SE521937C2 - Bus device controller generates action signal corresponding to unique identity of output terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

Controller has inputs (21) and outputs (22) connected via common CAN-bus (24) and having terminals with unique identities. The control signal generates an action signal comprising an address corresponding to the unique identity of the output terminal for a common bus. The input is a control unit, bus controller, bus driver, memory and input signal controller. The input terminal alternates between input and output states with current limitation tuning. There is an Independent claim for a method of controlling devices connected to common buses.

Description

1D 15 2D 25 30 35 521 937 2 to convert the signals to adapt the measurement results from, for example, a non-analog detector to the equipment used. However, the scaling adjustment for the purpose of achieving the minimum / maximum values of a detector and displaying the minimum / maximum value of an instrument is usually eliminated. Alternatively, a non-linear instrument may be provided to compensate for the erroneous signal received from a non-linear sensor.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment according to the prior art. The system 10 comprises a number of central circuits 11 arranged at the locations 12a-12n. A power supply 13 is connected to each central unit 11. Each central unit 11 is connected to a switching device 14 and supplies the devices (not shown) connected to each switching device with current, preferably down (or up) transformed current / voltage. Each switching device is connected to a control unit 15, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC 15 controls the switching device by sending control signals to it, which connects or disconnects the circuit including the controlled devices. Each PLC receives input signals from the controlled device or other detectors, based on which input signals the device can be controlled.

The PLC is controlled and programmed by a computer (PC) 16.

Other techniques are known. US 5,941,966 discloses, for example, a transmitter output stage for a data transmission system comprising at least one control unit and data transmission lines, in particular for a CAN bus system with at least one CAN controller and a CAN bus (CB), characterized by the fact that the individual circuit elements of the transmitter output stage are monolithically integrated. . As a result of the special layout and its circuit design device of the individual elements of the transmitter output stage, the effects of faults, for example short circuits on the data lines to ground or to the supply voltage, are reduced to a minimum. As a result of the special selection of drivers, minimal delay times are achieved, so that the signals can be transmitted at a higher data rate.

WO 99/14643 discloses a weaving control system in which a CAN bus, or other bus system, is extended by a chain coupling. After the weaving machine has been switched on, or after a number of machine conditions, there is an initial automatic configuration of the bus' internal and external units, and then the start is disconnected for the chain coupling to be used for the configuration and, selectively, also as a trigger line. Specific addresses are established for the unit operations with the same function or to be purchased. The units with the same function have a group address for a multifunction, and each unit is assigned an additional number. 3 15 20 25 3D 35 521 937 SUMMARY The main object of the present invention is to provide a device which enables connection, control and / or monitoring of a number of controllable devices, preferably of different types, via a single bus, in a simple but efficient manner. .

The advantages of the device according to the invention include: the ability to control / monitor and control all devices from a computer unit, such as a PC; - redirecting device identities for each controlled / controlled device to generate new control combinations from different switches; - cost reduction for installation of cables, wires, fuses and other safety devices; - ability to reduce signal conversions; - reduced installation time; - reduced installation weight; - simple installation planning, as all the devices are connected to a bus and addressed later.

It is also possible to combine operation indications on the same bus used, for example to transmit the result of one, which substantially reduces the amount of cables, while allowing a combined monitoring and safety function at each output.

For these reasons, the initially mentioned device comprises at least one indoor unit and at least one outdoor unit. Each input and output unit has a unique identity and communicates through said bus, said input unit is arranged to receive a control signal from at least one control device connected to at least one input of said input unit, said output unit is arranged to output an output signal to at least one of said devices connected to at least one output on said output unit, said output signal corresponds to said input signal and provided said output unit from said input unit with regard to its unique identity on said common bus.

Said bus is preferably a CAN bus, which is a well-defined standard.

In a preferred embodiment, said output unit comprises a control unit, a bus controller, bus driver, memory unit and an input signal controller. The control unit consists of a microprocessor or other data processing devices. The bus controller is thus a CAN bus controller and the bus driver is a CAN bus driver. 10 15 2D 25 30 35 521 957 To reduce the number of wires, the input and output units are so provided that they switch between input and output. The inputs are arranged to read an input value and at the same time output a signal for driving one of said devices. Each input is connected to a normally open or normally closed switch, the state of which is predetermined by programming the control unit. The operating conditions of the inputs are predetermined to bistable or pulse.

In one embodiment, the outputs are arranged so that they enable the setting of a current limit for each individual output. All parts are advantageously supplied with power through a common power line and said power line is arranged in a loop. The common power line is connected to a power source at each end. As a protection, the common power source is provided with means for detecting overcurrent.

In a most preferred embodiment, the common bus is also used to communicate control commands and status messages between said input and output unit, which reduces the number of connections.

Several input units are advantageously connected to switch and indicator groups, which are connected by means of a common signal line.

The invention also relates to a method for controlling a plurality of devices connected to at least one common bus. The method comprises the steps of: arranging at least one input unit and at least one output unit, each input and output unit with a unique identity and communicating through said bus, arranging said input unit to receive a control signal from at least one control device connected to at least one input on said input unit , and arranging said output unit to output an output signal to at least one of said devices connected to at least one output of said output unit, said output signal corresponding to said input signal and said output unit being provided from said input unit with regard to its unique identity on said common bus. .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following, the invention will be further described in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates that prior art examples, Fig. 2 is a Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an input module according to the present invention, Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an output module according to the present invention, Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed system according to the present invention. , and Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed power supply device in a system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS The present invention relates to a method and a device, and more specifically to a system comprising an intelligent coupling device, preferably in the form of a bus loop, which enables coupling of a number of control devices to the control units. Each linked object is then provided with a unique address. A control unit, preferably a microprocessor control unit, is arranged between the bus and each object to be controlled.

In the schematic block diagram in fi g. 2, a system 20 according to the invention is illustrated.

The system comprises IN and OUT modules 21 and 22, control bus 24, power measurement line 23, and a computer unit 25. Each module is connected to the control bus 24 and the line 23. The control bus is arranged as a loop, which begins and ends in the computer unit 25.

The IN / OUT modules can consist of two different modules; in a preferred embodiment, however, both are arranged in the same module with several functions.

The IN module 21, shown in Fig. 3, mainly comprises a control unit 30, a bus controller 31, bus driver 32, memory unit 33 and an input signal controller 34.

The control unit 30 may consist of a microprocessor or other data processing device.

In addition, the Control Unit 30 and Controls 31 may be integrated in the same unit. In cases where a CAN bus (Controller Area Network) is used, the bus controller is a CAN bus controller and the bus driver is a CAN bus driver. The memory unit may include a RAM (Random Access Memory), programmable read only memory (PROM), EPROM, EEPROM 10 15 20 25 30 35 521 937 6 etc. Other bus types can clearly be used, however the CAN bus is preferred due to its Standardization and extended use.

The bus controller is connected to and controlled by the control unit. The bus controller sends control signals received from the control unit over the bus to devices to be controlled. The input signal of the IN module can include ON / OFF, adjustments, settings or similar commands from switches, device drivers, detectors, etc.

The input of the module is provided so that a simple input signal, for example for operation and / or alarm indication, can be received. The number of wires to switches, especially in large switch panels, will thus be reduced. In traditional installations, a common feed or ground is usually connected to all switches or indicators (lights, LEDs, etc.); then a separate signal line is arranged for operation and alarm line; consequently four cables have e.g. three for each switch and one common cable was used. For a panel with ten switches, 31 cables are thus required. According to the invention, however, the number of cables to the same panel is reduced to 11.

When an input is assigned "Out", in some applications, it is possible to "dim" the signal or dazzle it when, for example, dimming lights or indicators is required. For this purpose, for example, PWM control can be used. This solves many problems regarding the transmission of dimming signals via a common cable through circuit breakers, switches and so on. The aperture function is often used in marine applications so as not to impair night vision. A normal installation with light indicators is usually divided into different fuse groups, which results in problems with dimming several equipment with the same dimming signal because the equipment is in different groups. However, it is not possible to interconnect them in a common dimming line provided that the groups are not galvanized insulated and provided with a dimmer for each group. According to the invention, the problem is solved by controlling the diverter function through the bus and thus independently of the fuse groups.

In the module, each input can be connected to a normally open or normally closed switch, for example by programming the control unit. It is also possible to influence the operating state of the inputs to bistable or pulse, for example when using non-locking switches. This enables connection of all types of switches to the module.

The memory unit 33 can be used to save the settings, even during a power failure. The saved settings can be changed by means of the computer unit 25 via the CAN 10 15 20 25 30 35 521 937 7 bus. This allows for a flexible system, which can be adapted to the application needed.

The OUT module 22 shown in Fig. 4 essentially comprises a control unit 40, a bus controller 41, bus driver 42, memory unit 43 and an output controller 44.

The control unit 40 may consist of a microprocessor. In cases where a CAN bus is used, the bus controller is a CAN bus controller and the bus driver is a CAN bus driver.

The control unit and the bus control can be integrated in the same unit. The memory unit can consist of a RAM (Random Access Memory), programmable read-only memory (PROM), EPROM, EEPROM, etc. The output signal controller can consist of drivers, transistors and the like.

The outputs 45 of the module 22 can be arranged so that they enable setting of current limits for each individual output. This measure will reduce the number of fuses and also the number of cables as it prevents the custom current limit from being exceeded.

The different current limits can be set by means of programming, which also enables the setting of a drive current and an upper current limit. The drive current means the current level consumed by a device connected to the output. When the drive current level is reached, the switch driving the device can be provided with a signal and the process start is indicated (for example a fan is started), for example by means of an LED.

The coupled devices can be arranged as feedback to the affected switch device, including the indicator, via the Out module, as a result of the drive current level being reached. Non-operation is indicated, for example by switching off the LED, if the level is below.

The memory unit 44 is used to save settings, for example in the event of a power failure.

Both the IN and OUT modules can be fed through a common power supply line, in which case the power supply line can be arranged as a loop. In an alternative embodiment, each module can be fed through a (secured) wire, which is connected to a power source at each end. In the latter case, if there is an interruption in the common line, the system is not affected when the modules are fed from two terminals. p Y If an overcurrent occurs in the system, however, both power supply lines will be disturbed as both lines are indirectly parallel. Using an overcurrent module can eliminate this problem. 10 15 521 937 8 The overcurrent module is usually arranged in series with the supply voltage. When an overcurrent is detected, the module disconnects the current in a line while the parallel line continues to supply the module. In the event of an overcurrent, the module may generate an alarm condition (signal) over the bus to an operator or control center. The overcurrent level is adjustable and can be adjusted to a suitable trip level.

The computer unit 25 is arranged, among other things, to program the modules. However, a separate programming unit can be used. The programming unit or computer is equipped with a bus interface, depending on the bus type, and can be arranged permanently in the installation or attached to it when needed.

In the following, two examples are shown to simplify the understanding of the invention.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inputs of the modules are provided so as to switch between input and output. It makes it possible both to read an input value and at the same time output a signal for deriving a device, such as an alarm indicator or the like. In this case, a common signal is connected between the switches and the indicators. Table 1 is an example of the control conditions. 10 15 20 25 521 937 Table 1 Status Read common signal to indicate a COMMON I / O port In Switch channels one by one 0/1 1 Out 0 input signal Operation indication activated Alarm indication deactivated 1 Operation indication deactivated Alarm indication deactivated Operation indication deactivated Alarm indication activated 1 Operation indication deactivated Alarm indication deactivated The status of the common signal is read incorrectly. As an example, when an I / O port on channel 1 is set to logic 1, the value of the common signal is read; if the switch is on, a logic 1 is sent on the bus, because it is assumed as an input in this case. If the switch is not turned on, the value is a logic 0. When this has been done, the common signal is switched to the initial state. When the status of the common signal is logical O and the I / O port of the controlled channel is logical 0 or 1, according to Table 1, the operation indicator is deactivated and the alarm indicator is activated, and the operation indicator and the alarm indicator are deactivated. The same result is obtained for a logic 1 on the common signal. However, the polarity of the signal is redirected, resulting in a parallel inverted indicator that is controlled depending on the value of the I / O port.

The first exemplary embodiment is shown in Fig. 5. The system comprises a number of IN modules, 21a-21c, arranged in operating (locating) / locations 50a-50c, a number of UT modules 22a-22b, a programmable unit 25 and a communication bus 24. The common signal line is designated 57.

For each operating position, which may be, for example, an instrument panel or the like, a control device 51a-51c is provided. Each control device includes a switch 52a (-52c), indicators 52a (-52c) and 53a (-53c), respectively. The indicator group 53 is arranged to indicate an operating condition and the indicator group 54 to indicate an alarm or warning condition. In this example, each IN module comprises eight inputs, numbered 1 to 8. The control devices are connected to common signal line 57. The control devices are connected to one or more inputs of each module 521 937 10; the control device 51 is thus connected to the input 7 of the IN module A (IA7), the control device S1b is connected to the input 5 of the IN module B (IB5) and the control device 51c is connected to the input 6 of the IN module C (IC6).

The number of modules and inputs / outputs are given as examples and can be varied depending on the application.

The UT module comprises eight outputs numbered 1 to 8. Each UT module is connected to the devices to be controlled. Output number 2 on UT module A (OA2) is connected to a light bulb 55a, output number 7 on UT module A (OA7) is connected to an indicator 56a, output number 1 on UT module B (081) is connected to a device 55b, and output number 6 of the UT module B (OB6) is connected to a siren 56.

The number of inputs and outputs is of course variable.

When the switch S2a is turned on, the IN module A senses the current flow through the closed circuit and the module controls generate a message corresponding to the tripping of the IA7 and transmits on the bus 24. The IA7 is compressed as an address of a device, for example the light 55a. UT module A scans the bus on message with its address.

Assuming that IA7 is a generated address corresponding to the initiation of output OA2, the UT module A will receive a control signal on receipt of the message with address IA7 which short-circuits the supply to output OA2 and the light is switched on.

When addressing, each input can be programmed to activate one or more outputs.

Thus, an input, for example 52a, is programmed to activate the addresses OA2 and OA7. The number of inputs and outputs to be controlled and their functions, ie are controllable or permanently active, are optional and can be predetermined when the installation is started and programmed.

In the example of Fig. 5, it is assumed that a common power supply line (not shown) is used.

In the embodiment of Fig. 6, a common power supply line 23 is also used. The common signal line is designated 67. In this case, however, the power supply line is connected to a power source 60a and 60b on each side by fuses (optional) 61a and 61b. As described above, in order to secure the system against overcurrent, the power supply line is provided with a number of overcurrent modules 62a and 62b between the modules. The power supply line is supplied at both ends with the same DC voltage. In many applications such as offshore applications, the supply voltage is 24 V. The invention can be used in all types of installations, in which a number of devices (remote) are controlled. However, depending on the reduced number of cables and connections, and thus the reduced weight, the invention is very suitable for installations inside all types of vehicles, such as cars, aircraft, ships and the like, but also industrial installations, office complexes and other buildings will appreciate the advantages of the invention. .

The invention is not limited by the embodiments shown but can be varied in a number of ways without departing from the scope of the enclosed requirements and the device and the method can be implemented in a varied number of ways depending on the application, functional units, needs and requirements etc.

Claims (21)

10 15 20 25 30 35 521 957 12 PATENT REQUIREMENTS Device for controlling a plurality of controllable devices (55a, 55b) connected to at least one common bus (24), characterized in that said device comprises: - at least one indoor unit (21) and at least one output unit (22) interconnected by said common bus (24), - each input and output unit comprises a plurality of input terminals (35) and a plurality of output terminals (45), respectively, - each input (35) / output terminal (45) is provided with a unique identity, - that at least one of the input terminals (35) are connected to a control device (s1a-s1c), and that said input unit (21) is arranged to generate a control signal and output said control signal on said common bus to be received by said output unit upon receipt of an action signal from said control device (51a-51c), said control signal comprising an address corresponding to the unique identity of the output terminal of said output unit (22) coupled to at least one of said controllable devices (55a, 55b). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said common bus is a CAN bus. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said input unit comprises a control unit (30), a bus controller (31), bus driver (32), memory unit (33) and an input controller (34). Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the control unit (30) consists of a microprocessor or other data processing devices. Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said bus controller is a CAN bus controller and the bus driver is a CAN bus driver. 10 15 20 25 30 35 521 937 13 Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said output unit comprises a control unit (40), a bus controller (41), bus driver (42), memory unit (43) and an output controller (44). Device according to Claim 6, characterized in that the control unit (40) consists of a microprocessor or other data processing devices. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said bus controller is a CAN bus controller and the bus driver is a CAN bus driver. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the inputs of the input module is provided so as to switch between an input and output terminal state. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one of said input or output terminals is arranged as a common signal terminal. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that said common signal has different states which determine different states for one. 0. input terminal. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that each input terminal is connected to a normally open or normally closed switch, and that said state is predetermined by programming the control unit (25). Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the operating states of the inputs are predetermined to bistable or pulse. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one output terminal (45) is arranged so that they enable setting of a current limitation for controlling at least one output terminal. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said input and output unit are connected to a common power line (23). Device according to claim 15, characterized in that said common power line is arranged as a loop. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that said common power line is connected to a power source at each end of said common power line. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that said common power line is provided with means for detecting a top flow. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that status messages between said input and output unit are transmitted on said bus. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several input units are connected to switch and indicator groups, which are connected by means of a common signal line (57, 67). A method of controlling a plurality of controllable devices (55a, 55b) connected to at least one common bus (24), characterized by - arranging at least one input unit (21) and at least one output unit (22), each input and output unit having a plurality of input terminals and output terminals, respectively, providing each terminal with a unique identity, each input and output unit communicating through said common bus, arranging said input unit (21) to receive an action signal from at least one control device (Sia-Sic). connected to an input terminal (35) of said unit, upon receiving said action signal generating an action signal comprising an address corresponding to said unique terminal of said output terminal connected to at least one of said controllable devices (55a, 55b), to provide said control signal on said common bus by said input unit to be received by said output unit coupled to at least one of said control devices (55a, 55b).