DE2536803A1 - Programmable electronic control with internal programming memory - has direct output for control of machine or system operations from data read in - Google Patents

Abstract

Programmable electronic control has internal programming memory and direct output for control of machine or system operations. A photo-optical programming card reader is connected to the electronic programming memory, for example random access memory, so that information is passed directly to the memory. Thus, a machine or system is controlled directly by data read into the memory. The electronic control comprises a programming memory, a photo-electronic reader, a digital clock, output switching elements, elements for the control, indication and logics as well as a power supply unit with failure protection. Also provided are control facilities for external devices.

Description

Programmable Electronic Control Unit The invention relates to a programmable electronic control unit with internal program memory and direct control outputs for controlling process sequences in machines or Investments.

The object of the invention is to be achieved, the control device inexpensive, wear-free, universal and easy to use.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that a preferably photoelectric program card reader working with transmitted light with the electronic one Per RAM memory, e.g. a RAM memory, connected directly within the device is so that information read out by the program card reader directly get into the program memory, with the data read into the memory A machine or system can be controlled directly that the program card reader has a Beseteil for reading a clock track of the respective program card, and that the program card reader with the frequency, with which he made the clock track reads, signals (program words) to the program memory, which in turn with the data read from the program card by the ProCramm type reader records, so that the program card without mechanical help by hand with practical pulled through the program card reader at any speed and correctly can be read.

Several embodiments according to the invention are set out below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

These show: FIG. 1 a block diagram of an electronic Control device according to the invention with electronic program memory 1 (e.g. RÅM = Random Excess Memory), photoelectronic reader 3, 4, digital timer 9, io, Output switching elements 13, the necessary operating, display and logic elements 2,5,6,7, 8,11,12,15 and a power supply unit 14 that provides the necessary supply voltages and includes a power failure protection. Further are the tax options to external devices specified A, B, C.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic control device of Invention as indicated under Figure 1, but with an additional programmable Read-only memory 17, 19 (e.g. PROM = Programable Read Only Memory) and the necessary Circuit blocks for programming 16,18.

The programmable read-only memory (PROM) is shown twice namely in the interconnection with the other blocks for programming and as data respectively.

Program carrier, the last function was shown with a dash-dot line performed. The same components as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals in FIG Mistake. This also applies to the other Figures 3 to 5, so that in each case Reference is made to the description of FIG.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic control unit of Invention as indicated in FIG. 2, but without the program type reader shown in FIG 3 and photo amplifier 4.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an electronic control device of Invention as described in FIG. 1, but without the one shown in FIG Program card reader 3 and photo amplifier 4.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of an electronic control device of Invention with read-only memory 1 'similar to the program memory 1, output switch structure 13, the necessary operating, display and logic elements 5,6,7,8,12,14, digital timer 9.1o and a power supply unit that provides the necessary supply voltages supplies. The control options for external devices are also specified A, C.

The control unit indicated in FIG. 1 consists of an electronic one Semiconductor memory with random access (rad) 1, a program card reader 3, who works in the transmitted light method and program cards with several parallel channels and several successive information steps, i.e. program words can read, digital, optionally manually adjustable via preselection switch 1o or Programmable timers, output switching elements via the program and the internal control channels 13 to operate the machine or system to be controlled, as well as the necessary ones Operating, display and logic elements (5,6,7,8,11, 12,15) and a power supply unit 14, which on the one hand supplies the control unit itself and also control power for the supplies controlled system via the output switching elements 13.

The control device shown in FIG. 1 basically has two working phases and three programming options.

In phase 1, the so-called programming phase, the electronic program memory is used either via the keyboard and the corresponding controls or by the reading of the program card is programmed by the program card reader, i.e. Program words are written into the electronic program memory. The operation of the program card reader takes place in such a way that the prograinin card in the reader is inserted and pulled manually through the reader at any speed will.

The writing process into the program memory is carried out by the internal control logic 8 controlled by the address counter 5. The addresses are switched via the clock track on the program card, which in turn also ensures that the information on the program card is read correctly.

To set the start address, you can either press the "Reset button" (control element, 15) at the lowest address, i.e. address "Zero" can be started, or by setting a start address manually Address preselection 6 and pressing the program word selection key on any Address to be started. Meter control and self-control logic 8 then set automatically sure that the next higher addresses according to the sequence of Program words on the program card, in the program memory.

If it is necessary to make changes to a program word, see below This can be done through manual address selection and thus program word selection together with the keyboard 11 and the further necessary operating elements 15 take place. By A special type of circuit makes it possible to have individual pieces of information within to change a program word. This has the advantage that the memorization effort for the Device operator and programmer is minimal.

The third type of programming can be called "empirical programming" are designated. The sequence is such that the address counter after actuation the "start button" automatically from the start address that can be preselected as described above is forwarded.

The time that elapses between two address jumps can be set manually can be set via the preselection switch lo and the digital timer 9. The information, i.e. program words to be written into the program memory from the system or machine to be controlled, e.g. through limit switches or the like delivered. You can access the control unit via the "External information inputs B."

The automatic address switching can also be done via an input "Ext. Forwarding" A started instead of the start button described and depends on the function can be forwarded externally by the machine or system. The empirical programming has the advantage of being able to run programs directly on the machine or system to be controlled of the operation of the system to the extent that this is done with the corresponding reporting elements e.g. switches.

In addition to the three programming options described Due to the internal control channels, so-called internal control commands can still be programmed, in which, for example, it is possible that the content of the corresponding program word encoded in this way is recognized as a time code that programs the digital timer 9 and the program progression only takes place after the programmed time, or the content of the corresponding so coded program word is recognized as an address.

The latter has the advantage that the program makes address jumps can be. This is particularly advantageous when there are several programs in the program memory of which only one is called at a time.

Calling up takes place in such a way that via the manual address preselection 6 and the button "program word selection" the corresponding program is selected. Another important self-control command is "Halt", i.e. the forwarding of addresses is blocked until a signal ext. Switching A from the one to be controlled System is delivered. Others that appear sensible for the respective application Self-control commands can optionally be retrofitted0 when using of self-control commands, the information outputs C remain in the state like the program word in front of the program word with coded yew control command pretends.

The "Ealt" command is an exception; the corresponding Program word passed on to the output switching elements 13. So that at the exit no Any changes in information that could cause difficulties during execution the self-control commands are created between the program memory and the output switching elements a hold logic 12 interposed. The circuit group 12 still has the Task to display the respective program word via e.g. lamps.

The programming of the program card 3 a is carried out in such a way that by means of a pen, the transparent information points (bits) of the respective Program word can be made opaque. If marked incorrectly by mistake Places can be erased.

The program card itself consists of a transparent material, e.g. plastic that is printed on both sides so that it is opaque so that the Inf @ rmation places (bits) remain free. The scope of information on the program card consists of several parallel channels and several successive information steps i.e. program words.

In the work phase 2, the control unit outputs the data in the program memory standing information i.e. program words sequentially according to the programmed Self-control commands. Optionally, via the operating elements 15 for program control individual forwarding can be set and executed.

All program words pass through the output switching elements 13, which are designed to be application-specific to the system to be controlled.

A riterium when using semiconductor memories, in the present case Control unit RAM's, is the fact that the programmed information is switched off of the device or in the event of a power failure. The control device of Figure 1 sees therefore a data backup option in the power supply unit 14 via battery pack or accumulator before. This makes it possible to switch systems on again immediately after a power failure of the Ne + zes without having to reload the program.

The advantages of the exemplary embodiment described according to FIG of the invention compared to known control devices essentially consist in that the device is practically fully electronic without being mechanically moved and therefore susceptible to wear Parts works and thus enables problem-free use. I'm a particular advantage compared to known control devices for systems is that due to the nature of the Profgrainnierunc the program card no additional mechanical programming tools required are.

With the control device described according to FIG. 1, complicated Systems and experience easy, flexible and cost-effective control.

Another advantage over known control units is the possibility of empirical programming "in which the program instead of it as before, tileoretically to be determined and determined directly on the machine or Plant by trying out or creating a sample workpiece for machine tools is determined and in the exemplary embodiments described according to FIG. 1 to FIG stored and then optimized by reprogramming individual bits can be.

Furthermore, there is an advantage over known Oteuergeräte e.g. use part of the existing parallel control channels for time specifications, whereby the program word is considerably shortened compared to the one according to FIG. 1 to Figure 5 described embodiments in which by the use of electronic storage elements and the extremely fast sequence of steps associated with them is possible, self-control commands such as time or address specifications between two Information words to save. This shortens the entire program length, but not the program word and thus the parallel control capacity.

The program length is shortened, but only one if necessary Command specification, but not in principle, as is inevitably the case when Individual channels can be used for the specifications in the program word, as is the case with known ones Control devices is solved constructively.

The electronic control device shown in Figure 2 has the same Function like that shown in Figure 1, however, is about the possibility of this compared to this extended, a programmable electronic pest value memory 17 (PROM) over Driver sequencer 16 as well as the necessary additional power supply 18 to pro; rammieren, i.e. to save the information in a non-volatile manner and after programming has been carried out read out as often as you like.

When programming, the control unit works in such a way that the in the program memory 1 standing program words can be written into the PROM 17.

For reading out the read-only memory 19 (PROM) (read-only memory 17 and 19 is a single unit, shown twice for explanation only) this is read into the program memory 1 (RAM).

The reading in is a one-time process that has to be controlled by everyone Process, provided that no power failure destroys the information in program memory 1 (RAM), and is controlled by its own operating sequence.

The control device shown in Figure 2 has the advantage that very Programs can be changed quickly and that is due to the read-only memory the programs are non-volatile and thus the PROM program carriers can be archived. Another advantage is that the read-only memory can be extended in this way it can be that the written information is deleted again (e.g. by UV light) can be, so that the read-only memory with program changes more often and thus can be used very economically.

The control device shown in Figure 2 has the further advantage that it can be used as a programming device on the programs on the system can be created and tested with all the options described in FIG. 1 and can then be transferred to the read-only memory.

This enables the user to easily duplicate programs and thus to operate systems with partly much simpler control devices, such as they are shown in Figure 3 or 5, for example. With such a configuration at Multiple applications of electronic control units will be a very high degree Efficiency and data security achieved with problem-free device operation.

The electronic control unit shown in Figure 3 consists of the same functional groups as that described in Figure 2 and Figure 1, however without the program card reader 3, 4 described in more detail in FIG.

The advantage of the control device according to Figure 3 is that for Users who are already using a control device described in Figure 2, Read-only memories can be used economically and yet there is still the possibility Make program changes by keyboard entries as described in Figure 1 Another advantage is that, even without a read-only memory, only manual or empirical programming can be worked.

The electronic control unit shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to this described in more detail in Figure 1, but without the program card reader described in more detail there.

The punctures of the control device shown in FIG. 4 are marked with Except for the function of the program card reader and the program card as shown in figure 1 described.

The advantage of the control device shown in Figure 4 is that because the user has an economical, flexible and manually proE, -rammable loan Control unit available. A particularly favorable application is then given if programs at very short intervals, in extreme cases even after each program and thus the workflow must be changed.

For this application, a read-only memory would be created or a program card too expensive.

Another advantage is that the user has a separate External reading device that can be moved via the external information inputs can load programs quickly.

The control device shown in FIG. 5 is in the functional blocks 5,6,7, EI, 9,10,12,13,14 and its related functions are identical to that in Figure 1 described control device. The function of the electronic system described in FIG Program memory 1 (RAM) takes over the read-only memory in the control unit according to FIG 1t, however, with the difference that the information entered is no longer can be changed. This means that there is no longer a keyboard or a program card reader required and a corresponding simplification of the controls 15 and thus of the operating sequence reached.

The advantage of the control device described in Figure 5 consists in minimal circuit complexity, i.e. the control unit is very inexpensive, as well as the non-volatility of the program with the simple program change option by simply exchanging the read-only memory. Another advantage is that the user in combination with the control unit of Figure 2 is a very cheap and a reliable system solution for multiple use of control units is offered.

Claims (20)

Patent claims: Programmable electronic control unit with internal programming memory and direct control outputs for control; of process sequences in machines or systems, characterized in that a preferably working with transmitted light photo-optical program card reader with the electronic program memory e.g. a RAM memory, connected directly within the device, so that information, which are read out by the program card reader, directly into the program memory with the data read into the program memory directly to a machine or system can be controlled that the program card reader has a reading part for Has reading a clock track, and that the program card reader with the frequency, with which he reads the clock track, sends signals to the program memory, which in turn with this sequence the data read from the card by the program card reader (Program words) so that the program card can be manually operated without mechanical help pulled through the program card reader at practically any speed and can be read correctly. 2) Control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the program memory optionally via a keyboard or via an external reading device programmable and that the program memory is directly from a machine or system whose Program is to be determined empirically, can be programmed and then through Single bit reprogramming can be optimized. 3) Control device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a single bit is deleted for single bit reprogramming of the program memory and can be changed without the entire program word, e.g. via "Clear Data" must be deleted. 4) Control device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that that through n additional channels of the program memory special commands that are used for self-control of the control unit can be coded, e.g. jump commands in which the Jump address written into the corresponding program word instead of the data be, or z ß. Timing to determine the step duration instead of the data be written into the corresponding program word. 5) Control device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that that the outputs correspond to the requirements of the machine or system equipped with relays, transistors or alternating current switches, e.g. thyristors, triacs are. 6) Control device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that that an electronic, programmable timer is provided that the respective Determines the step duration of the corresponding program word, whereby the programming the time via the special commands on the program card or by manual input can be done in the program memory, or via a manual selector switch can be programmed. 7) Control device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that that the program memory has several parallel channels with several one behind the other Information steps, i.e. Program words. 8) Program card for a program card reader of a control unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it has a clock track and made of transparent carrier medium e.g. Plastic, there is one or both sides opaque in such a way is printed that all program positions (bits) are translucent and these can be made opaque according to the programming. 9) program card according to claim 8, characterized in that on several parallel information channels each a large number of consecutive Information steps i.e. program words is arranged. 1o) Method for programming a programming card according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that some of the initially translucent program points e.g. according to the program with a pen. by hand with a felt-tip pen can be made opaque. 11) control adviser according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that that a programmable read-only memory is also provided, which over the Program card reader - program memory combination or via the program memory is programmable on its own and, on the other hand, one of those stored in the read-only memory Can overwrite programs in the program memory. 12) Control device according to claim 11, characterized in that the Read-only memory has the same program word organization as the program memory respectively. the program card according to claim 8 or 9. 13) control device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the read-only memory optionally an erasable or non-erasable programmable one Semiconductor memory, e.g. PROM, in which the information is stored in the event of a power failure are not volatile. 14) Control device according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that that the read-only memory and the program memory together as an independent Structural unit are formed. 15) Control device according to one of claims 1 to 7 or 11 to 14, characterized marked that the program memory together with the programming and application required (without reader) as a separate, functional unit is trained. 16) Programmable electronic control unit with F internal program memory and direct control outputs for controlling process sequences in machines or systems, characterized in that the program memory is a pest value memory is, with the data written in this pest value memory directly a Plant or machine can be controlled. 17) Control device according to claim 16, characterized in that by n additional channels of the read-only memory Special commands for the internal control of the control unit can be coded, e.g. jump commands in which the jump address is used instead of the data are written into the corresponding program word, or e.g. time specifications for determination the step duration instead of the data in the corresponding Program word. 18) Control device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that that the outputs correspond to the drifts caused by the machine or system equipped with relays, transistors or alternating current switches, e.g. thyristors, triacs are. 19) Control device according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that that an electronic, programmable timer is provided that the respective Determines the step duration of the corresponding program word, whereby the programming the time can be done via the special commands of the Pest value memory, or via a manual preselection switch can be programmed. 20) Control device according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that that the read-only memory has several parallel channels with several one behind the other Information steps, i.e. Program words. L e r s e i t e