KR-20260063937-A - ETHERNET-BASED SAFTY CONTROL PLC DEVICES

Abstract

The present invention relates to a PLC device related to functional safety. The safety control PLC device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of communication modules and a safety control module for controlling them. The safety control module satisfies a predetermined standard for functional safety and controls the plurality of communication modules. The communication module supports a RAPIEnet network and configures each network as a ring network, thereby facilitating the addition or expansion of an existing PLC network and providing the advantage of implementing a stable safety control function.

Inventors

• 윤건

Assignees

• 엘에스일렉트릭(주)

Dates

Publication Date

20260507

Application Date

20241031

Claims (8)

1. Multiple communication modules supporting Ethernet networks; and A safety control module for controlling the above plurality of communication modules to perform a safety control function of a predetermined standard; Includes, A safety control PLC device characterized in that each of the above plurality of communication modules forms an independent network.
2. In paragraph 1, A safety control PLC device characterized in that the above safety control module includes a plurality of safety control modules for controlling each of the plurality of communication modules.
3. In paragraph 1, A safety control PLC device characterized in that the communication module is a RAPIEnet (Real-time Automation Protocols for Industrial Ethernet) network support module.
4. In paragraph 1, A safety control PLC device characterized in that the independent network formed by the above communication module is a ring network.
5. In paragraph 1, A safety control PLC device characterized by the above safety control module further including a RAPIEnet network support function.
6. In paragraph 1, A safety control PLC device characterized in that the above safety control module transmits the same functional safety message multiple times when transmitting a functional safety message through the communication module.
7. A plurality of safety control modules that perform safety control functions according to predetermined specifications and include network communication functions; Includes, A safety control PLC device characterized in that each of the above plurality of safety control modules forms an independent network.
8. Communication module supporting Ethernet networks; A first safety control module for controlling the above communication module to perform a safety control function of a predetermined standard; and A second safety control module that includes network communication functions and performs safety control functions of predetermined specifications; Includes, A safety control PLC device characterized in that each of the above communication module and the second safety control module forms an independent network.

Description

Ethernet-based Safety Control PLC Devices The present invention relates to a PLC device configured as a communication network, and in particular to safety control network technology that provides safety functions. A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a control device used for automatic control or monitoring in factories. It receives sensor values, performs logical operations according to a user's pre-set program, and controls externally connected devices based on the results. Recent control systems tend to utilize network-based distributed control systems to enable flexible responses to installation, management, and expansion. Consequently, PLC systems are configured with various communication modules to allow connection to multiple networks. Recently, such network-based distributed control is widely used in the field of in-line control for finished vehicles. In-line control for finished vehicles is characterized by being composed of four main lines—press, body, painting, and assembly—and being modularized by field. Control of each line is performed by a high-performance PLC responsible for main functions, and each I/O and sub-PLC is interconnected via a network. Manufacturing sites configured with such PLC networks require the use of safety equipment for the safety of workers. The safety equipment must satisfy safety standards (IEC 61508, IEC 62061, ISO13849-1) and can be configured using a safety network (IEC 61784-3). Conventional safety controllers have limitations in that they are connected to safety equipment only through safety I/O connected to the controller, or even if they provide network functions, they operate with only a single network, making expansion impossible even when the system grows. The inventors of the present invention have been making research efforts to solve the problems of safety control devices of conventional PLC devices. Through extensive efforts to provide a safety control device capable of network expansion and division according to user needs by using a RAPIEnet network, the present invention has been completed. FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a safety control PLC device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a safety control PLC device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a safety control PLC device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a safety control PLC device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a safety message transmission method of a safety control PLC device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a safety function network according to the prior art. ※ It should be noted that the attached drawings are provided as examples for reference to help understand the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the rights of the present invention is not limited by them. Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, we will examine the configuration of the present invention as guided by various embodiments thereof and the effects derived therefrom. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known functions are omitted if they are deemed obvious to a person skilled in the art and could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Terms such as 'first' and 'second' may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms may be used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, 'first component' may be named 'second component,' and similarly, 'second component' may be named 'first component.' Furthermore, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention may be interpreted in the sense commonly known to those skilled in the art. Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, we will examine the configuration of the present invention as guided by various embodiments of the present invention and the effects derived therefrom. Figure 6 shows an example of a functional safety network configuration according to the prior art. The safety control PLC device (500) that performs safety control functions is a PLC device capable of performing safety functions that satisfy safety standards. Safety functions must be implemented in compliance with safety regulations of each country or according to on-site requirements for a safe working environment. To implement safety functions, safety controllers and safety I/O interfaces must be installed. Safety controllers and I/O are limited to products developed based on a separate