JP7690291B2 - Module System and Modules - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to module systems such as a measurement system that collects data from a sensor module and transmits it to the outside, and a control system that controls an actuator module based on data from the outside.

There has been proposed a measurement system that performs analog-to-digital (AD) conversion on a measurement signal from a sensor module and transmits the AD-converted measurement data to an external device (see Patent Document 1).
Also, a control system has been proposed that controls actuator modules via a network (see Patent Document 2).

The measurement system disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the control system disclosed in Patent Document 2 have a simple structure, which means that the lifespan of the sensor modules and actuator modules is easily shortened, and there is a need for improvements to extend the lifespan of the sensor modules and actuator modules.

JP 2020-67856 A JP 2020-67857 A

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a module system and a module that can achieve a longer lifespan for the module.

The module system of the present invention comprises at least a first module configured to output a signal for controlling a mechanical operation, and a second module configured to perform a mechanical operation in response to a signal received from the first module, the second module comprising at least a female connector for connection with the first module, the first module being a DA module that converts digital data received from a third module that outputs a signal for controlling the second module into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the second module, and is characterized in comprising at least a first male connector that detachably fits with the female connector of the third module, and a second male connector that detachably fits with the female connector of the second module.

In one configuration example of the module system of the present invention, the first male connector and the second male connector of the first module are male connectors having different shapes.
In one configuration example of the module system of the present invention, the second male connector of the first module is smaller than the first male connector .

In addition, the AD module of the present invention is characterized by having at least a first male connector that can be detachably fitted into a female connector of a sensor module that detects the quantity to be measured and outputs a signal of the measurement result, a circuit configured to convert an analog signal received from the sensor module into digital data, and a second male connector that can be detachably fitted into a female connector of another module that receives the digital data.
In one configuration example of the AD module of the present invention, the first male connector and the second male connector are male connectors having different shapes.
In one configuration example of the AD module of the present invention, the first male connector is smaller than the second male connector.

The DA module of the present invention is characterized by having at least a first male connector that detachably fits with a female connector of another module that outputs digital data for controlling an actuator module configured to perform a mechanical operation, a circuit configured to convert the digital data into an analog signal, and a second male connector that detachably fits with the female connector of the actuator module and is configured to output the analog signal to the actuator module.
In one configuration example of the DA module of the present invention, the first male connector and the second male connector are male connectors having different shapes.
In one configuration example of the DA module of the present invention, the second male connector is smaller than the first male connector.

The DP module of the present invention is characterized by having at least a first male connector that can be detachably fitted with a female connector of another module that outputs digital data for controlling an actuator module configured to perform mechanical operations , a circuit configured to convert the digital data into a pulse signal, and a second male connector that can be detachably fitted with the female connector of the actuator module and configured to output the pulse signal to the actuator module.
In one configuration example of the DP module of the present invention, the first male connector and the second male connector are male connectors having different shapes.
In one configuration example of the DP module of the present invention, the second male connector is smaller than the first male connector.

According to the present invention, in a module system, the connector of the first module is a female connector, and the connector on the first module side of the second module is a male connector, thereby reducing the probability of oil, dust, etc. adhering to the conductor of the female connector of the first module. As a result, the life of the first module can be extended.

In addition, in the present invention, by making the connector of the second module a female connector and the connector on the second module side of the first module a male connector in a module system, it is possible to reduce the probability of oil, dust, etc. adhering to the conductor of the female connector of the second module. As a result, it is possible to realize a longer life for the second module.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a sensor module, an AD module, and a network module according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and a diagram showing the configuration of a measurement system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the measurement system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a sensor module and an AD module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a network module, a DA module, and an actuator module according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and a diagram showing the configuration of a control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the control system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a DA module and an actuator module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a DP module according to a third and fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Principle 1 of the Invention]
In the measurement system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the AD converter connected to the sensor module is an AD module, which is a detachable general-purpose device. On the other hand, the sensor module may be fixedly mounted depending on the application. The inventors have noticed that when the sensor module is fixedly mounted at a specific site, it must be assumed that the sensor module will be left unused for a long period of time with the AD module removed.

In this state, the inventors discovered that if oil or dust (for example, chemical splashes in the case of semiconductor manufacturing equipment) adheres to the connector of the sensor module due to the ambient atmosphere in which the sensor module is installed, this can shorten the lifespan of the sensor module. The inventors then came up with the idea that by making the connector of the sensor module a female connector, it is possible to reduce the probability of oil or other substances adhering to the connector. This makes it possible to extend the lifespan of the sensor module.

Similarly, in the control system disclosed in Patent Document 2, the connector of the actuator module connected to the DA (Digital-to-Analog) module can be made a female connector, thereby realizing a longer life for the actuator module.

[Principle 2 of the Invention]
In the measurement system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the connector of the AD module connected to the network module is a male connector. Therefore, if the connector of the sensor module is made a female connector as described above, the connector on the sensor module side of the AD module will be a male connector, and both the connector on the sensor module side and the connector on the network module side will be male connectors, making it difficult to distinguish between them.

It is preferable to make it easier to distinguish between the connector on the sensor module side of the AD module and the connector on the network module side, so it is preferable to use different types of connectors for the connector on the sensor module side and the connector on the network module side.

Similarly, in the control system disclosed in Patent Document 2, it is preferable that the connector on the actuator module side of the DA module and the connector on the network module side are different types of connectors.

[Principle 3 of the Invention]
In the present invention, since it is aimed at reducing the probability of oil or the like adhering to the connector of the sensor module or the connector of the actuator module, it is preferable to make the connector of the sensor module or the connector of the actuator module smaller than the other. In other words, since the connector of the sensor module or the connector of the actuator module is a female connector, the smaller the connector, the more difficult it is for oil or the like to enter.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment corresponds to the above-mentioned Principle 1 of the invention. Fig. 1(A) is a diagram showing a sensor module, an AD module, and a network module (hereinafter, NW module) according to this embodiment, and Fig. 1(B) is a diagram showing the configuration of a measurement system (module system).

The AD module 1 (second module) is equipped with a communication/power supply male connector 10 (first male connector) for signal input and power supply from the sensor module 3, which detachably fits with the communication/power supply female connector 30 of the sensor module 3, a communication/power supply male connector 11 (second male connector) for data communication with the NW module 2 and power reception, which detachably fits with the communication/power supply female connector 20 of the NW module 2, and a circuit 12 that converts analog signals received from the sensor module 3 into digital data.

The AD module 1 has the functions of AD converting the analog signal input from the communication/power receiving male connector 10, further encrypting the digital data after AD conversion, and storing the encrypted digital data, receiving power from the communication/power receiving male connector 11 (or the communication/power receiving male connector 10), and supplying the received power to the outside via the communication/power receiving male connector 10 (or the communication/power receiving male connector 11). The configuration of the circuit 12 is disclosed in Patent Document 1, so a detailed description will be omitted.

The NW module 2 (third module) includes a communication/power supply female connector 20 for data communication and power supply with the AD module 1, which detachably fits with the communication/power supply male connector 11 of the AD module 1, a communication/power supply male connector 21 for receiving power from the power source 4, which detachably fits with the communication/power supply female connector 40 of the power source 4, an antenna 22 for wireless communication, a communication connector 23 for wired communication, and a circuit 24 for transmitting digital data received from the AD module 1.

The NW module 2 has the functions of reading data from a module (AD module 1) connected to the communication/power receiving female connector 20 and transmitting the data wirelessly or wired to the outside via the network, receiving power from the communication/power receiving male connector 21 (or the communication/power receiving female connector 20), and supplying the received power to the outside via the communication/power receiving female connector 20 (or the communication/power receiving male connector 21). The configuration of the circuit 24 is disclosed in Patent Document 1, so a detailed description will be omitted.

The sensor module 3 (first module) is equipped with a communication/power supply female connector 30 for outputting signals and supplying power to the AD module 1, which detachably fits into the communication/power supply male connector 10 of the AD module 1, a sensor circuit 31 for detecting the quantity to be measured, and an output circuit 32 for outputting an analog signal.

The sensor module 3 has the function of detecting quantities to be measured, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, acceleration, seismic intensity, precipitation, and oxidation-reduction levels, and outputting an analog signal of the measurement result (e.g., a 4-20 mA current signal), as well as the function of receiving power from the communication and power supply female connector 30.

In this way, the AD module 1, NW module 2, sensor module 3, and power source 4 each have connectors of the same standard, and by inserting the communication and power supply male connector 10 of the AD module 1 into the communication and power supply female connector 30 of the sensor module 3 and the communication and power supply male connector 11 of the AD module 1 into the communication and power supply female connector 20 of the NW module 2, it is possible to connect the sensor module 3, the AD module 1, and the NW module 2 as shown in FIG. 1(B). Furthermore, by inserting the communication and power supply male connector 21 of the NW module 2 into the communication and power supply female connector 40 of the power source 4, it is possible to connect the NW module 2 and the power source 4.

The NW module 2 operates by receiving power from a power source 4 , and supplies the power received from the power source 4 to the AD module 1 via a communication and power receiving female connector 20 .
The AD module 1 operates by receiving power from the NW module 2, and can also supply the power received from the NW module 2 to the sensor module 3 via the communication and power receiving male connector 10. However, in the present invention, supplying power to the sensor module 3 is not a required configuration, and the sensor module 3 may operate using its own power source.

An example of the communication/power supply male connectors 10, 11, 21 and the communication/power supply female connectors 20, 30, 40 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector. Needless to say, the connector is not limited to USB.

2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the measurement system of this embodiment. The AD module 1 converts an analog signal received from the sensor module 3 into digital data, encrypts the digital data after AD conversion, and writes the encrypted digital data into an internal memory (not shown).
The NW module 2 reads the encrypted digital data from the AD module 1, and transmits the encrypted digital data to the cloud server 101 via the network 100. The NW module 2 may perform wireless communication or wired communication.

On the cloud server 101 side, the encrypted digital data is decrypted, and the decrypted digital data (measurement results of the sensor module 3) can be stored, or the measurement results of the sensor module 3 can be provided to the user.

As described above, in this embodiment, by making the connector of the sensor module 3 a female connector and the connector on the sensor module side of the AD module 1 a male connector, it is possible to reduce the probability of oil, dust, etc. adhering to the conductor of the communication/power supply female connector 30 of the sensor module 3. As a result, it is possible to achieve a longer life for the sensor module 3.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment corresponds to the above-mentioned Principle 2 and Principle 3. Fig. 3A is a diagram showing a sensor module and an AD module according to this embodiment, and Fig. 3B is a diagram showing the sensor module and the AD module connected together.

In the first embodiment, the communication and power supply male connector 10 on the sensor module side of the AD module 1 and the communication and power supply male connector 11 on the NW module side have the same shape, so it is possible that the communication and power supply male connector 11 of the AD module 1 is mistakenly inserted into the communication and power supply female connector 30 of the sensor module 3. If such a misconnection occurs, it is conceivable that the electrical circuit of the AD module 1 will fail.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the communication and power supply male connector 10a on the sensor module side of the AD module 1 and the communication and power supply male connector 11 on the NW module side are male connectors of different shapes. This makes it possible to prevent incorrect connection of the AD module 1 to the sensor module 3.

In addition, in this embodiment, the communication and power supply male connector 10a on the sensor module side of the AD module 1 is smaller than the communication and power supply male connector 11 on the NW module side. This makes the communication and power supply female connector 30a of the sensor module 3, which fits with the communication and power supply male connector 10a of the AD module 1, smaller, further reducing the probability of oil, dust, etc. adhering to the conductor of the communication and power supply female connector 30a.

For example, if the communication and power supply male connector 11 is a USB Type-A connector, the communication and power supply male connector 10a may be a Mini USB connector. It goes without saying that the connector is not limited to USB.
The operations of the sensor module 3 and the AD module 1 are as described in the first embodiment.

In the first and second embodiments, one example of a measurement system is shown, but it goes without saying that the configuration of the measurement system is not limited to the first and second embodiments. In the first and second embodiments, the module connected to the sensor module 3 is the AD module 1, but when connecting another module to the sensor module 3, the module can be configured with a connector similar to that of the AD module 1.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment corresponds to the above-mentioned first principle of the invention. Fig. 4(A) is a diagram showing a NW module, a DA module, and an actuator module according to this embodiment, and Fig. 4(B) is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system (module system).

The NW module 5 (third module) has a communication/power-receiving male connector 50 for receiving power from the power source 4, which detachably fits with the communication/power-receiving female connector 40 of the power source 4, a communication/power-receiving female connector 51 for data communication and power supply with the DA module 6, which detachably fits with the communication/power-receiving male connector 60 of the DA module 6, an antenna 52 for wireless communication, a communication connector 53 for wired communication, and a circuit 54 for receiving digital data.

The NW module 5 has the functions of storing data received via the antenna 52 or the communication connector 53, receiving power from the communication/power receiving male connector 50 (or the communication/power receiving female connector 51), and supplying the received power to the outside via the communication/power receiving female connector 51 (or the communication/power receiving male connector 50). The configuration of the circuit 54 is disclosed in Patent Document 2, so a detailed description will be omitted.

The DA module 6 (first module) is equipped with a communication and power supply male connector 60 (first male connector) for data communication and power reception with the NW module 5, which detachably fits with the communication and power supply female connector 51 of the NW module 5, a communication and power supply male connector 61 (second male connector) for signal output and power supply to the actuator module 7, which detachably fits with the communication and power supply female connector 70 of the actuator module 7, and a circuit 62 for converting digital data into an analog signal.

The DA module 6 has the functions of reading and decrypting encrypted digital data from the module (NW module 5) connected to the communication/power receiving male connector 60, converting the decrypted digital data into digital to analog form, and outputting a digital to analog signal, receiving power from the communication/power receiving male connector 60 (or the communication/power receiving male connector 61), and supplying the received power to the outside via the communication/power receiving male connector 61 (or the communication/power receiving male connector 60). The configuration of the circuit 62 is disclosed in Patent Document 2, so a detailed description will be omitted.

The actuator module 7 (second module) includes a communication and power supply female connector 70 for signal input and power supply from the DA module 6, which detachably fits with the communication and power supply male connector 61 of the DA module 6, a controller 71, and a motor 72 (mechanical unit).

The actuator module 7 has the function of moving the motor at a speed according to a signal (e.g., a 4-20 mA current signal) from the DA module 6, and the function of receiving power from the communication/power supply female connector 70.

In this way, the power supply 4, NW module 5, DA module 6, and actuator module 7 each have connectors of the same standard, and by inserting the communication and power supply male connector 50 of the NW module 5 into the communication and power supply female connector 40 of the power supply 4, inserting the communication and power supply male connector 60 of the DA module 6 into the communication and power supply female connector 51 of the NW module 5, and inserting the communication and power supply male connector 61 of the DA module 6 into the communication and power supply female connector 70 of the actuator module 7, it is possible to connect the power supply 4, NW module 5, DA module 6, and actuator module 7 as shown in Figure 4 (B).

The NW module 5 operates by receiving power from the power source 4 , and supplies the power received from the power source 4 to the DA module 6 via the communication and power receiving female connector 51 .
The DA module 6 operates by receiving power from the NW module 5, and can also supply the power received from the NW module 5 to the actuator module 7 via the communication and power receiving male connector 61. However, in the present invention, supplying power to the actuator module 7 is not a required configuration, and the actuator module 7 may operate using its own power source.

An example of the communication/power supply male connectors 50, 60, 61 and the communication/power supply female connectors 40, 51, 70 is a USB connector. Needless to say, the connector is not limited to a USB.

5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the control system of this embodiment. The cloud server 101 encrypts control data and transmits the encrypted digital data to the NW module 5 via the network 100.
The NW module 5 writes the encrypted digital data received from the cloud server 101 into an internal memory (not shown). The NW module 5 may perform wireless communication or wired communication.

The DA module 6 reads out the encrypted digital data from the NW module 5 , decrypts it, performs DA conversion on the decrypted digital data, and outputs the DA converted analog signal to the actuator module 7 .
The controller 71 of the actuator module 7 generates a motor drive voltage according to the analog signal received from the DA module 6, and outputs this motor drive voltage to the motor 72. This causes the motor 72 to rotate at a speed according to the analog signal.

In the above example, an electromagnetic actuator equipped with a motor 72 has been described as an example of the actuator module 7, but this is not limited to this and it goes without saying that a piezoelectric actuator or a hydraulic/pneumatic actuator may also be used.
As will be described later, the actuator module 7 may be operated by a pulse signal.

In this embodiment, the connector of the actuator module 7 is a female connector, and the connector on the actuator module side of the DA module 6 is a male connector, which reduces the probability of oil, dust, etc. adhering to the conductor of the communication/power supply female connector 70 of the actuator module 7. As a result, the life of the actuator module 7 can be extended.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment corresponds to the above-mentioned Principle 2 and Principle 3. Fig. 6(A) is a diagram showing a DA module and an actuator module according to this embodiment, and Fig. 6(B) is a diagram showing the state in which the DA module and the actuator module are connected.

In the third embodiment, the communication and power supply male connector 60 on the NW module side of the DA module 6 and the communication and power supply male connector 61 on the actuator module side have the same shape, so it is possible that the communication and power supply male connector 60 of the DA module 6 is mistakenly inserted into the communication and power supply female connector 70 of the actuator module 7. If such a misconnection occurs, it is conceivable that the electrical circuit of the DA module 6 will fail.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the communication and power supply male connector 60 on the NW module side of the DA module 6 and the communication and power supply male connector 61 on the actuator module side are male connectors of different shapes. This makes it possible to prevent incorrect connection of the DA module 6 to the actuator module 7.

In addition, in this embodiment, the communication and power supply male connector 61a on the actuator module side of the DA module 6 is smaller than the communication and power supply male connector 60 on the NW module side. This makes the communication and power supply female connector 70a of the actuator module 7, which fits with the communication and power supply male connector 61a of the DA module 6, smaller, further reducing the probability of oil, dust, etc. adhering to the conductor of the communication and power supply female connector 70a.

For example, if the communication and power supply male connector 60 is a USB Type-A connector, the communication and power supply male connector 61a may be a Mini USB connector. It goes without saying that the connector is not limited to USB.
The operations of the DA module 6 and the actuator module 7 are as explained in the third embodiment.

In the third and fourth embodiments, one example of a control system is shown, but it goes without saying that the configuration of the control system is not limited to the third and fourth embodiments. In the third and fourth embodiments, the module connected to the actuator module 7 is the DA module 6, but when connecting another module to the actuator module 7, the module can be configured with the same connector as the DA module 6.

An example of another module that can be connected to the actuator module 7 is a DP (Digital Pulse) module. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the external appearance of the DP module.
The DP module 8 (first module) includes a communication/power supply male connector 80 (first male connector) for data communication and power reception with the NW module 5, which detachably fits with the communication/power supply male connector 81 of the NW module 5, a communication/power supply male connector 81 (second male connector) for signal output and power supply to the actuator module 7, which detachably fits with the communication/power supply female connector 70 of the actuator module 7, and a circuit 82 that converts digital data into a pulse signal.

The DP module 8 has the function of reading and decrypting the encrypted digital data from the NW module 5, converting the decrypted digital data into an analog signal, generating a constant amplitude pulse signal (PWM signal) with a pulse width proportional to the magnitude of the analog signal, and outputting the pulse signal to the actuator module 7, as well as a power supply function similar to that of the DA module 6. The configuration of the circuit 82 is disclosed in Patent Document 2, so a detailed description will be omitted.

When connected to the DP module 8, the controller 71 of the actuator module 7 generates a motor drive voltage according to the pulse signal and outputs this motor drive voltage to the motor 72. As described above, the actuator module 7 may be, for example, a piezoelectric actuator or a hydraulic/pneumatic actuator.

The communication and power supply male connector 80 on the NW module side of the DP module 8 as described above can be made the same as the communication and power supply male connector 60 of the DA module 6, and the communication and power supply male connector 81 on the actuator module side of the DP module 8 can be made the same as the communication and power supply male connector 61 or 61a of the DA module 6.

The present invention can be applied to measurement systems that collect data from sensor modules and control systems that control actuator modules.

1...AD module, 2, 5...network module, 3...sensor module, 4...power supply, 6...DA module, 7...actuator module, 8...DP module, 10, 10a, 11, 21, 50, 60, 61, 61a, 80, 81...communication and power supply male connector, 20, 30, 30a, 40, 51, 70, 70a...communication and power supply female connector, 22, 52...antenna, 23, 53...communication connector, 31...sensor circuit, 32...output circuit, 71...controller, 72...motor.

Claims (12)

A first module configured to output a signal to control a mechanical operation;
a second module configured to perform a mechanical operation in response to a signal received from the first module;
the second module includes at least a female connector for connection with the first module;
The first module is a DA module that converts digital data received from a third module that outputs a signal for controlling the second module into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal to the second module, and is characterized in having at least a first male connector that detachably fits with the female connector of the third module and a second male connector that detachably fits with the female connector of the second module. 2. The module system of claim 1,
A module system, wherein the first male connector and the second male connector of the first module are male connectors having different shapes. 3. The module system according to claim 2,
11. A module system, comprising: a first module having a second male connector that is smaller than the first male connector; a first male connector that detachably fits with a female connector of a sensor module that detects a quantity to be measured and outputs a signal of the measurement result;
a circuit configured to convert analog signals received from the sensor module into digital data;
An AD module comprising at least a second male connector adapted to be detachably fitted with a female connector of another module that receives the digital data. 5. The AD module according to claim 4 ,
The AD module, wherein the first male connector and the second male connector are male connectors having different shapes. 6. The AD module according to claim 5 ,
The AD module, wherein the first male connector is smaller than the second male connector. a first male connector that detachably mates with a female connector of another module that outputs digital data for controlling an actuator module configured to perform a mechanical operation;
a circuit configured to convert the digital data into an analog signal;
a second male connector configured to detachably mate with the female connector of the actuator module and to output the analog signal to the actuator module. 8. The DA module according to claim 7 ,
The DA module, wherein the first male connector and the second male connector are male connectors having different shapes. 9. The DA module according to claim 8 ,
The second male connector is smaller than the first male connector. a first male connector that detachably mates with a female connector of another module that outputs digital data for controlling an actuator module configured to perform a mechanical operation;
a circuit configured to convert the digital data into a pulse signal;
A DP module comprising at least a second male connector configured to detachably mate with the female connector of the actuator module and output the pulse signal to the actuator module. 11. The DP module of claim 10 ,
A DP module, wherein the first male connector and the second male connector are male connectors having different shapes. 12. The DP module of claim 11 ,
The DP module, wherein the second male connector is smaller than the first male connector.