JP6943053B2 - Communication equipment and communication systems - Google Patents

Description

The present technology relates to communication devices and communication systems.

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is an industrial control device that performs arithmetic processing, data processing, PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) control, etc., and the development of high-performance and high-speed devices is progressing. ..

Further, in recent years, due to the enhancement of PLC high-speed processing and numerical calculation functions, the range of application has rapidly expanded, for example, positioning of steel refining lines, instrumentation process control, and machine control in the processing industry. Demand is increasing.

On the other hand, in the plant environment, PLCs are arranged at a plurality of locations, and a communication system in which each PLC is linked online is configured. In such a communication system, one PLC serves as a master station and controls a plurality of other PLCs as slave stations. For example, the efficiency of management control can be improved by the master station collectively updating the program for the slave station.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-119616

In the above communication system, each station is connected by a line and communication is performed between stations, but if the system includes a misconnected station, normal communication becomes impossible, so a misconnection is quickly discovered. It is required to deal with it. However, when the connection configuration between stations is complicated or when there are a plurality of erroneous connection points, it is difficult to identify the erroneous connection points of the line at an early stage.

In one aspect, it is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device and a communication system in which an erroneously connected portion is identified at an early stage and operability is improved.

A communication device is provided to solve the above problems. The communication device includes a line connection terminal and a control unit. Line connection terminal includes a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal and branch terminal. The control unit controls the transmission of frames via the line connection terminal. Further, when the control unit adds the own device information to the first frame received by the first connection terminal to generate the own device information addition frame and outputs the own device information addition frame, the control unit has a branch terminal and the first frame. If both of the 2 connection terminals have a physical connection, the own device information addition frame is output from the branch terminal, and if the branch terminal has no physical connection and the second connection terminal has a physical connection, the own device information addition frame Is output from the second connection terminal, and if there is no physical connection between the branch terminal and the second connection terminal, the own device information addition frame is output from the first connection terminal, and the second frame received at the branch terminal. The second frame is relay-transmitted from the second connection terminal without adding the own device information to the third frame received at the second connection terminal, and the first frame is received without adding the own device information to the first frame. The third frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal, the connection information which is the physical connection relationship between the line connection terminal on the own device side and the line connection terminal on the other device side is collected, and the connection information is included in the own device information.

In addition, a communication system is provided to solve the above problems. The communication system includes a master station and a plurality of slave stations. Master station includes a first master-side connecting terminals, and a master-side line connection terminals including a second master-side connection terminal and the master-side branching pin, through the master-side line connection terminals, the frame to the slave station Includes a master-side control unit that performs transmission control. Slave station, the first slave-side connection terminals, slave performed and the slave line connection terminals including a second slave-side connection terminal and the slave-side branching pin, a transmission control frame via the slave-side line connection terminals Includes a control unit.

Further, when the slave side control unit adds own station information to the first frame received by the first slave side connection terminal to generate the own station information addition frame and outputs the own station information addition frame, the slave side control unit outputs the own station information addition frame. If both the slave side branch terminal and the second slave side connection terminal have a physical connection, the own station information addition frame is output from the slave side branch terminal, the slave side branch terminal has no physical connection, and the second slave side connection. If the terminal has a physical connection, the own station information addition frame is output from the second slave side connection terminal, and if neither the slave side branch terminal nor the second slave side connection terminal has a physical connection, the own station information is added. The frame is output from the first slave-side connection terminal, and the second frame is relay-transmitted from the second slave-side connection terminal without adding own station information to the second frame received at the slave-side branch terminal. , The third frame received from the second slave side connection terminal is relay-transmitted from the first slave side connection terminal without adding the own station information to the third frame, and the own station side slave side line connection is established. Collect the connection information that is the physical connection relationship between the terminal and the slave side line connection terminal on the other station side or the master side line connection terminal, and include the connection information in the own station information.

It is possible to identify erroneous connection points at an early stage and improve operability.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the communication apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the communication system. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of a master station. It is a figure which shows an example of the functional block of a slave station. It is a figure for demonstrating frame transmission control in a slave station. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of frame transmission. It is a figure which shows an example of the connection configuration information frame. It is a figure for demonstrating frame transmission at the time of erroneous connection. It is a figure which shows an example of the connection configuration information frame. It is a figure which shows an example of the collection of connection information. It is a figure which shows an example of the connection configuration information frame which contains the connection information. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the communication system which has a misconnection. It is a figure which shows an example of the connection configuration information frame which contains the connection information. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the communication system which has a misconnection. It is a figure which shows an example of the connection configuration information frame which contains the connection information. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the communication system which has a misconnection. It is a figure which shows an example of the connection configuration information frame which contains the connection information. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation of the modification of the connection information collection processing.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the communication device of the present invention. The communication device 1 includes a line connection terminal 1a, a control unit 1b, and a connection information management unit 1c.

Further, the line connection terminal 1a is a connection terminal A (first connection terminal) for physically connecting to one communication device on the bus wiring, and a connection terminal B for physically connecting to the other communication device on the bus wiring. (Second connection terminal), and at least one of the branch terminals T for branching from the bus wiring and physically connecting to another communication device.

The control unit 1b performs frame transmission control via the line connection terminal 1a. Specifically, the control unit 1b adds the own device information to the first frame received at the connection terminal A to generate the own device information addition frame.

Then, when the own device information addition frame is output, the control unit 1b outputs the own device information addition frame from the branch terminal T when both the branch terminal T and the connection terminal B have a physical connection.
Further, when the branch terminal T has no physical connection and the connection terminal B has a physical connection, the control unit 1b outputs the own device information addition frame from the connection terminal B.

Further, when neither the branch terminal T nor the connection terminal B has a physical connection, the control unit 1b outputs the own device information addition frame from the connection terminal A.
On the other hand, the control unit 1b relay-transmits the second frame from the connection terminal B without adding the own device information to the second frame received at the branch terminal T, and receives the second frame at the connection terminal B. For the third frame, the third frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal A without adding the own device information.

Further, the control unit 1b collects connection information which is a physical connection relationship between the line connection terminal 1a on the own device side and the line connection terminal on the other device side connected to the own device, and includes the connection information in the own device information. Perform frame transmission. The connection information is stored and managed by the connection information management unit 1c.

Further, the control unit 1b provided in the communication device 1 located on the master side acquires the connection information collected by all the communication devices located on the slave side, and the normal connection information saved in advance and the acquired connection. Detects incorrect connections by comparing with information.

The operation of the communication device 1 will be described with reference to the example shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the communication device located on the master side will be referred to as a master station, and the communication device located on the slave side will be referred to as a slave station.
Communication system 1A includes a master station M0 and slave stations S1 to S3. The master station M0 has a branch terminal T0 and a connection terminal B0. The slave station S1 has connection terminals A1, B1 and a branch terminal T1, the slave station S2 has connection terminals A2, B2 and a branch terminal T2, and the slave station S3 has connection terminals A3, B3 and a branch terminal T3. Have.

Regarding the connection relationship of each station of the communication system 1A, the connection terminal B0 and the connection terminal A1 are connected, the branch terminal T1 and the connection terminal A2 are connected, and the connection terminal B1 and the connection terminal A3 are connected. In addition, this connection state is regarded as a normal connection state.

On the other hand, the communication system 1B includes a station similar to the communication system 1A, but shows a case where there is an erroneous connection in the line connection between the stations. In this example, it is assumed that the connection terminal B1 is erroneously connected to the connection terminal A2 without being connected to the connection terminal A3, and the connection terminal T1 is erroneously connected to the connection terminal A3 without being connected to the connection terminal A2.

The frame transmission control in the communication system 1A is shown in the following steps St1a to St6a.
[St1a] The master station M0 transmits a frame from the connection terminal B0.

[St2a] The slave station S1 receives a frame at the connection terminal A1, adds its own station information to the received frame, and transmits the frame from the branch terminal T1.
[St3a] The slave station S2 receives a frame at the connection terminal A2, adds its own station information to the received frame, and transmits the frame from the connection terminal A2.

[St4a] The slave station S1 receives a frame at the branch terminal T1 and relay-transmits it from the connection terminal B1.
[St5a] The slave station S3 receives a frame at the connection terminal A3, adds its own station information to the received frame, and transmits the frame from the connection terminal A3.

[St6a] The slave station S1 receives the frame at the connection terminal B1 and relay-transmits it from the connection terminal A1. Then, the master station M0 receives the frame f1 generated by the slave station S1, the frame f2 generated by the slave station S2, and the frame f3 generated by the slave station S3 in the order of frames f1, f2, and f3.

The frame transmission control in the communication system 1B is shown in the following steps St1b to St6b.
[St1b] The master station M0 transmits a frame from the connection terminal B0.

[St2b] The slave station S1 receives a frame at the connection terminal A1, adds its own station information to the received frame, and transmits the frame from the branch terminal T1.
[St3b] The slave station S3 receives the frame at the connection terminal A3, adds its own station information to the received frame, and transmits the frame from the connection terminal A3.

[St4b] The slave station S1 receives a frame at the branch terminal T1 and relay-transmits it from the connection terminal B1.
[St5b] The slave station S2 receives a frame at the connection terminal A2, adds its own station information to the received frame, and transmits the frame from the connection terminal A2.

[St6b] The slave station S1 receives the frame at the connection terminal B1 and relay-transmits it from the connection terminal A1. Then, the master station M0 receives the frame f1 generated by the slave station S1, the frame f2 generated by the slave station S2, and the frame f3 generated by the slave station S3 in the order of frames f1, f3, and f2.

Here, the master station M0 receives frames in the order of frames f1, f2, and f3 in the communication system 1A having a configuration in which the lines are normally connected, but in the case of the communication system 1B, the frames f1, f3, and f2. Since the frames are received in order, the communication system 1B detects that an erroneous connection has occurred.

On the other hand, in the communication system 1A, the slave station S1 collects (A1-B0) as the connection information of its own station (when the terminal Y of another station is connected to the terminal X of its own station, it is expressed as (XY). do). Similarly, the slave station S1 collects (T1-A2) and (B1-A3) as connection information of its own station.

Further, the slave station S2 collects (A2-T1), (T2-), and (B2-) as the connection information of its own station (when there is no physical connection at the terminal X of its own station, it is expressed as (X-). do). The slave station S3 collects (A3-B1), (T3-), and (B3-) as connection information of its own station.

These connection information are included in the own station information in the frames f1 to f3, and are received by the master station M0 (the connection information of the slave stations S1 to S3 in the communication system 1A received by the master station M0 is collectively collected. Connection information d1).

Similarly, in the communication system 1B, the slave station S1 collects (A1-B0), (T1-A3), and (B1-A2) as connection information of its own station. The slave station S2 collects (A2-B1), (T2-), and (B2-) as connection information of its own station. The slave station S3 collects (A3-T1), (T3-), and (B3-) as connection information of its own station.

These connection information are included in the own station information in the frames f1 to f3, and are received by the master station M0 (the connection information of the slave stations S1 to S3 in the communication system 1B received by the master station M0 is collectively collected. Connection information d2).

The master station M0 compares the connection information d1 and d2 to determine the line connection. In this example, (T1-A3), (B1-A2), and (A3-T1) (A2-B1) are different from the normal connection information d1 in the connection information d2.

Therefore, the master station M0 identifies that the connection terminals A2, A3, B1 and the branch terminal T1 are erroneous connection points. Further, the master station M0 notifies the user of the specified erroneous connection location. For example, the GUI (Graphical User Interface) function is used to display on the screen the line connection line of the communication system in which the erroneous connection location is marked, so that the user is notified of the erroneous connection location.

As described above, the configuration of the communication device 1 makes it possible to detect the occurrence of erroneous connection, further identify the erroneous connection location early and easily, and improve the operability. The details of the frame transmission control, the connection information collection process, the line connection determination process, and the like will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 2.

Next, the details of the technique of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system. Communication system 1-1 includes a master station M0 and slave stations S1 to S7. The master station M0 corresponds to, for example, the PLC on the master side, and the slave stations S1 to S7 correspond to, for example, the PLC on the slave side.

The master station M0 includes a branch terminal T0 and a connection terminal B0 (actually, the connection terminal A0 is also provided, but the illustration is omitted). The slave station S1 includes connection terminals A1, B1 and a branch terminal T1, the slave station S2 includes connection terminals A2, B2 and a branch terminal T2, and the slave station S3 includes connection terminals A3, B3 and a branch terminal T3. ..

The slave station S4 includes connection terminals A4, B4 and a branch terminal T4, the slave station S5 includes connection terminals A5, B5 and a branch terminal T5, and the slave station S6 includes connection terminals A6, B6 and a branch terminal T6. , The slave station S7 includes connection terminals A7 and B7 and a branch terminal T7.

To show the connection relationship of each station, the connection terminal B0 of the master station M0 and the connection terminal A1 of the slave station S1 are connected. The branch terminal T1 of the slave station S1 and the connection terminal A2 of the slave station S2 are connected, and the connection terminal B1 of the slave station S1 and the connection terminal A4 of the slave station S4 are connected.

The branch terminal T4 of the slave station S4 and the connection terminal A5 of the slave station S5 are connected, and the connection terminal B4 of the slave station S4 and the connection terminal A7 of the slave station S7 are connected. The connection terminal B2 of the slave station S2 and the connection terminal A3 of the slave station S3 are connected, and the connection terminal B5 of the slave station S5 and the connection terminal A6 of the slave station S6 are connected. The connection state of the communication system 1-1 shown in FIG. 2 is set to a normal line connection state.

Next, the functional blocks of the master station and the slave station will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of the master station. The master station M0 includes connection terminals A20, B20, a branch terminal T20, transmission buffers 27a, 27b, 27c, reception buffers 28a, 28b, 28c, and a master-side frame transmission control unit 20-1.

Further, the master-side frame transmission control unit 20-1 includes a frame transmission unit 21, a frame reception unit 22, a connection configuration information frame management unit 23, a normal connection information management unit 24, a connection determination unit 25, and a result notification unit 26. The master-side frame transmission control unit 20-1 is composed of, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory.

When the communication device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is applied to the master station, the functions of the control unit 1b and the connection information management unit 1c are realized by the master side frame transmission control unit 20-1.
The transmission buffers 27a, 27b, and 27c buffer the frames to be transmitted output from the frame transmission unit 21. The reception buffers 28a, 28b, and 28c receive and buffer the frames transmitted from the slave station.

The frame transmission unit 21 generates a frame and outputs it to the transmission buffers 27a, 27b, and 27c. The frame receiving unit 22 performs reception processing of the frame received via the receiving buffers 28a, 28b, and 28c.

The connection configuration information frame management unit 23 stores the connection configuration information frame described later. The normal connection information management unit 24 stores in advance normal connection information indicating a normal line connection status. The connection determination unit 25 compares the normal connection information with the connection information included in the connection configuration information frame to determine whether the line connection is in a normal connection state or an erroneous connection state. Identify the location of the incorrect connection. The result notification unit 26 notifies the determination result of the connection determination unit 25 to the outside by a GUI function or the like.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block of a slave station. Slave station S0 (slave stations S1 to S7 are collectively referred to as slave station S0), connection terminals A10, B10 and branch terminal T10, transmission buffers 14a, 14b, 14c, reception buffers 15a, 15b, 15c and slave side frames. A transmission control unit 10-1 is provided.

Further, the slave-side frame transmission control unit 10-1 includes a frame transmission unit 11, a frame reception unit 12, and a connection information management unit 13. The slave-side frame transmission control unit 10-1 is composed of, for example, a programmable logic integrated circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and a memory.

When the communication device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is applied to a slave station, the functions of the control unit 1b and the connection information management unit 1c are realized by the slave side frame transmission control unit 10-1.
The transmission buffers 14a, 14b, and 14c buffer the frames to be transmitted output from the frame transmission unit 11. The reception buffers 15a, 15b, and 15c receive and buffer frames transmitted from other slave stations.

The frame transmission unit 11 generates a frame and outputs the frame to the transmission buffers 14a, 14b, and 14c. When transmitting a frame, either the frame with the own station information added or the received frame without adding the own station information is relayed as it is.

Further, when the frame transmission unit 11 collects the connection information, the frame transmission unit 11 generates and outputs the identification information or the request / response message of each terminal (described later).
The frame receiving unit 12 performs reception processing of the frame received via the receiving buffers 15a, 15b, 15c, the identification information of the terminal, or the request / response message. The connection information management unit 13 stores and manages connection information indicating the connection relationship between the connection terminals A10 and B10 of the own station and the branch terminal T10 and the line connection terminal of another station.

Next, frame transmission control will be described. First, in the master station M0, the frame is transmitted and received from the branch terminal T0 and the connection terminal B0 having a physical connection (in the example of FIG. 2 described above, since the connection is made only to the connection terminal B0, the connection terminal B0 is used to connect the frame. Send and receive).

On the other hand, for the slave stations S1 to S7, frame transmission control is performed under the following conditions. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining frame transmission control in a slave station.
(Send of frame with own station information added)
When the slave stations S1 to S7 receive a frame at the connection terminal A, the slave stations S1 to S7 add their own station information (including station identification information and various operation information, or connection information described later) to the received frame. A frame (own station information addition frame) is transmitted from the branch terminal T or the connection terminal B having a physical connection. In this case, there are the following three patterns P1a, P1b, and P1c.

[Pattern P1a] When both the branch terminal T and the connection terminal B have a physical connection, the slave stations S1 to S7 transmit a frame to which the own station information is added from the branch terminal T.
[Pattern P1b] When the slave stations S1 to S7 have no physical connection at the branch terminal T and have a physical connection at the connection terminal B, the slave stations S1 to S7 transmit a frame to which the own station information is added from the connection terminal B.

[Pattern P1c] When neither the branch terminal T nor the connection terminal B has a physical connection, the slave stations S1 to S7 transmit a frame to which the own station information is added from the connection terminal A.
(Relay transmission of frames)
The slave stations S1 to S7 have the following two patterns P2a and P2b when the frame is relayed and transmitted without adding the own station information.

[Pattern P2a] The slave stations S1 to S7 do not add their own station information to the frame received at the branch terminal T having a physical connection, but relay-transmit the frame through the connection terminal B having a physical connection.

[Pattern P2b] The slave stations S1 to S7 do not add their own station information to the frame received at the connection terminal B having a physical connection, but relay-transmit the frame through the connection terminal A.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the flow of frame transmission. In the configuration of the communication system 1-1 shown in FIG. 2, the frame transmission performed based on the conditions shown in FIG. 5 will be described.

[St11] The master station M0 transmits a frame from the branch terminal T0 and the connection terminal B0 having a physical connection, but in the example of the communication system 1-1, the branch terminal T0 is not connected and only the connection terminal B0 is connected. Therefore, the frame is transmitted from the connection terminal B0.

[St12] The slave station S1 receives a frame at the connection terminal A1. Further, both the branch terminal T1 and the connection terminal B1 are connected. Therefore, the frame to which the own station information of the slave station S1 is added is transmitted from the branch terminal T1.

[St13] The slave station S2 receives a frame at the connection terminal A2. Further, only the connection terminal B2 has a connection. Therefore, the frame to which the own station information of the slave station S2 is added is transmitted from the connection terminal B2.

[St14] The slave station S3 receives a frame at the connection terminal A3. Further, only the connection terminal A3 has a connection. Therefore, the frame to which the own station information of the slave station S3 is added is transmitted from the connection terminal A3.

[St15] The slave station S2 receives a frame at the connection terminal B2. Therefore, the received frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal A2.
[St16] The slave station S1 receives a frame at the branch terminal T1. Therefore, the received frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal B1.

[St17] The slave station S4 receives a frame at the connection terminal A4. Further, both the branch terminal T4 and the connection terminal B4 are connected. Therefore, the frame to which the own station information of the slave station S4 is added is transmitted from the branch terminal T4.

[St18] The slave station S5 receives a frame at the connection terminal A5. Further, only the connection terminal B5 has a connection. Therefore, the frame to which the own station information of the slave station S5 is added is transmitted from the connection terminal B5.

[St19] The slave station S6 receives a frame at the connection terminal A6. Further, only the connection terminal A6 has a connection. Therefore, the frame to which the own station information of the slave station S6 is added is transmitted from the connection terminal A6.

[St20] The slave station S5 receives a frame at the connection terminal B5. Therefore, the received frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal A5.
[St21] The slave station S4 receives a frame at the branch terminal T4. Therefore, the received frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal B4.

[St22] The slave station S7 receives a frame at the connection terminal A7. Further, only the connection terminal A7 has a connection. Therefore, the frame to which the own station information of the slave station S7 is added is transmitted from the connection terminal A7.

[St23] The slave station S4 receives a frame at the connection terminal B4. Therefore, the received frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal A4.
[St24] The slave station S1 receives a frame at the connection terminal B1. Therefore, the received frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal A1. Then, the master station M0 receives the frame at the connection terminal B0.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a connection configuration information frame. By transmitting the frame in the flow shown in FIG. 6, the connection configuration information frame F1 including the frames f1 to f7 to which the own station information is added is generated for each of the slave stations S1 to S7, and the master station M0 connects. The configuration information frame F1 is received.

The frame f1 is generated by the slave station S1 and includes the own station information of the slave station S1, and the frame f2 is generated by the slave station S2 and includes the own station information of the slave station S2.
The frame f3 is generated by the slave station S3 and includes the own station information of the slave station S3, and the frame f4 is generated by the slave station S4 and includes the own station information of the slave station S4.

The frame f5 is generated by the slave station S5 and includes the own station information of the slave station S5, the frame f6 is generated by the slave station S6 and includes the own station information of the slave station S6, and the frame f7 is generated by the slave station S7. It is generated and includes the own station information of the slave station S7.

Here, in the connection configuration information frame F1, the frame f1 generated by the slave station S1 at the time of processing in step St12 is arranged. Further, the frames f1 and f2 in the order of the slave stations S1 and S2 are arranged at the time of processing in step St13, and the frames f1 in the order of slave stations S1, S2 and S3 at the time of processing in steps St14, St15 and St16. , F2, f3 are arranged.

Further, in the connection configuration information frame F1, frames f1, f2, f3, and f4 in the order of slave stations S1, S2, S3, and S4 are arranged at the time of processing in step St17. Further, at the time of processing in step St18, frames f1, f2, f3, f4, and f5 in the order of slave stations S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5 are arranged.

Further, in the connection configuration information frame F1, the frames f1, f2, f3, f4, f5, and f6 in the order of the slave stations S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 at the time of processing in steps St19, St20, and St21. Is placed.

Further, at the time of processing in steps St22, St23, and St24, frames f1, f2, f3, f4, f5, f6, and f7 in the order of slave stations S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7 are arranged. ..

The master station M0 receives all stations from the slave station S1 to the slave station S7, as shown in FIG. 7, by receiving the connection configuration information frame F1 in which the own station information of each station is arranged in chronological order. Recognizes that the connection is normal without any incorrect connection.

Next, the frame flow when there is an erroneous connection will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining frame transmission when there is an erroneous connection. In the communication system 1-1a, it is assumed that the connection terminal B1 of the slave station S1 is supposed to be connected to the connection terminal A4 of the slave station S4, but is erroneously connected to the branch terminal T4 of the slave station S4.

Further, it is assumed that the connection terminal A4 of the slave station S4 should originally be connected to the connection terminal B1 of the slave station S1, but is erroneously connected to the connection terminal A5 of the slave station S5. Other connections are the same as in FIG. 6 and are in a normal state.

[St31] A frame is transmitted from the connection terminal B0 of the master station M0.
[St32] From the branch terminal T1 of the slave station S1, a frame to which the own station information of the slave station S1 is added is transmitted.

[St33] From the connection terminal B2 of the slave station S2, a frame to which the own station information of the slave station S2 is added is transmitted.
[St34] From the connection terminal A3 of the slave station S3, a frame to which the own station information of the slave station S3 is added is transmitted.

[St35] The frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal A2 of the slave station S2.
[St36] The frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal B1 of the slave station S1.
[St37] The slave station S4 receives a frame at the branch terminal T4. Therefore, the received frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal B4.

[St38] The slave station S7 receives the frame at the connection terminal A7, adds its own station information, and transmits the frame from the connection terminal A7.
[St39] The slave station S4 receives a frame at the connection terminal B4. Therefore, the received frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal A4.

[St40] The slave station S5 receives a frame at the connection terminal A5. Therefore, the frame to which the own station information of the slave station S5 is added is transmitted from the connection terminal B5.
[St41] The slave station S6 receives the frame at the connection terminal A6, and transmits the frame to which the own station information is added from the connection terminal A6.

[St42] The slave station S5 receives a frame at the connection terminal B5. Therefore, the received frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal A5.
[St43] The slave station S4 receives a frame at the connection terminal A4. Therefore, the frame to which the own station information of the slave station S4 is added is transmitted from the branch terminal T4.

[St44] The slave station S1 receives a frame at the connection terminal B1. Therefore, the received frame is relay-transmitted from the connection terminal A1. Then, the master station M0 receives the frame at the connection terminal B0.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a connection configuration information frame. By transmitting the frame in the flow shown in FIG. 8, the connection configuration information frame F1-1 including the frames f1 to f7 to which the own station information is added is generated for each of the slave stations S1 to S7, and the master station M0. The connection configuration information frame F1-1 is received by.

In the connection configuration information frame F1-1, the frame f1 generated by the slave station S1 at the time of processing in step St32 is arranged. Further, the frames f1 and f2 in the order of the slave stations S1 and S2 are arranged at the time of processing in step St33, and the order of slave stations S1, S2 and S3 is obtained at the time of processing in steps St34, St35, St36 and St37. Frames f1, f2, and f3 are arranged.

Further, in the connection configuration information frame F1-1, frames f1, f2, f3, and f7 in the order of slave stations S1, S2, S3, and S7 at the time of processing in steps St38 and St39 are arranged. Further, at the time of processing in step St40, frames f1, f2, f3, f7, and f5 in the order of slave stations S1, S2, S3, S7, and S5 are arranged.

Further, in the connection configuration information frame F1-1, frames f1, f2, f3, f7, f5, f6 in the order of slave stations S1, S2, S3, S7, S5, S6 at the time of processing in steps St41 and St42. Is placed.

Further, at the time of processing in steps St43 and St44, frames f1, f2, f3, f7, f5, f6 and f4 in the order of slave stations S1, S2, S3, S7, S5, S6 and S4 are arranged.

When the master station M0 receives the connection configuration information frame F1-1, the frames including the own station information of each station are not arranged in chronological order from the slave station S1 to the slave station S7, that is, in this example. It is detected that the frames f4 and f7 are different from the positions where they are originally arranged. Therefore, the master station M0 recognizes that there is an erroneous connection in the connection between the stations of the communication system 1-1a.

As described above, the master station M0 can determine whether the connection is normal or incorrect from the order of the slave stations included in the connection configuration information frame. However, the order of the slave stations included in the connection configuration information frame alone does not lead to the identification of the erroneous connection location at which terminal the erroneous connection occurs.

Therefore, in the present invention, further, connection information which is a physical connection relationship between the line connection terminal on the own station side and the line connection terminal on the other station side is collected, and the transmission control of the frame including the connection information in the own station information. I do. This makes it possible not only to detect the occurrence of erroneous connection of the line but also to identify the erroneous connection location.

Next, the operation of collecting connection information and identifying the erroneous connection location will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of collecting connection information. Communication system 1-2 includes a master station M0 and slave stations S1 to S7. The connection configuration of each station is the same as in FIG. 2 (normal line connection state). Further, each of the slave stations S1 to S7 has a connection information management unit 13-1 to 13-7. Hereinafter, the connection information collection process will be described for each slave station.

(Collection processing of connection information in slave station S1)
The slave station S1 transmits the identification information "A1" from the connection terminal A1, and receives the identification information "B0" transmitted from the connection terminal B0 of the master station M0 by the connection terminal A1.

Since the slave station S1 transmits the identification information "A1" and receives the identification information "B0" through the connection terminal A1, the connection terminal B0 is connected to the connection terminal A1 to connect the connection terminal A1 and the connection terminal B0. Detects that communication is possible between the terminals of. In this case, in the slave station S1, the connection relationship between the connection terminal A1 and the connection terminal B0 is stored in the connection information management unit 13-1 as connection information (A1-B0), for example.

Further, the slave station S1 transmits the identification information "T1" from the branch terminal T1 and receives the identification information "A2" transmitted from the connection terminal A2 of the slave station S2 by the branch terminal T1.
In the slave station S1, the identification information "T1" is transmitted through the branch terminal T1 and the identification information "A2" is received. Therefore, the connection terminal A2 is connected to the branch terminal T1 to connect the branch terminal T1 and the connection terminal A2. Detects that communication is possible between the terminals of. In this case, the slave station S1 stores the connection relationship between the branch terminal T1 and the connection terminal A2 in the connection information management unit 13-1 as connection information (T1-A2), for example.

Further, the slave station S1 transmits the identification information "B1" from the connection terminal B1 and receives the identification information "A4" transmitted from the connection terminal A4 of the slave station S4 by the connection terminal B1.
In the slave station S1, the identification information "B1" is transmitted through the connection terminal B1 and the identification information "A4" is received. Therefore, the connection terminal A4 is connected to the connection terminal B1 to connect the connection terminal B1 and the connection terminal A4. Detects that communication is possible between the terminals of. In this case, the slave station S1 stores the connection relationship between the connection terminal B1 and the connection terminal A4 in the connection information management unit 13-1 as connection information (B1-A4), for example.

(Collection processing of connection information in slave station S2)
The slave station S2 transmits the identification information "A2" from the connection terminal A2, and receives the identification information "T1" transmitted from the branch terminal T1 of the slave station S1 by the connection terminal A2.

In the slave station S2, the identification information "A2" is transmitted through the connection terminal A2 and the identification information "T1" is received. Therefore, the branch terminal T1 is connected to the connection terminal A2, and the connection terminal A2 and the branch terminal T1 are connected. Detects that communication is possible between the terminals of. In this case, the slave station S2 stores the connection relationship between the connection terminal A2 and the branch terminal T1 as connection information (A2-T1) in the connection information management unit 13-2, for example.

Further, the slave station S2 does not receive identification information from another station via the branch terminal T2. In this case, the slave station S2 detects that there is no physical connection at the branch terminal T2, and stores the connection information (T2-) in the connection information management unit 13-2, for example.

Further, the slave station S2 transmits the identification information "B2" from the connection terminal B2, and receives the identification information "A3" transmitted from the connection terminal A3 of the slave station S3 by the connection terminal B2.
In the slave station S2, the identification information "B2" is transmitted through the connection terminal B2 and the identification information "A3" is received. Therefore, the connection terminal A3 is connected to the connection terminal B2, and the connection terminal B2 and the connection terminal A3 are connected to each other. Detects that communication is possible between the terminals of. In this case, the slave station S2 stores the connection relationship between the connection terminal B2 and the connection terminal A3 in the connection information management unit 13-2 as connection information (B2-A3), for example.

(Collection processing of connection information in slave station S3)
The slave station S3 transmits the identification information "A3" from the connection terminal A3, and receives the identification information "B2" transmitted from the connection terminal B2 of the slave station S2 by the connection terminal A3.

In the slave station S3, the identification information "A3" is transmitted through the connection terminal A3 and the identification information "B2" is received. Therefore, the connection terminal B2 is connected to the connection terminal A3, and the connection terminal A3 and the connection terminal B2 are connected to each other. Detects that communication is possible between the terminals of. In this case, the slave station S3 stores the connection relationship between the connection terminal A3 and the connection terminal B2 in the connection information management unit 13-3 as connection information (A3-B2), for example.

Further, the slave station S3 does not receive identification information from another station via the branch terminal T3. In this case, the slave station S3 detects that there is no physical connection at the branch terminal T3, and stores it in the connection information management unit 13-3 as connection information (T3-), for example.

Further, the slave station S3 does not receive identification information from another station via the connection terminal B3. In this case, the slave station S3 detects that there is no physical connection at the connection terminal B3, and stores the connection information (B3-) in the connection information management unit 13-3, for example.

(Collection processing of connection information in slave station S4)
The slave station S4 transmits the identification information "A4" from the connection terminal A4, and receives the identification information "B1" transmitted from the connection terminal B1 of the slave station S1 by the connection terminal A4.

Since the slave station S4 transmits the identification information "A4" and receives the identification information "B1" through the connection terminal A4, the connection terminal B1 is connected to the connection terminal A4, and the connection terminal A4 and the connection terminal B1 are connected. Detects that communication is possible between the terminals of. In this case, in the slave station S4, the connection relationship between the connection terminal A4 and the connection terminal B1 is stored in the connection information management unit 13-4 as connection information (A4-B1), for example.

Further, the slave station S4 transmits the identification information "T4" from the branch terminal T4, and receives the identification information "A5" transmitted from the connection terminal A5 of the slave station S5 by the branch terminal T4.
In the slave station S4, the identification information "T4" is transmitted through the branch terminal T4 and the identification information "A5" is received. Therefore, the connection terminal A5 is connected to the branch terminal T4, and the branch terminal T4 and the connection terminal A5 are connected to each other. Detects that communication is possible between the terminals of. In this case, the slave station S4 stores the connection relationship between the branch terminal T4 and the connection terminal A5 in the connection information management unit 13-4 as connection information (T4-A5), for example.

Further, the slave station S4 transmits the identification information "B4" from the connection terminal B4, and receives the identification information "A7" transmitted from the connection terminal A7 of the slave station S7 by the connection terminal B4.
In the slave station S4, the identification information "B4" is transmitted through the connection terminal B4 and the identification information "A7" is received. Therefore, the connection terminal A7 is connected to the connection terminal B4, and the connection terminal B4 and the connection terminal A7 are connected to each other. Detects that communication is possible between the terminals of. In this case, the slave station S4 stores the connection relationship between the connection terminal B4 and the connection terminal A7 in the connection information management unit 13-4 as connection information (B4-A7), for example.

(Collection processing of connection information in slave station S5)
The slave station S5 transmits the identification information "A5" from the connection terminal A5, and receives the identification information "T4" transmitted from the branch terminal T4 of the slave station S4 by the connection terminal A5.

In the slave station S5, the identification information "A5" is transmitted through the connection terminal A5 and the identification information "T4" is received. Therefore, the branch terminal T4 is connected to the connection terminal A5, and the connection terminal A5 and the branch terminal T4 are connected. Detects that communication is possible between the terminals of. In this case, the slave station S5 stores the connection relationship between the connection terminal A5 and the branch terminal T4 as connection information (A5-T4) in the connection information management unit 13-5, for example.

Further, the slave station S5 does not receive identification information from another station via the branch terminal T5. In this case, the slave station S5 detects that there is no physical connection at the branch terminal T5, and stores it as connection information (T5-) in the connection information management unit 13-5, for example.

Further, the slave station S5 transmits the identification information "B5" from the connection terminal B5, and receives the identification information "A6" transmitted from the connection terminal A6 of the slave station S6 by the connection terminal B5.
In the slave station S5, the identification information "B5" is transmitted through the connection terminal B5 and the identification information "A6" is received. Therefore, the connection terminal A6 is connected to the connection terminal B5, and the connection terminal B5 and the connection terminal A6 are connected. Detects that communication is possible between the terminals of. In this case, the slave station S5 stores the connection relationship between the connection terminal B5 and the connection terminal A6 as connection information (B5-A6) in the connection information management unit 13-5, for example.

(Collection processing of connection information in slave station S6)
The slave station S6 transmits the identification information "A6" from the connection terminal A6, and receives the identification information "B5" transmitted from the connection terminal B5 of the slave station S5 by the connection terminal A6.

In the slave station S6, the identification information "A6" is transmitted through the connection terminal A6 and the identification information "B5" is received. Therefore, the connection terminal B5 is connected to the connection terminal A6, and the connection terminal A6 and the connection terminal B5 are connected to each other. Detects that communication is possible between the terminals of. In this case, the slave station S6 stores the connection relationship between the connection terminal A6 and the connection terminal B5 in the connection information management unit 13-6 as connection information (A6-B5), for example.

Further, the slave station S6 does not receive identification information from another station via the branch terminal T6. In this case, the slave station S6 detects that there is no physical connection at the branch terminal T6, and stores the connection information (T6-) in the connection information management unit 13-6, for example.

Further, the slave station S6 does not receive identification information from another station via the connection terminal B6. In this case, the slave station S6 detects that there is no physical connection at the connection terminal B6, and stores the connection information (B6-) in the connection information management unit 13-6, for example.

(Collection processing of connection information in slave station S7)
The slave station S7 transmits the identification information "A7" from the connection terminal A7, and receives the identification information "B4" transmitted from the connection terminal B4 of the slave station S4 by the connection terminal A7.

In the slave station S7, the identification information "A7" is transmitted through the connection terminal A7 and the identification information "B4" is received. Therefore, the connection terminal B4 is connected to the connection terminal A7, and the connection terminal A7 and the connection terminal B4 are connected to each other. Detects that communication is possible between the terminals of. In this case, the slave station S7 stores the connection relationship between the connection terminal A7 and the connection terminal B4 in the connection information management unit 13-7 as connection information (A7-B4), for example.

Further, the slave station S7 does not receive identification information from another station via the branch terminal T7. In this case, the slave station S7 detects that there is no physical connection at the branch terminal T7, and stores the connection information (T7-) in the connection information management unit 13-7, for example.

Further, the slave station S7 does not receive identification information from another station via the connection terminal B7. In this case, the slave station S7 detects that there is no physical connection at the connection terminal B7, and stores the connection information (B7-) in the connection information management unit 13-7, for example.

The connection information collection process shown above is autonomously performed by the slave stations S1 to S7 when the device is started (for example, when the system is initially operated or when the connection of each station is changed) (terminal identification autonomously). It exchanges information and collects connection information).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a connection configuration information frame including connection information. The connection configuration information frame F2 includes frames f1a to f7a.
The order of the frames of the connection configuration information frame F2 is the same as the order of the frames of the connection configuration information frame F1 shown in FIG. 7 (because it is in a normal line connection state), except that the frames f1a to The own station information of f7a includes connection information of each slave station.

That is, the own station information of the frame f1a includes the connection information (A1-B0), (T1-A2), and (B1-A4) stored in the connection information management unit 13-1 of the slave station S1.

The own station information of the frame f2a includes connection information (A2-T1), (T2-), and (B2-A3) stored in the connection information management unit 13-2 of the slave station S2. The own station information of the frame f3a includes connection information (A3-B2), (T3-), and (B3-) stored in the connection information management unit 13-3 of the slave station S3.

The own station information of the frame f4a includes connection information (A4-B1), (T4-A5), and (B4-A7) stored in the connection information management unit 13-4 of the slave station S4. The own station information of the frame f5a includes connection information (A5-T4), (T5-), and (B5-A6) stored in the connection information management unit 13-5 of the slave station S5.

The own station information of the frame f6a includes connection information (A6-B5), (T6-), and (B6-) stored in the connection information management unit 13-6 of the slave station S6. The own station information of the frame f7a includes connection information (A7-B4), (T7-), and (B7-) stored in the connection information management unit 13-7 of the slave station S7.

Then, when the master station M0 receives the connection configuration information frame F2, the master station M0 saves and manages the connection information D0 of the slave stations S1 to S7.
Next, when there is an erroneous connection, the line connection determination performed based on the collected connection information will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system having an erroneous connection. In the communication system 1-2a, as in FIG. 8, the connection terminal B1 of the slave station S1 is erroneously connected to the branch terminal T4 of the slave station S4, and the connection terminal A4 of the slave station S4 is erroneously connected to the connection terminal A5 of the slave station S5. Suppose you are. Other connections are the same as in FIG. 10 and are in a normal state.

In the slave station S1, the connection terminal B1 is erroneously connected to the branch terminal T4 of the slave station S4. Therefore, the connection information management unit 13-1 of the slave station S1 is provided with connection information (A1-B0), (T1-A2), and (B1-T4) by the connection information collection process as described above in FIG. Stored.

In the slave station S4, the connection terminal A4 is erroneously connected to the connection terminal A5 of the slave station S5, and the branch terminal T4 is erroneously connected to the connection terminal B1 of the slave station S1. Therefore, the connection information management unit 13-4 of the slave station S4 receives the connection information (A4-A5), (T4-B1), and (B4-A7) by the connection information collection process as described above in FIG. Stored.

In the slave station S5, the connection terminal A5 is erroneously connected to the connection terminal A4 of the slave station S4. Therefore, the connection information management unit 13-5 of the slave station S5 stores the connection information (A5-A4), (T5-), and (B5-A6) by the connection information collection process as described above in FIG. Will be done. The storage state of the other connection information management units is the same as the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a connection configuration information frame including connection information. The connection configuration information frame F2-1 is a frame generated in the connected state of the communication system 1-2a, and is received by the master station M0.

When the master station M0 receives the connection configuration information frame F2-1, the master station M0 stores and manages the connection information D1 of the slave stations S1 to S7.
Further, the order of each frame forming the connection configuration information frame F2-1 becomes f1a, f2a, f3a, f7a, f5a, f6a, f4a by the frame transmission control described above in FIG. 5, and is arranged at the time of normal connection. Since the order is different, the master station M0 detects that an erroneous connection has occurred in the system.

Further, the master station M0 compares the connection information D0 (FIG. 11) in the normal connection state with the connection information D1 and detects the connection information that does not match for each of the same slave stations from the connection information D1. do.

In this example, in the connection information D1, the connection information of the slave station S1 (B1-T4), the connection information of the slave station S5 (A5-A4), the connection information of the slave station S4 (A4-A5), (T4-B1) Is different from the connection information D0.

Therefore, from this detection result, the master station M0 erroneously connects the connection terminal B1 of the slave station S1, the branch terminal T4 of the slave station S4, the connection terminal A4 of the slave station S4, and the connection terminal A5 of the slave station S5. To identify.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system having an erroneous connection. In the communication system 1-2b, it is assumed that the connection terminal B1 of the slave station S1 is supposed to be connected to the connection terminal A4 of the slave station S4, but is erroneously connected to the connection terminal B4 of the slave station S4.

Further, it is assumed that the connection terminal A4 of the slave station S4 should originally be connected to the connection terminal B1 of the slave station S1, but is erroneously connected to the connection terminal A7 of the slave station S7. Other connections are the same as in FIG. 10 and are in a normal state.

In the slave station S1, the connection terminal B1 is erroneously connected to the connection terminal B4 of the slave station S4. Therefore, the connection information management unit 13-1 of the slave station S1 is provided with connection information (A1-B0), (T1-A2), and (B1-B4) by the connection information collection process as described above in FIG. Stored.

In the slave station S4, the connection terminal A4 is erroneously connected to the connection terminal A7 of the slave station S7, and the connection terminal B4 is erroneously connected to the connection terminal B1 of the slave station S1. Therefore, the connection information management unit 13-4 of the slave station S4 receives the connection information (A4-A7), (T4-A5), and (B4-B1) by the connection information collection process as described above in FIG. Stored.

In the slave station S7, the connection terminal A7 is erroneously connected to the connection terminal A4 of the slave station S4. Therefore, the connection information management unit 13-7 of the slave station S7 stores the connection information (A7-A4), (T7-), and (B7-) by the connection information collection process as described above in FIG. NS. The storage state of the other connection information management units is the same as the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a connection configuration information frame including connection information. The connection configuration information frame F2-2 is a frame generated in the connected state of the communication system 1-2b, and is received by the master station M0.

When the master station M0 receives the connection configuration information frame F2-2, the master station M0 stores and manages the connection information D2 of the slave stations S1 to S7.
Further, the frame order of the connection configuration information frame F2-2 becomes f1a, f2a, f3a, f7a, f4a, f5a, f6a by the frame transmission control described above in FIG. 5, which is different from the order at the time of normal connection. Therefore, the master station M0 detects that an erroneous connection has occurred in the system.

Further, the master station M0 compares the connection information D0 (FIG. 11) in the normal connection state with the connection information D2, and detects the connection information that does not match for each of the same slave stations from the connection information D2. do.

In this example, in the connection information D2, the connection information of the slave station S1 (B1-B4), the connection information of the slave station S4 (A4-A7), (B4-B1), and the connection information of the slave station S7 (A7-A4). Is different from the connection information D0.

Therefore, from this detection result, the master station M0 erroneously connects the connection terminal B1 of the slave station S1, the connection terminal B4 of the slave station S4, the connection terminal A4 of the slave station S4, and the connection terminal A7 of the slave station S7. To identify.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system having an erroneous connection. In the communication system 1-2c, it is assumed that the branch terminal T4 of the slave station S4 is supposed to be connected to the connection terminal A5 of the slave station S5, but is erroneously connected to the connection terminal A7 of the slave station S7.

Further, it is assumed that the connection terminal B4 of the slave station S4 is supposed to be connected to the connection terminal A7 of the slave station S7, but is erroneously connected to the connection terminal A5 of the slave station S5. Other connections are the same as in FIG. 10 and are in a normal state.

In the slave station S4, the branch terminal T4 is erroneously connected to the connection terminal A7 of the slave station S7, and the connection terminal B4 is erroneously connected to the connection terminal A5 of the slave station S5. Therefore, the connection information management unit 13-4 of the slave station S4 receives the connection information (A4-B1), (T4-A7), and (B4-A5) by the connection information collection process as described above in FIG. Stored.

In the slave station S5, the connection terminal A5 is erroneously connected to the connection terminal B4 of the slave station S4. Therefore, the connection information management unit 13-5 of the slave station S5 stores the connection information (A5-B4), (T5-), and (B5-A6) by the connection information collection process as described above in FIG. Will be done.

In the slave station S7, the connection terminal A7 is erroneously connected to the branch terminal T4 of the slave station S4. Therefore, the connection information management unit 13-7 of the slave station S7 stores the connection information (A7-T4), (T7-), and (B7-) by the connection information collection process as described above in FIG. NS. The storage state of the other connection information management units is the same as the state shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a connection configuration information frame including connection information. The connection configuration information frame F2-3 is a frame generated in the connected state of the communication system 1-2c, and is received by the master station M0.

When the master station M0 receives the connection configuration information frame F2-3, the master station M0 saves and manages the connection information D3 of the slave stations S1 to S7.
Further, the frame order of the connection configuration information frame F2-3 becomes f1a, f2a, f3a, f4a, f7a, f5a, f6a by the frame transmission control described above in FIG. 5, which is different from the order at the time of normal connection. Therefore, the master station M0 detects that an erroneous connection has occurred in the system.

Further, the master station M0 compares the connection information D0 (FIG. 11) in the normal connection state with the connection information D3, and detects the connection information that does not match for each of the same slave stations from the connection information D3. do.

In this example, in the connection information D3, the connection information (T4-A7) and (B4-A5) of the slave station S4, the connection information (A5-B4) of the slave station S5, and the connection information (A7-T4) of the slave station S7. Is different from the connection information D0.

Therefore, from this detection result, the master station M0 erroneously connects the branch terminal T4 of the slave station S4, the connection terminal A7 of the slave station S7, the connection terminal B4 of the slave station S4, and the connection terminal A5 of the slave station S5. To identify.

Next, a modified example of the connection information collection process will be described. In the modified example, the terminal identification information is included in the communication quality request message and transmitted, and the station that received the communication quality request message replies with the terminal identification information included in the communication quality response message to collect the connection information. conduct.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the operation of a modified example of the connection information collection process.
[St51] The master station M0 transmits a communication quality request message to which the identification information "B0" is added from the connection terminal B0 having a physical connection.

[St52] When the slave station S1 receives the communication quality request message at the connection terminal A1, the slave station S1 transmits a communication quality response message with the identification information "A1" added from the connection terminal A1.
At the same time, the slave station S1 combines the source identification information "B0" added to the received communication quality request message with the identification information "A1" of the connection terminal A1 that has received the identification information "B0". Then, the connection information (A1-B0) is stored in the connection information management unit 13-1.

[St53] The master station M0 combines the identification information "B0" of the connection terminal B0 and the identification information "A1" of the destination added to the received communication quality response message to form the connection information (B0-A1). Is stored in the connection information management unit 13-0 (realized by the connection configuration information frame management unit 23 shown in FIG. 3).

[St54-1] After transmitting the communication quality response message to the master station M0, the slave station S1 transmits a communication quality request message to which the identification information "T1" is added from the branch terminal T1 having a physical connection.

[St54-2] The slave station S1 transmits a communication quality response message to the master station M0, and then transmits a communication quality request message to which the identification information "B1" is added from the connection terminal B1 having a physical connection.

[St55] When the slave station S2 receives the communication quality request message at the connection terminal A2, the slave station S2 transmits a communication quality response message with the identification information "A2" of its own connection terminal A2 added from the connection terminal A2.

At the same time, the slave station S2 combines the source identification information "T1" added to the received communication quality request message with the identification information "A2" of the connection terminal A2 that has received the identification information "T1". Then, the connection information (A2-T1) is saved in the connection information management unit 13-2.

[St56] The slave station S1 combines the identification information "T1" of the branch terminal T1 and the destination identification information "A2" added to the received communication quality response message to provide connection information (T1-A2). Is saved in the connection information management unit 13-1.

[St57] When the slave station S4 receives the communication quality request message at the connection terminal A4, the slave station S4 transmits a communication quality response message with the identification information "A4" added from the connection terminal A4.
At the same time, the slave station S4 combines the source identification information "B1" added to the received communication quality request message with the identification information "A4" of the connection terminal A4 that has received the identification information "B1". Then, the connection information (A4-B1) is saved in the connection information management unit 13-4.

[St58] The slave station S1 combines the identification information "B1" of the connection terminal B1 and the destination identification information "A4" added to the received communication quality response message to form the connection information (B1-A4). Is saved in the connection information management unit 13-1. Connection information is collected at each station in the same manner.

Even with such an operation, connection information can be efficiently collected at each station. In the connection information collection process in the modified example, the slave stations S1 to S7 autonomously perform (autonomous communication quality request) when the device is started (when the system is initially operated, when the connection of each station is changed, etc.). / It exchanges response messages and collects connection information).

As described above, according to the present invention, in a bus connection type communication system composed of a station having two connection terminals and one branch terminal, the connection configuration between stations is complicated or an erroneous connection location. Even when there are a plurality of lines, it is possible to quickly and easily identify the erroneous connection location of the line, and it is possible to improve operability and maintainability.

Although the embodiment has been illustrated above, the configuration of each part shown in the embodiment can be replaced with another having the same function. Further, any other components or processes may be added.

1 Communication device 1a Line connection terminal 1b Control unit 1c Connection information management unit A, A1, A2, A3 Connection terminal (first connection terminal)
B, B0, B1, B2, B3 connection terminal (second connection terminal)
T, T0, T1, T2, T3 Branch terminal 1A, 1B Communication system M0 Master station S1 to S3 Slave station f1 to f3 Frame d1, d2 Connection information

Claims (12)

A line connection terminal comprising a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal and branch pin,
A control unit that controls frame transmission via the line connection terminal,
With
The control unit
When the own device information is added to the first frame received by the first connection terminal to generate the own device information addition frame and the own device information addition frame is output.
When both the branch terminal and the second connection terminal have a physical connection, the own device information addition frame is output from the branch terminal.
If the branch terminal has no physical connection and the second connection terminal has a physical connection, the own device information addition frame is output from the second connection terminal.
If neither the branch terminal nor the second connection terminal has a physical connection, the own device information addition frame is output from the first connection terminal.
The second frame is relay-transmitted from the second connection terminal without adding the own device information to the second frame received at the branch terminal.
The third frame is relay-transmitted from the first connection terminal without adding the own device information to the third frame received at the second connection terminal.
The connection information which is the physical connection relationship between the line connection terminal on the own device side and the line connection terminal on the other device side is collected, and the connection information is included in the own device information.
A communication device characterized by that. The communication device is a master station, and the control unit detects the presence or absence of erroneous connection based on the array of own device information added to the frame, and the connection information collected by all slave stations. The communication according to claim 1, wherein the normal connection information of the normal line connection state stored in advance is compared with the acquired connection information to detect an erroneous connection location. Device. The control unit
The identification information of the first connection terminal is transmitted from the first connection terminal, and the identification information of the line connection terminal on the other device side connected to the first connection terminal is received by the first connection terminal. It detects whether or not it has been done, collects the first connection information which is the physical connection relationship of the first connection terminal, and collects the first connection information.
The identification information of the second connection terminal is transmitted from the second connection terminal, and the identification information of the line connection terminal on the other device side connected to the second connection terminal is received by the second connection terminal. It detects whether or not it has been done, collects the second connection information which is the physical connection relationship of the second connection terminal, and collects the second connection information.
The identification information of the branch terminal is transmitted from the branch terminal, and it is detected whether or not the identification information of the line connection terminal on the other device side connected to the branch terminal is received by the branch terminal, and the branch terminal is detected. Collect the third connection information, which is the physical connection relationship of
The communication device according to claim 1. 3. The third aspect of the present invention, wherein the control unit autonomously transmits the identification information of the first connection terminal, the identification information of the second connection terminal, and the identification information of the branch terminal when the device is started. Communication device. The control unit
The identification information of the first connection terminal is included in the first request message and transmitted from the first connection terminal, and is connected to the first connection terminal from another device that has received the first request message. It is the physical connection relationship of the first connection terminal by detecting whether or not the first response message including the identification information of the line connection terminal on the other device side is received by the first connection terminal. Collect the connection information of 1 and
The identification information of the second connection terminal is included in the second request message and transmitted from the second connection terminal, and is connected to the second connection terminal from another device that has received the second request message. It is the physical connection relationship of the second connection terminal by detecting whether or not the second response message including the identification information of the line connection terminal on the other device side is received by the second connection terminal. Collect the connection information of 2 and
The line connection terminal on the other device side connected to the branch terminal from another device that includes the identification information of the branch terminal in the third request message and transmits it from the branch terminal and receives the third request message. Detects whether or not a third response message including the identification information of the above is received at the branch terminal, and collects the third connection information which is the physical connection relationship of the branch terminal.
The communication device according to claim 1. The control unit communicates with the first request message , the second request message, the third request message and the first response message , the second response message, and the third response message . The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the communication device is autonomously performed when the device is activated. A master-side line connection terminals including a first master-side connecting terminal, a second master-side connection terminal and the master-side branching pin,
Through the master-side line connection terminals, and a master control portion for performing transmission control of frame to slave station,
Master station including
And the slave-side line connection terminals including a first slave-side connection terminal, the second slave-side connection terminal and the slave-side branching pin,
A slave-side control unit that controls frame transmission via the slave-side line connection terminal,
With multiple slave stations, including
With
The slave side control unit
When the own station information is added to the first frame received by the first slave side connection terminal to generate the own station information addition frame and the own station information addition frame is output.
When both the slave side branch terminal and the second slave side connection terminal have a physical connection, the own station information addition frame is output from the slave side branch terminal.
When the slave side branch terminal has no physical connection and the second slave side connection terminal has a physical connection, the own station information addition frame is output from the second slave side connection terminal.
If neither the slave side branch terminal nor the second slave side connection terminal has a physical connection, the own station information addition frame is output from the first slave side connection terminal.
The second frame is relay-transmitted from the second slave-side connection terminal without adding the own station information to the second frame received at the slave-side branch terminal.
The third frame is relay-transmitted from the first slave-side connection terminal without adding the own station information to the third frame received by the second slave-side connection terminal.
The connection information that is the physical connection relationship between the slave side line connection terminal on the own station side and the slave side line connection terminal on the other station side or the master side line connection terminal is collected, and the connection information is used as the own station. Include in information,
A communication system characterized by that. The master-side control unit detects the presence or absence of erroneous connection based on the array of own station information of the slave station added to the frame, and acquires the connection information collected by the slave station. The communication system according to claim 7, wherein a erroneous connection location is detected by comparing the normal connection information of the normal line connection state stored in advance with the acquired connection information. The slave side control unit
The identification information of the first slave side connection terminal is transmitted from the first slave side connection terminal, and the identification information of the slave side line connection terminal on the other station side connected to the first slave side connection terminal is transmitted. Detecting whether or not the information was received at the first slave side connection terminal, the first connection information which is the physical connection relationship of the first slave side connection terminal is collected, and the first connection information is collected.
The identification information of the second slave side connection terminal is transmitted from the second slave side connection terminal, and the identification information of the slave side line connection terminal on the other station side connected to the second slave side connection terminal is transmitted. Detecting whether or not the information was received at the second slave side connection terminal, the second connection information which is the physical connection relationship of the second slave side connection terminal is collected, and the second connection information is collected.
Whether the identification information of the slave side branch terminal is transmitted from the slave side branch terminal and the identification information of the slave side line connection terminal on the other station side connected to the slave side branch terminal is received by the slave side branch terminal. Detecting whether or not, the third connection information which is the physical connection relationship of the slave side branch terminal is collected.
7. The communication system according to claim 7. The slave-side control unit autonomously transmits the identification information of the first slave-side connection terminal, the identification information of the second slave-side connection terminal, and the identification information of the slave-side branch terminal at the time of starting the device. 9. The communication system according to claim 9. The slave side control unit
The identification information of the first slave side connection terminal is included in the first request message and transmitted from the first slave side connection terminal, and the first slave is transmitted from another station that has received the first request message. The first response message including the identification information of the slave side line connection terminal on the other station side connected to the side connection terminal is detected by detecting whether or not the first response message is received by the first slave side connection terminal. Collect the first connection information, which is the physical connection relationship of the slave side connection terminal of
The identification information of the second slave side connection terminal is included in the second request message and transmitted from the second slave side connection terminal, and the second slave is transmitted from another station that has received the second request message. The second response message including the identification information of the slave side line connection terminal on the other station side connected to the side connection terminal is detected by detecting whether or not the second response message is received by the second slave side connection terminal. Collect the second connection information, which is the physical connection relationship of the slave side connection terminal of
The identification information of the slave-side branch terminal is included in the third request message and transmitted from the slave-side branch terminal, and another station connected to the slave-side branch terminal from the other station that receives the third request message. It is detected whether or not a third response message including the identification information of the slave side line connection terminal on the side is received by the slave side branch terminal, and a third connection which is a physical connection relationship of the slave side branch terminal is obtained. Gather information,
7. The communication system according to claim 7. The slave-side control unit communicates with the first request message , the second request message, the third request message, the first response message , the second response message, and the third response message . 11. The communication system according to claim 11, wherein the communication system is autonomously performed when the device is activated.

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