JP4400726B2 - Sensor device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to various types of sensor devices such as a displacement sensor, a visual sensor, a proximity sensor, a microwave sensor, a length measurement sensor, and the like, and in particular, a plurality of types of sensor heads prepared assuming a plurality of types of sensor devices. And a plurality of types of signal processing units each configured to have a control specification assuming a predetermined sensor head unit.

  As a so-called “sensor device”, there are known a wide variety of sensor devices having different operation principles such as a displacement sensor, a visual sensor, a proximity sensor, a microwave sensor, a length sensor, and the like. Furthermore, even if the sensor device has the same operation principle, there are various variations (specifications).

  By the way, with the recent technological development, the usage purpose and usage mode of these sensor devices are diversified, and accordingly, the functions and performances required for the individual sensor devices by users are diversified. In view of such market needs, so-called multi-product low-volume production systems have been introduced by many sensor manufacturers. This high-mix low-volume production system has the advantage of being able to respond appropriately to each user's needs, but the number of parts increases, so the cost is higher than the conventional low-mix high-volume production system and parts management is There is a demerit that it becomes complicated.

Therefore, in recent years, the sensor device includes a sensor head portion including a detection end (a light emitting / receiving element for a photoelectric sensor, a detection coil for a proximity sensor, etc.), a power supply to the sensor head portion, and a sensor head portion. The signal processing unit for processing the signal obtained from is a separate structure connected through a connector, and the sensor head unit is prepared for each of a plurality of models, while the signal processing unit is A sensor device designed to be shared has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this sensor device, since the signal processing unit can be mass-produced as a single product as before, it is possible to suppress the cost of the product, although it is a multi-product small-quantity production system as a whole.
JP 2003-75117 A

  The present inventors, following the sensor device with the separate structure described above, have recently prepared a plurality of types of sensor head units prepared assuming a plurality of types of sensor devices, and control specifications assuming a predetermined sensor head unit. Invented a technology that makes it possible to appropriately manufacture sensor devices with different operating principles or specifications by appropriately combining (connecting) multiple configured signal processing units via connectors with specifications common to all models. I arrived. In this sensor device, a connector (connector half) with a common specification is adopted exclusively for the purpose of reducing the cost, but the combination of the sensor head portion and the signal processing portion that can be actually connected is limited in advance. Has been. This is because, although connectors having the same specifications are employed, the use of each connector terminal in the sensor head unit or the signal processing unit is different if the assumed model of the sensor device is different. In other words, the usage (signal line, power supply line, or unused line) and the communication voltage are determined in advance for each terminal in the sensor head section and signal processing section of each model.

  For this reason, in the sensor device, when a sensor head part that is not supposed to be connected to the signal processing unit is connected, an inappropriate voltage (overvoltage or reverse) is applied from the signal processing unit side to the sensor head unit side via the terminal. (Polarity voltage) may be supplied. In such a case, the normal operation as the sensor device is not only inhibited, but there is a possibility that the sensor device may be broken.

  The present invention has been made by paying attention to the conventional problems as described above, and the object is to provide a plurality of types of sensor head units prepared assuming a plurality of types of sensor devices, respectively. A variety of control specifications can be easily realized by appropriately combining multiple types of signal processing units configured to control specifications assuming a predetermined sensor head unit via connectors of common specifications, and An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor device that can prevent destruction or failure of the sensor device due to the connection even if a sensor head unit and a signal processing unit that are not supposed to be connected are connected (erroneously connected). .

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of types of sensor head units prepared on the assumption of a plurality of types of sensor devices, and a plurality of types of signals configured to control specifications assuming a predetermined sensor head unit. Various combinations of control specifications can be easily realized by appropriately combining the processing units via connectors with common specifications, and sensor head units and signal processing units that are not supposed to be connected can be connected (incorrect). In the case of connection), a sensor device that can immediately notify the fact is provided.

  Other objects and operational effects of the present invention will be easily understood by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description of the specification.

  The sensor device of the present invention has a sensor head portion of one model selected from a plurality of sensor head portions prepared assuming a plurality of types of sensor devices, and a control specification assuming a predetermined sensor head portion. 1 type of signal processing unit selected from multiple types of configured signal processing units, and the sensor head unit and the signal processing unit can be freely attached and detached via a connector having specifications common to all models. The sensor head unit operates by being supplied with power from the signal processing unit via the connector.

  Here, there are `` multiple types of sensor devices '', but there are multiple types of sensor devices such as displacement sensors, visual sensors, proximity sensors, microwave sensors, length sensors, etc. Both the same and different types of sensor devices are included.

  The signal processing unit includes a non-volatile memory in which identification information for identifying a model of the sensor head unit assumed to be connected is stored, a low-voltage power source for supplying power to the sensor head unit, and a sensor head unit. A high-voltage power supply or reverse polarity power supply for supplying power and a CPU are included, and a terminal group of connector halves on the signal processing unit side is a power supply terminal for supplying low-voltage power to the sensor head And a receiving terminal for receiving identification information from the sensor head part, and a power feeding terminal for supplying high-voltage power supply or reverse polarity power supply to the sensor head part.

  Here, “low-voltage power supply” means a power supply necessary to operate at least the nonvolatile memory. “Nonvolatile memory” refers to a semiconductor memory, and includes, for example, both a MOS type and a TTL type such as a ROM, an EEPROM, a flash memory, and a CPU built-in memory, and various types can be adopted regardless of the scale. Generally, a voltage of about 1.8 to 5 V is used as the low-voltage power supply. Since it is a power source for operating the nonvolatile memory in the sensor head portion, it does not necessarily match the operating voltage. In some cases, the voltage is supplied at a voltage higher than the operating voltage in consideration of a voltage drop when transmitting by a cable.

  On the other hand, the “high-voltage power supply” means a power supply having a voltage higher than that of the above-mentioned “low-voltage power supply” and not more than a supply voltage received from the outside by the signal processing unit. Further, the “reverse polarity power supply” means a power supply having a voltage of reverse polarity to the above “low voltage power supply”. Specifically, when there is a preamplifier in the sensor head, ± 12 V or the like, as a laser diode drive power supply +9 V or the like, and when an analog output (for example, ± 10 V voltage output) is provided, ± 12 V or the like CCD drive power supply In the case of 8-9V, etc. are mentioned. Further, the supply voltage itself received from the outside by the signal processing unit may be included. (This is only a specific example and is not limited to this.)

  The sensor head unit reads identification information from the nonvolatile memory in response to the start of supply of the low-voltage power supply in response to the start of the supply of the low-voltage power supply and the non-volatile memory in which identification information for identifying its model is stored. An identification information transmitting circuit for transmitting, and the terminal group of connector halves on the sensor head side includes a power receiving terminal for receiving low-voltage power from the signal processing unit, and a signal processing unit. A transmission terminal for transferring identification information and a power reception terminal for receiving a high-voltage power supply or a reverse polarity power supply from the signal processing unit are included.

  After the power supply to the signal processing unit is started, the signal processing unit supplies the high-voltage power supply or the reverse polarity to the power supply terminal for supplying the high-voltage power supply or the reverse polarity voltage to the sensor head unit. Without supplying voltage, the low-voltage power supply is supplied to the power supply terminal for supplying the low-voltage power supply to the sensor head, and the CPU of the signal processor is expected to be connected as a result of the compatibility check process. When it is determined that the sensor head unit is connected, a process of starting the supply of the high-voltage power supply or the reverse polarity voltage to the power supply terminal for supplying the high-voltage power supply or the reverse polarity voltage to the sensor head unit is performed. Execute.

  As described above, in the sensor device of the present invention, the control processing corresponding to the model of the sensor head unit is performed by the CPU of the signal processing unit. This is obtained from the sensor head unit in the signal processing unit. It can be realized through rewriting processing of all or part of the program based on the model identification information provided, or can be realized through selection processing for selecting one of a plurality of programs prepared in advance.

  According to the present invention, a sensor head unit and a signal processing unit of any one model can be appropriately combined via a connector having a specification common to all models, whereby a sensor device having a different operating principle or specification. Can be realized easily. And although it becomes the principal part of this invention, according to this sensor apparatus, even if the sensor head part and the signal processing part which are not supposed to be connected are connected (erroneously connected), the model identification information is used. The compatibility check process can confirm that effect (incorrect connection) on the signal processing unit side. In such a case, an inappropriate voltage (overvoltage or reverse polarity voltage) from the signal processing unit to the sensor head unit. ) Supply can be prevented in advance, and it is possible to prevent destruction or failure of the device due to incorrect connection.

  In the sensor device of the present invention, the connector terminal groups provided in the sensor head section and the signal processing section are divided into a first terminal group commonly assigned to two or more models and each model individually. Can be divided into a second terminal group that can be assigned to the application. In this way, since the first terminal group is commonly used, the number of terminals can be reduced accordingly.

  In the present invention, preferably, when the CPU of the signal processing unit determines that the sensor head unit that is not scheduled to be connected is connected as a result of the compatibility check process, the unexpected connection process is performed as the non-conforming process. Is configured to execute a predetermined notification operation for notifying the user that the connection is established. Examples of the “notification operation” include an operation of displaying appropriate characters on a display provided on the signal processing unit side, an operation of generating a warning sound, and the like. According to such an aspect, the user can immediately know that an inappropriate (unexpected) connection between the sensor head unit and the signal processing unit has been performed.

  According to the present invention, any one model sensor head unit selected from a plurality of models prepared in advance and any one model signal processing unit selected from a plurality of models prepared in advance are connected. By doing so, it is possible to easily realize sensor devices having different operating principles or specifications. Even if the sensor head unit and the signal processing unit, which are not supposed to be connected, are connected (erroneously connected), an inappropriate voltage (overvoltage or reverse polarity voltage) can be prevented from being supplied. It becomes possible to avoid failures and the like.

  In the following, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and the gist of the present invention is defined only by the description of the scope of claims.

  The product structure of the sensor device according to the present invention is shown in FIG. This product is a sensor device having a separate structure in which the signal processing unit 1 and the sensor head unit 2 are detachably connected. A difference from the conventional sensor device having a separate structure is that not only the sensor head unit 2 but also the signal processing unit 1 is provided with a plurality of models corresponding to many models. The multiple types of signal processing units 1 and the multiple types of sensor heads 2 employ connectors (connector halves: 11 and 21) that are common to all models, and include displacement sensors, visual sensors, and proximity sensors. A plurality of types of sensor devices having different operating principles, such as a microwave sensor and a length measuring sensor, and a plurality of types of sensor devices having the same operating principles but different specifications (measuring object, measuring range, etc.) are realized. The plurality of signal processing units include, for example, some of the components that are different, or components that are the same but only the software executed by the CPU is different.

  The signal processing unit 1 operates by receiving power supply from the external DC power supply 13. The operation is turned on / off via a power switch indicated by reference numeral 14. The main unit 10 covered with the outer shell case has a display unit 12 (liquid crystal or 7-segment display) that can display various setting values, detection determination results, or erroneous connection notifications, and a supply common to all models. A side connector half 11 is provided.

  On the other hand, the sensor head portion is connected to the main body portion 20 constituting the detection end (a light emitting / receiving element in the case of a photoelectric sensor, a detection coil in the case of a proximity sensor, etc.) and a cable 22 and a receiving side connector half common to all models. 21 is provided. In this example, the sensor head unit 2 operates with power supplied from the signal processing unit 1 via a connector.

  The power supply system in the signal processing unit is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, a power supply circuit for supplying power to the sensor head unit 2 is incorporated in the outer shell case 10 of the signal processing unit 1. The power supply circuit includes a CPU 100, a nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 101, a low-voltage power supply for supplying power to the sensor head unit, a high-voltage power supply, and a reverse polarity power supply. Note that the connector 3 of the common specification for each model has 20 terminal pins that can be appropriately assigned for each model. In the signal processing unit 1 shown in this example, the terminal pins P1 to P6, P9 to P11, P14, and P15 to P18 are used as signal transmission / reception terminal pins, and the terminal pins P7, P8, P12, P13, P19, and P20 are used. Used as a power supply terminal pin. In the drawing, signal transmission / reception terminal pins P15 and power supply terminal pins P7, P4, P12, P13, P19, and P20 are shown. Line L19 is a line connected to terminal pin P19, line L20 is a line connected to terminal pin P20, line L8 is a line connected to terminal pin P8, and line L12 is connected to terminal pin P12. A line L13 indicates a line connected to the terminal pin P13, a line L7 indicates a line connected to the terminal pin P7, and a line L15 indicates a line connected to the terminal pin P15.

  The low-voltage power supply includes a DC-DC converter 102 and a three-terminal regulator 103. That is, the power supplied from the main power supply 13 (+ 24V) is converted into + 5V and + 3.3V power by the DC-DC converter 102. Further, a power supply of +5 V to 1.8 V is generated through the three-terminal regulator 103. In this way, + 5V power is supplied from the terminal pin P8, + 3.3V power is supplied from the terminal pin P12, and + 1.8V power is supplied from the terminal pin P13 to the sensor head portion side. The terminal pin P7 is a ground terminal (± 0V). These low-voltage power supplies are common power supplies that are unconditionally supplied to the sensor head when the sensor is activated (when the power is turned on).

  On the other hand, the high-voltage power supply and the reverse-polarity power supply include a DC-DC converter 104 and a three-terminal regulator 105. That is, the power supplied from the main power supply 13 (+ 24V) is converted to + 12V power by the DC-DC converter 104, and further, the -12V power is generated from the + 12V power by the three-terminal regulator 105. In this manner, + 12V power is supplied from the terminal pin P19, and -12V power is supplied from the terminal pin P20 to the sensor head unit. These high-voltage power supply and reverse-polarity power supply are used exclusively as drive power for the detection end.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the DC-DC converter 104 constituting the high-voltage power supply and the reverse polarity power supply is selectively driven by a switching transistor 106 that is turned on / off by a signal from the CPU 100. . That is, although details will be described later, the CPU 100 supplies the above-described low-voltage power supply to the sensor head unit 2 connected via the connector 3 at the same time as turning on the power, and at the same time, the sensor head unit via the terminal pin P15. The identification information stored in the nonvolatile memory 2 is read. Next, the identification information stored in its own non-volatile memory (EEPROM) 101 is collated. As a result, the connected sensor head unit is the assumed sensor head unit, and the high-voltage power supply or the reverse polarity. It is determined whether or not a power supply is required, and a high-voltage power supply or a reverse polarity power supply is supplied as necessary.

  FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the sensor head unit assumed to be connected to the signal processing unit shown in FIG. The sensor head unit 2A is provided with a non-volatile memory (EEPROM) 201, and the non-volatile memory 201 stores an identification number for identifying its own model. As apparent from FIG. 2, the sensor head unit 2 assumed to be connected to the signal processing unit shown in FIG. 2 receives the low-voltage power supply corresponding to each terminal pin of the signal processing unit 1. Terminal pins T7, T13, T12, T8 for receiving power and terminal pins T20, T19 for receiving high-voltage power supply or reverse polarity power supply are provided.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4 shows a configuration of a sensor head unit that is not supposed to be connected to the signal processing unit shown in FIG. This sensor head unit is also provided with a nonvolatile memory (EEPROM) 201, and this nonvolatile memory 201 stores an identification number for identifying its own model. However, in this sensor head part 2B, although terminal pins T7, T13, T12, T8 for receiving a low-voltage power supply are provided corresponding to each terminal pin of the signal processing part 1, the terminal pin T20 T19 is not a power supply line but a signal line. Therefore, if a high-voltage power supply or a reverse polarity power supply is supplied from the terminal pins P20 and P19 of the signal processing unit 1, the sensor head unit may be destroyed or failed. In the present invention, when a sensor head part that is not supposed to be connected is connected as described above, the high-voltage power supply and the reverse polarity power supply are not supplied.

  The processing contents in the signal processing unit are shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the power switch 14 is pressed, power supply is started. Here, first, a common power supply (low-voltage system power supply: 5V, 3.3V, 1.8V) is supplied (step 501), and then an initial process is performed (step 502). In this initial process, the model identification information stored in the nonvolatile memory 201 of the sensor head unit is compared with the model identification information stored in the nonvolatile memory 101 of the signal processing unit. Here, when it is determined that a sensor head that is not supposed to be connected is connected to the signal processing unit (when model identification information that is not in the nonvolatile memory 101 of the signal processing unit is read from the sensor head side) (step 503 NO), A predetermined display indicating that (a sensor head that is not supposed to be connected is connected) is displayed on the display unit 12. In this case, supply of high-voltage power supply or reverse polarity power supply is not executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the sensor head unit assumed to be connected to the signal processing unit is connected (YES in step 503), it is then determined whether or not it is necessary to supply a high-voltage power supply or a reverse polarity power supply (step 505). ). This determination is performed based on the model identification information. Here, if it is determined that a high voltage system power supply or a reverse polarity power supply is required (YES in step 505), a high voltage system power supply or a reverse polarity power supply is supplied (step 506). On the other hand, when it is determined that the supply of the high-voltage power supply or the reverse polarity power supply is unnecessary (NO in step 505), the supply of the high-voltage power supply or the reverse polarity power supply is not executed.

  Next, after an initial process (step 507) for booting the entire system is performed, it is determined whether the system is in the operation mode or the setting mode (step 508). If it is determined that the operation mode is selected (operation in step 508), operation processing (normal detection processing) (step 509) is repeated. On the other hand, when not in the operation mode but in the setting mode (step 508 setting), the setting process (step 510) is repeatedly performed until the setting input is completed (step 511 YES).

  As described above, in the sensor device of the present invention, any one model selected from a plurality of models prepared in advance and one model selected from a plurality of models prepared in advance. By connecting to the signal processing unit, sensor devices having different operating principles or specifications can be easily realized. Even if the sensor head unit and the signal processing unit, which are not supposed to be connected, are connected (erroneously connected), an inappropriate voltage (overvoltage or reverse polarity voltage) can be prevented from being supplied. It becomes possible to avoid failures and the like.

  For reference, the external appearance (front view) of the connector half of the signal processing unit is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the connector half 11 on the signal processing unit side is provided with 20 pairs of connector pins (P1 to P20). Further, the signal processing unit 1 is provided with a pair of left and right lock screws 113a and 113b, positioning pins 112 used when the signal processing unit is placed on a mounting base, and 20 board connecting terminal pins 111. It has been.

Note that the definition of “high pressure” varies depending on the mode as described above, and is not limited to this embodiment.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the product structure of the sensor apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the electric power feeding system in a signal processing part. It is a block diagram of a connection assumption sensor head part. It is a block diagram of a sensor head part which is not assumed to be connected. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content in a signal processing part. It is a front view of the connector half of a signal processing part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Signal processing part 2 Sensor head part 3 Connector 11 Signal processing part side connector half 12 Display part 13 External DC power supply 14 Power switch 20 Sensor head part main body 21 Sensor head part side connector half 22 Cable 100 CPU
101 Non-volatile memory of signal processing unit 102, 104 DC-DC converter 103, 105 3-terminal regulator 106 Transistor 201 Non-volatile memory of sensor head unit

Claims (5)

One type of sensor head selected from multiple types of sensor heads prepared assuming multiple types of sensor devices, and multiple types of signals configured to control specifications assuming a specific sensor head. A signal processing unit of one model selected from the processing unit,
The sensor head unit and the signal processing unit are detachably connected via a connector having specifications common to all models, and the sensor head unit is supplied with power from the signal processing unit via the connector. Is something that works
In the signal processing unit,
A nonvolatile memory in which identification information for identifying the model of the sensor head part assumed to be connected is stored;
A low-voltage power supply for supplying power to the sensor head,
A high-voltage power supply or reverse polarity power supply for supplying power to the sensor head,
CPU, and the terminal group of connector halves on the signal processing unit side includes:
A power supply terminal for supplying low-voltage power to the sensor head;
A receiving terminal for receiving identification information from the sensor head,
A power supply terminal for supplying high-voltage power supply or reverse polarity power supply to the sensor head is included.
In the sensor head part,
A non-volatile memory in which identification information for identifying its model is stored;
An identification information transmission circuit for reading the identification information from the nonvolatile memory and transmitting it to the signal processing unit in response to the start of the supply of the low-voltage power supply, and the connector half of the sensor head side In the terminal group,
A power receiving terminal for receiving low-voltage power from the signal processing unit;
A transmission terminal for passing the identification information to the signal processing unit;
A power receiving terminal for receiving a high-voltage power supply or a reverse polarity power supply from the signal processing unit is included.
The signal processing unit
After the power supply to the signal processing unit is started, without feeding the high-voltage power supply or the reverse polarity voltage to the power supply terminal for feeding the high-voltage power supply or the reverse polarity voltage to the sensor head unit, Supply the low-voltage power supply to the power supply terminal for supplying the low-voltage power supply to the sensor head,
The CPU of the signal processing unit
As an initial process immediately after the start of the supply of the low-voltage power supply, the sensor head unit assumed to be connected based on the model identification information read from the nonvolatile memory of the signal processing unit and the model identification information received from the sensor head unit Compatibility check processing to determine whether or not are combined,
As a result of the compatibility check process, when it is determined that the sensor head unit that is scheduled to be connected is connected, the high-voltage system power source or the power supply terminal for supplying a reverse polarity voltage to the sensor head unit A process of starting the supply of reverse polarity voltage;
The sensor device characterized by performing. The connector terminal group is divided into a first terminal group commonly assigned to two or more models and a second terminal group individually assignable to each model,
In the first terminal group of the connector half on the signal processing unit side,
A power supply terminal for supplying low-voltage power to the sensor head;
A receiving terminal for receiving identification information from the sensor head, and
In the second terminal group of the connector half on the signal processing unit side,
A power supply terminal for supplying high-voltage power supply or reverse polarity power supply to the sensor head is included.
In the first terminal group of the connector half on the sensor head side,
A power receiving terminal for receiving low-voltage power from the signal processing unit;
A transmission terminal for passing identification information to the signal processing unit, and
In the second terminal group of the connector half on the sensor head side,
The sensor device according to claim 1, further comprising a power receiving terminal for receiving a high-voltage power supply or a reverse polarity power supply from the signal processing unit.   When the CPU of the signal processing unit determines that the sensor head unit that is not scheduled to be connected is connected as a result of the compatibility check processing, it indicates that a connection unexpected head is connected as a non-conforming process. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined notification operation for notifying a user is executed.   The CPU of the signal processing unit performs control processing corresponding to the model of the connected sensor head unit through rewriting processing of all or a part of the program or selection processing for selecting one of a plurality of programs prepared in advance. The sensor device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The multiple types of sensor devices include multiple types of sensor devices with different operating principles, such as displacement sensors, visual sensors, proximity sensors, microwave sensors, length sensors, etc. Both of these are included, The sensor apparatus in any one of the Claims 1 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned.

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