100 includes a processing circuit 11, a storage circuit 12, a communication interface 13, an input interface 14, and an output interface 15. The processing circuit 11, for example, receives input of device values ​​of devices used in the PLC 200 and executes various processes. The storage circuit 12 stores various information necessary for the processes executed by the processing circuit 11. The communication interface 13 communicates data with the PLC 200. The input interface 14 and the output interface 15 are interfaces for inputting and outputting data to and from the reception terminal 100.

[0015] The processing circuit 11 is a processor that functions as the central hub of the reception terminal 100. The processing circuit 11, for example, executes various programs stored in the memory circuit 2 to realize functions corresponding to the executed programs. The processing circuit 11 may also have a memory area that stores at least a portion of the data stored in the memory circuit 12.

[0016] The memory circuit 12 includes a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, or other recording medium that can be read by the processor. The memory circuit 12 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various information to and from portable storage media such as a CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, and flash memory. The memory circuit 12 does not necessarily have to be implemented by a single storage device. For example, the memory circuit 12 may be implemented by multiple storage devices.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the memory circuit 2 stores, for example, device information 121 and setting completion information 122.

[0018] Device information 121 is represented, for example, by a variable used in a control program, and consists of a variable name indicating which device it is and a device value stored in the variable. This variable indicates, for example, the status of various devices used in the PLC 200. Examples of various devices include variables used in the program, input devices such as switches and sensors, output devices such as lamps, LEDs, relays and motors, and internal devices such as timers and counters. Device information 121 is information generated, for example, when the reception terminal 100 receives the setting of a device value for a predetermined device.

[0019] The configuration completion information 122 is, for example, information indicating that the device value setting for the PLC 200 has been completed. The configuration completion information 122 may include the information indicated by the device information 121.

[0020] The communication interface 13 transmits and receives data to and from an external device. Any communication standard can be used between the communication interface 13 and the external device. Specifically, the communication interface 13 transmits and receives various types of data to and from the PLC 200, for example, wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0021] The input interface 14 receives various operations from the operator to the reception terminal 100. The input interface 14 can be implemented by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, or a touch panel that receives instructions by touching the operating surface. The input interface 14 is connected to the processing circuit 11, converts the operation instructions input by the operator into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuit 11. In this specification, the input interface 14 is not limited to those equipped with physical operating components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to operation instructions input from an external input device provided separately from the reception terminal 100 and outputs these electrical signals to the processing circuit 11 is also included as an example of the input interface 14.

[0022] The output interface 15 is connected to the processing circuit 11 and outputs signals supplied from the processing circuit 11. The output interface 15 is implemented by, for example, a display circuit and an audio device. The display circuit includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, and a plasma display. The audio device includes, for example, a speaker. The audio device may also include an output circuit that outputs audio signals to the outside. The output interface 15 may be implemented together with the input interface 14 as a touch panel or touch screen.

[0023] The processing circuit 11 according to Embodiment 1 realizes various functions by executing the program according to this embodiment. Specifically, the processing circuit 11 realizes a reception function 111, a communication control function 112, and an output control function 113 by executing a program stored in the memory circuit 12, for example. The reception function 111 is an example of a reception unit according to the claim. The communication control function 112 is an example of a first communication control unit according to the claim. The output control function 113 is an example of an output control unit according to the claim.

[0024] The reception function 111 is a function for receiving input of device values ​​to be set in the PLC. In the reception function 111, the processing circuit 11 receives input of device values ​​for a predetermined device used in the PLC 200, for example, via the input interface 14. Based on the result of receiving the input of the predetermined device values, the processing circuit 11 generates device information 121. The generated device information 121 is stored in, for example, the storage circuit 12.

[0025] The communication control function 112 is a function for sending and receiving various data to and from the PLC 200 wirelessly. By sending and receiving data wirelessly, it becomes unnecessary to consider various standards such as IP67 that would be necessary when sending and receiving data via wired connections. For example, it becomes unnecessary to provide dustproof and waterproof structures for both the reception terminal 100 and the PLC 200, and the reception terminal 100 can be installed in an environment where dustproof and waterproof structures are not required. Alternatively, dustproof and waterproof structures for the connection points of wired communication lines become unnecessary, and it becomes possible to create a structure where the equipment only needs to be enclosed in a housing. Therefore, this leads to cost reduction when manufacturing the reception terminal 100 and the PLC 200. In the communication control function 112, the processing circuit 11 transmits, for example, device information 121 generated by the execution of the reception function 111 to the PLC 200 via the communication interface 13. The processing circuit 11 also receives, for example, setting completion information 222 generated by the PLC 200 from the PLC 200 via the communication interface 13.

[0026] The output control function 113 is a function for outputting various types of information. In the output control function 113, the processing circuit 11 outputs predetermined information received from the PLC 200 via the output interface 15. Specifically, the processing circuit 11 outputs setting completion information received from the PLC 200 via the output interface 15.

[0027] In Figure 1, the PLC 200 includes a processing circuit 21, a storage circuit 22, and a communication interface 23. The processing circuit 21 performs various processes for controlling industrial machinery such as manufacturing equipment, conveying equipment, and inspection equipment in factory automation. The storage circuit 22 stores various information necessary for the processes performed by the processing circuit 21. The communication interface 23 communicates data with the receiving terminal 100.

[0028] The processing circuit 21 is a processor that functions as the central hub of the PLC 200. The processing circuit 21, for example, executes various programs stored in the memory circuit 22, thereby realizing functions corresponding to the executed programs. The processing circuit 21 may also be equipped with a memory area that stores at least a portion of the data stored in the memory circuit 22.

[0029] The memory circuit 22 includes a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, or other recording medium that can be read by the processor. The memory circuit 22 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various information to and from portable storage media such as a CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, and flash memory. The memory circuit 22 does not necessarily have to be implemented by a single storage device. For example, the memory circuit 22 may be implemented by multiple storage devices.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the memory circuit 22 stores, for example, device information 221 and setting completion information 222.

[0031] Device information 221 is, for example, information having a similar structure to device information 121 generated by the reception terminal 100. Device information 221 is, for example, device information 121 transmitted from the reception terminal 100.

[0032] The configuration completion information 222 is, for example, information indicating that the device value setting for the PLC 200 has been completed. The configuration completion information 222 is, for example, information generated in the PLC 200.

[0033] The communication interface 23 transmits and receives data to and from an external device. Any communication standard can be used between the communication interface 23 and the external device. Specifically, the communication interface 23 transmits and receives various types of data to and from the receiving terminal 100, for example, wirelessly.

[0034] The processing circuit 21 according to Embodiment 1 realizes various functions by executing the program according to this embodiment. Specifically, the processing circuit 21 realizes a communication control function 211, a setting function 212, a generation function 213, and an acquisition function 214 by executing a program stored in the memory circuit 22, for example. The communication control function 211 is an example of the second communication control unit in the claim. The setting function 212 is an example of the setting unit in the claim. The generation function 213 is an example of the generation unit in the claim. The acquisition function 214 is an example of the acquisition unit in the claim.

[0035] The communication control function 211 is, for example, a function for sending and receiving various data to and from the reception terminal 100 wirelessly. In the communication control function 211, the processing circuit 21 receives, for example, device information 121 transmitted from the reception terminal 100 via the communication interface 23. After the device value is set in the programmable logic controller, the processing circuit 21 sends setting completion information to the reception terminal via the communication interface 23, indicating that the setting of the device value has been completed.

[0036] The setting function 212 is a function for setting the device value of a predetermined device to the PLC 200. In the setting function 212, the processing circuit 21 sets the device value received by the reception terminal 100 to the PLC 200, for example. At this time, the processing circuit 21 sets the device value to the PLC 200 based on the device information 221 received from the reception terminal 100.

[0037] The generation function 213 is, for example, a function for generating setting completion information indicating that the setting of a device value has been completed. In the generation function 213, the processing circuit 21 generates setting completion information indicating that the setting of the device value has been completed, for example, after the device value has been set in the PLC 200. The setting completion information may have any content and format as long as it allows the user to recognize that the setting is complete. The setting completion information may include, for example, a message indicating that the device setting is complete, as well as the variable name indicating the device to be set and the set device value.

[0038] The acquisition function 214 is a function that acquires, for example, the device value set for a specified device. In the acquisition function 214, the processing circuit 21 acquires the device value set for a specified device based on, for example, the variable name indicating the device whose specification was received by the receiving terminal 100.

[0039] The operation of the PLC system 1000 configured as described above will be explained according to the processing procedure of the processing circuit 11 of the reception terminal 100 and the processing procedure of the processing circuit 21 of the PLC 200. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PLC system 1000 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the device information 121 generated by setting the device value received by the reception terminal 100 includes "M621" as the variable name indicating the device to be set, and "1" as the set device value. The device value "1" indicates, for example, the ON state of a switch out of the ON and OFF states.

[0040] In Figure 2, first, the processing circuit 11 of the reception terminal 100 executes the reception function 111 and receives input of a device value for a predetermined device used in the PLC 200 via the input interface 14 (step S11). At this time, the processing circuit 11 receives input of, for example, a variable name indicating the device used in the PLC 200 and a device value set for that device. As a result, device information 121 is generated. At this time, the device information 121 includes the variable name "M621" indicating the device and the device value "1".

[0041] Next, the processing circuit 11 of the reception terminal 100 executes the communication control function 112 and transmits the device information 121 generated in step S11 to the PLC 200 via the communication interface 13 (step S12).

[0042] Next, the processing circuit 21 of the PLC 200 executes a communication control function 211 and receives device information 121 from the receiving terminal 100 via the communication interface 23 (step S13). The received device information 121 is stored, for example, as device information 221 in the memory circuit 22 of the PLC 200.

[0043] Next, the processing circuit 21 of the PLC 200 executes the setting function 212 and sets a device value for the PLC 200 based on the device information 221 received from the PLC 200 (step S14). The processing circuit 21 sets a device value "1" for the variable indicated by the variable name "M621" indicating the device, for example, based on the device information 221.

[0044] Next, the processing circuit 21 of the PLC 200 executes the generation function 213 and generates setting completion information 222 indicating that the setting of the device value has been completed after the device value is set in the PLC 200 in step S14, for example (step S15). The processing circuit 21 generates setting completion information 222 including, for example, a message indicating that the setting of the device has been completed, the variable name indicating the set device, and the set device value.

[0045] Next, the processing circuit 21 of the PLC 200 executes the communication control function 211 and transmits the setting completion information 222 generated in step S15 to the receiving terminal 100 via the communication interface 23 (step S16).

[0046] Next, the processing circuit 11 of the receiving terminal 100 executes the communication control function 112 and receives the setting completion information 222 transmitted from the PLC 200 via the communication interface 13 (step S17). At this time, the setting completion information 222 is stored in the storage circuit 12 as the setting completion information 122, for example.

[0047] Finally, the processing circuit 11 of the receiving terminal 100 executes the output control function 113 and outputs the setting completion information 122 received in step S17 via the output interface 15 (step S18). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the setting completion information 122 displayed by the receiving terminal 100 according to the embodiment. According to FIG. 3, as a message indicating that the setting of the device has been completed, "The setting of the input device value has been completed.", as a variable name indicating the device to be set, "M621", and as the set device value, "1" are displayed on the output interface 15. Thereby, the user can recognize that the device value has been actually reflected in the PLC 200. In addition, the user can recognize the device value "1" and can specifically confirm the state change of the device by the setting. As another output mode, for example, on the ladder program, by coloring and displaying a ladder diagram indicated by a symbol indicating a predetermined device whose device value is set, the user may be able to recognize that the setting has been completed.

[0048] Next, other operations of the PLC system 1000 will be described according to the processing procedure of the processing circuit 11 of the receiving terminal 100 and the processing procedure of the processing circuit 21 of the PLC 200. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of other operations of the PLC system 1000 according to the embodiment. In this embodiment, the variable name indicating the device whose device value the user wants to know is set to "M721". Also, in the PLC 200, it is assumed that there is device information 221 in which the device value "0" is set for the device with the variable name "M721". The device value "0" indicates, for example, OFF among ON and OFF of the switch.

[0049] In FIG. 4, first, the processing circuit 11 of the receiving terminal 100 executes the receiving function 111 and receives, via the input interface 14, an input of a variable name indicating the device whose device value the user wants to know (step S21). At this time, "M721" is received as the variable name indicating the device.

[0050] Next, the processing circuit 11 of the reception terminal 100 executes the communication control function 112 and transmits the variable name indicating the device received in step S11 to the PLC 200 via the communication interface 13 (step S22).

[0051] Next, the processing circuit 21 of the PLC 200 executes the communication control function 211 and receives a variable name indicating the device from the receiving terminal 100 via the communication interface 23 (step S23).

[0052] Next, the processing circuit 21 of the PLC 200 executes the acquisition function 214 to acquire the device value set for the specified device (step S24). The processing circuit 21, for example, refers to the device information 221 stored in the memory circuit 22 and acquires the device value "2" set for the device indicated by the variable name "M721".

[0053] Next, the processing circuit 21 of the PLC 200 executes the communication control function 211 and transmits the device value acquired in step S24 to the receiving terminal 100 via the communication interface 23 (step S25).

[0054] Next, the processing circuit 11 of the reception terminal 100 executes the communication control function 112 and receives the device value transmitted from the PLC 200 via the communication interface 13 (step S26).

[0055] Finally, the processing circuit 11 of the reception terminal 100 executes the output control function 113 and outputs the device value received in step S26 via the output interface 15 (step S27). Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a device value displayed by the reception terminal 100 according to the embodiment. According to Figure 5, along with the message "The device value of the specified device is as follows," the output interface 15 displays, for example, the variable name "M721" of the device whose device value the user wants to know, and the device value "0" set for the device indicated by the variable name "M721." This allows the user to recognize that the device indicated by the variable name "M721" has a device value of "2."

[0056] According to Embodiment 1 described above, in the PLC system 1000, the processing circuit 11 of the reception terminal 100 receives input of a device value to be set for a predetermined device. The processing circuit 11 transmits the received device value to the PLC 200. The processing circuit 21 of the PLC 200 receives the device value transmitted from the reception terminal 100. The processing circuit 21 sets the received device value in the PLC 200. After the device value is set in the PLC 200, the processing circuit 21 transmits setting completion information 122 to the reception terminal 100 indicating that the setting of the device value is complete. The processing circuit 11 of the reception terminal 100 outputs the setting completion information 222 received from the PLC 200.

[0057] This allows the processing circuit 1 to, for example, inform the user that the device value setting is complete.

[0058] Therefore, according to this embodiment, in a system consisting of a reception terminal and a PLC, it becomes possible to automatically confirm that the device value set for the PLC via the reception terminal is set on the PLC.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the processing circuit 11 of the reception terminal 100 executed an output control function 113 to output setting completion information and the device value of the device specified by the user via the output interface 15, but is not limited to this. The processing circuit 11 may, for example, acquire and output error information indicating a predetermined error output by the PLC 200 from the PLC 200 via the communication interface 13. The predetermined error information is, for example, error information when the setting of the device value was not executed successfully, and includes information indicating the cause of the error. Error information is generated when, for example, data corruption due to data communication abnormality or a communication error due to a communication timeout is detected. This allows the user to recognize, for example, that the device value was not actually reflected in the PLC, and at the same time recognize the cause of the error.

[0060] Furthermore, the processing circuit 11 may acquire and output a scan time, which indicates the control cycle of the program being executed on the PLC 200, from the PLC 200 via the communication interface 13. The processing circuit 11 may also acquire and output information from the PLC 200 via the communication interface 13 to understand the program's operating status, such as whether the device clearing has been performed correctly on the PLC 200. Additionally, if the receiving terminal 100 is connected to multiple PLCs, the processing circuit 11 may collect and output time information from multiple PLCs.

[0061] This disclosure allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. In other words, the scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims, not by the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the equivalent significance of the disclosure are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0062] According to this disclosure, a programmable logic controller system can be provided that, in a system consisting of a reception terminal and a PLC, can automatically confirm that a device value set for the PLC via the reception terminal is set for the PLC.

[0063] 1000 Programmable logic controller system, 100 Reception terminal, 200 Programmable logic controller, 11, 21 Processing circuit, 12, 22 Memory circuit, 13, 23 Communication interface, 14 Input interface, 15 Output interface, 111 Reception function, 112, 211 Communication control function, 113 Output control function, 212 Setting function, 213 Generation function, 214 Acquisition function, 121, 221 Device information, 122, 222 Setting completion information.

Claims

1. A programmable logic controller system comprising: a programmable logic controller for controlling a device to be controlled; and a receiving terminal for receiving device values ​​set in a device used by a user program in the programmable logic controller, wherein the receiving terminal comprises: a receiving unit for receiving input of the device value; a first communication control unit for transmitting the device value received by the receiving unit to the programmable logic controller; and an output control unit for outputting predetermined information received from the programmable logic controller; the programmable logic controller comprises: a second communication control unit for receiving the device value transmitted from the receiving terminal; and a setting unit for setting the device value received by the second communication control unit to the programmable logic controller; the second communication control unit transmits setting completion information to the receiving terminal indicating that the setting of the device value has been completed after the device value has been set to the programmable logic controller; and the output control unit outputs the setting completion information received from the programmable logic controller.

2. The programmable logic controller system according to claim 1, further comprising a generation unit that generates setting completion information after the device value has been set in the programmable logic controller.

3. The programmable logic controller system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the setting completion information includes the device value set by the setting unit.

4. The programmable logic controller system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the receiving unit receives the specification of a variable name indicating the device, the first communication control unit transmits the received variable name to the programmable logic controller, the second communication control unit receives the variable name transmitted from the receiving terminal, the programmable logic controller further has an acquisition unit that acquires a device value stored in the device indicated by the received variable name, the second communication control unit transmits the acquired device value to the programmable logic controller, and the output control unit outputs the device value received from the programmable logic controller.

5. The programmable logic controller system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the output control unit outputs predetermined error information if the setting of the device value is not performed correctly.

6. A programmable logic controller comprising: a communication control unit that receives a device value transmitted from a receiving terminal for receiving device values ​​set on a device used by a user program; a setting unit that sets the device value received by the communication control unit; and a generation unit that generates setting completion information indicating that the setting of the device value has been completed after the setting unit has set the device value, wherein the communication control unit transmits the generated setting completion information to the receiving terminal.

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