阅读说明：本技术 电气机器、通信装置及通信系统 (Electric machine, communication device, and communication system ) 是由 片冈信夫 水谷征尔 于 2019-09-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种电气机器等,根据连接目标的通信装置的种类切换动作模式而运行,便利性优异。电气机器(6)包括：叠加信号发送部(63),将数据信号以叠加于动作信号的叠加信号的形式发送至通信装置(输入单元4)；动作模式切换部(62),切换进行叠加信号的发送的通常动作模式、与不进行叠加信号的发送的低消耗电流模式；以及电流探测部(61),探测从通信装置供给的电流值,所述动作模式切换部在所述低消耗电流模式下,所述电流探测部探测到规定的阈值以上的电流的情况下,切换至所述通常动作模式。(The invention provides an electric apparatus, etc., which operates by switching an operation mode according to the type of a communication device of a connection target and has excellent convenience. The electric machine (6) comprises: a superimposed signal transmitting unit (63) that transmits the data signal to the communication device (input means (4)) as a superimposed signal superimposed on the operation signal; an operation mode switching unit (62) that switches between a normal operation mode in which the superimposed signal is transmitted and a low-current consumption mode in which the superimposed signal is not transmitted; and a current detection unit (61) that detects a current value supplied from the communication device, wherein the operation mode switching unit switches to the normal operation mode when the current detection unit detects a current equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold in the low-current consumption mode.)

1. An electrical machine comprising:

a superimposed signal transmitting unit that transmits an operation signal corresponding to a state of an operation element to an external communication device, or receives an operation signal for controlling the operation element from the communication device, and transmits a data signal representing predetermined information to the communication device as a superimposed signal superimposed on the operation signal;

an operation mode switching unit that switches between a normal operation mode in which the superimposed signal is transmitted and a low-current consumption mode in which the superimposed signal is not transmitted; and

a current detection unit that detects a current value supplied from the communication device,

the operation mode switching unit switches to the normal operation mode when the current detection unit detects a current equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold in the low-current consumption mode.

2. The electrical machine of claim 1,

the action element outputs an on/off signal as the action signal,

the superimposed signal transmitting unit transmits the motion signal to the communication device, and transmits the data signal to the communication device in the form of a superimposed signal superimposed on the motion signal.

3. The electric machine of claim 1 or 2,

the superimposed signal transmitting unit starts transmitting the superimposed signal when the current detecting unit detects that the current has changed to be smaller than a predetermined threshold value after detecting the current equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value.

4. The electric machine of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

a calculation unit for performing calculation processing of the superimposed signal transmission unit and the operation mode switching unit,

the operation unit sets the operation clock frequency in the low current consumption mode to be lower than the operation clock frequency in the normal operation mode.

5. The electric machine of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

a calculation unit for performing calculation processing of the superimposed signal transmission unit and the operation mode switching unit,

the operation unit is set to a standby state or a sleep state in the low-current consumption mode, and performs a normal operation in the normal operation mode.

6. The electric machine of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

a calculation unit for performing calculation processing of the superimposed signal transmission unit and the operation mode switching unit,

the arithmetic unit maintains itself in a reset state in the low-current consumption mode, and operates by releasing the reset state in the normal operation mode.

7. The electric machine of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

a calculation unit for performing calculation processing of the superimposed signal transmission unit and the operation mode switching unit,

further, the operation unit includes a first operation unit used in the case of operating in the normal operation mode and a second operation unit used in the case of operating in the low current consumption mode,

the operation mode switching unit switches operation of either the first arithmetic unit or the second arithmetic unit.

8. The electric machine of any one of claims 1 to 3,

the operation mode switching unit causes the current detection unit to periodically monitor the current value in the low current consumption mode.

9. A communication device capable of communicating with an electric machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and comprising:

an operation signal processing unit that detects the operation signal;

a data signal processing unit that extracts the data signal from the superimposed signal; and

and a current control unit that supplies a current to the electric device so that the current having a current value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value flows for a predetermined time after the electric device is started.

10. A communication system, comprising:

an electrical machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8; and

the communication device of claim 9, connected to the electrical machine.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electric machine and a receiving machine.

Background

Conventionally, there is a three-wire type electric apparatus (sensor or the like) that transmits and receives communication data in addition to transmission and reception of detection information. Such an electric device requires at least two power supply lines and one signal line for supplying power and inputting/outputting signals. One of three-wire communication methods is IO-Link (registered trademark). Non-patent document 1 is a specification of IO-Link.

Documents of the prior art

Non-patent document

Non-patent document 1: IO-Link Interface and System Specification, version 1.1.2, 7.2013, IO-Link Community (IO-Link Community), Order No:10.002, Overview of Single drop digital communication Interface 4.0 (4Overview of SDCI), p32-p37

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, the technique of non-patent document 1 has a problem that the number of wirings increases. In the technique of non-patent document 1, for example, a sensor converts a detection signal of the sensor into communication data and transmits the communication data to the outside. Therefore, there are problems that the time until the external device recognizes the detection signal becomes long, and the circuit configuration of the sensor and the external device becomes complicated because the conversion process is performed.

As an example of a technique for reducing the number of wirings, it is conceivable to reduce the number of wirings by using a superimposed signal in which a signal related to an operating element is superimposed on a data signal for communication. The current value of the superimposed signal output from the electric device supporting communication using the superimposed signal varies depending on the value of the data signal. Therefore, when the electric device is connected to a communication device that does not support communication using a superimposed signal, the communication device may erroneously detect a variation in the value of the data signal as switching ON (ON)/OFF (OFF) of the device.

An embodiment of the present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electric apparatus or the like that operates by switching an operation mode according to the type of a communication device to be connected, and that is excellent in convenience.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention adopts the following structure.

That is, an electric machine of an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a superimposed signal transmitting unit that transmits an operation signal corresponding to a state of an operation element to an external communication device, or receives an operation signal for controlling the operation element from the communication device, and transmits a data signal representing predetermined information to the communication device as a superimposed signal superimposed on the operation signal; an operation mode switching unit that switches between a normal operation mode in which the superimposed signal is transmitted and a low-current consumption mode in which the superimposed signal is not transmitted; and a current detection unit that detects a current value supplied from the communication device, wherein the operation mode switching unit switches to the normal operation mode when the current detection unit detects a current equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold in the low-current consumption mode.

A communication device of an aspect of the present disclosure can communicate with the electric machine of the present invention, and includes: an operation signal processing unit that detects the operation signal; a data signal processing unit that extracts the data signal from the superimposed signal; and a current control unit configured to supply a current to the electric device so that the current having a current value equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold flows for a predetermined time after the electric device is started.

A communication system of an aspect of the present disclosure includes: the electric machine of the aspect; and a communication device of the aspect connected to the electric machine.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electric device or the like that operates by switching an operation mode according to the type of a communication device to be connected and that is excellent in convenience.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a main structure of an electric device and an input unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of an electric device supporting a superimposed signal and an input unit serving as a communication device.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of a control system of an aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a signal waveform.

Fig. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of erroneous detection of ON/OFF of an electric device in an input unit as a communication device.

Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of the electric device and the input unit.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of switching of the operation mode in the electric device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, where (a) shows an example of a circuit for controlling a current supplied from the input unit to the electric device, (b) shows a time change of the circuit of (a) from power ON (ON), and (c) shows a time change of the electric device and the input unit from power ON (ON).

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a flow of an example of processing executed by an electric device and an input unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure, where (a) shows a flow of the electric device, and (b) shows a flow of the input unit.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of switching of the operation mode in the electric device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, (a) shows an outline of input and output of the transmission control circuit, and (b) shows a time change from power-ON (ON) of the electric device and the input unit.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of an electric machine and an example of processing performed by an input unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure, where (a) shows a flow of the electric machine, and (b) shows a flow of the input unit.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of switching of the operation mode in the electric device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, (a) shows an outline of input and output of the transmission control circuit, and (b) shows a time change from power-ON (ON) of the electric device and the input unit.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a flow of an example of processing executed by an electric device and an input unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure, where (a) shows a flow of the electric device, and (b) shows a flow of the input unit.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of switching of the operation mode in the electric device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, (a) shows an outline of input and output of the first transmission control circuit and the second transmission control circuit, and (b) shows a temporal change from power-ON (ON) of the electric device and the input unit.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a flow of processes executed by an electric machine and an input unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure, where (a) shows a flow of a first transmission control circuit, (b) shows a flow of a second transmission control circuit, and (c) shows a flow of an input unit.

Fig. 15 shows a time change from power-ON (ON) of the electric device and the input unit according to the aspect of the present disclosure.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a flow of an example of processing executed by an electric device and an input unit according to an aspect of the present disclosure, where (a) shows a flow of the electric device, and (b) shows a flow of the input unit.

Detailed Description

Configuration example based on 1

(Structure of electric machine and communication device supporting superimposed signals)

Before describing an electric apparatus or the like according to an aspect of the present disclosure, a configuration of an electric apparatus or the like supporting communication using a superimposed signal in which a signal related to an operating element is superimposed on a data signal will be described with reference to fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of an electric device supporting a superimposed signal and an input unit serving as a communication device. Here, the electric machine 6 (limit switch) and the input unit 4 are described as an example. The electric machine 6 and the input unit 4 are connected to each other by a pair of signal lines 21 and 22. The signal line 21 is connected to the first input terminal 31 of the input unit 4 and the first terminal 11 of the electric machine 6. The signal line 22 is connected to the second input terminal 32 of the input unit 4 and the second terminal 12 of the electric machine 6. A power supply 20 is provided in a path of the signal line 21. The power supply 20 is a dc power supply that generates a predetermined voltage (here, 24V).

The electric machine 6 includes a first terminal 11, a second terminal 12, an operating element 13, a potential difference generating circuit 14, and a transmission circuit 15. The transmission circuit 15 includes a voltage step-down circuit 16, a data generation circuit 17, a superimposing circuit 18, and a diagnostic circuit 19. The actuating element 13 is connected between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12. The potential difference generating circuit 14 is connected in series with the operating element 13 in a current-carrying path between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12. The potential of the second terminal 12 changes according to the state of the operating element 13. That is, the second terminal 12 outputs an output signal (operation signal) corresponding to the state of the operation element 13 to the outside (signal line 22).

The transmission circuit 15 is connected between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12. The transmission circuit 15 operates with the voltage between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 as a power supply. The voltage-reducing circuit 16 reduces the voltage between the first terminal 11 and the second terminal 12 to a predetermined voltage, and outputs the predetermined voltage to the data generating circuit 17. The data generation circuit 17 operates using the voltage applied from the voltage step-down circuit 16, and generates transmission data to be transmitted to the input unit 4. The transmission data includes, for example, an identifier (ID information) unique to the electric device 6. The data generation circuit 17 outputs the transmission data to the superimposing circuit 18. The superimposing circuit 18 superimposes the received transmission data on the output signal as a data signal. Thereby, the transmission circuit 15 outputs a superimposed signal in which the data signal is superimposed on the output signal, from the second terminal 12 to the signal line 22.

The diagnostic circuit 19 operates using the voltage applied from the voltage-reducing circuit 16, and generates diagnostic data indicating diagnostic information of the electrical machine 6. The diagnostic circuit 19 includes a check circuit related to an element (for example, the operating element 13) of the electric machine 6, and generates diagnostic data indicating whether the electric machine 6 is normal or not, based on whether or not an output of the check circuit is normal. The diagnostic circuit 19 outputs diagnostic data (diagnostic information) to the data generation circuit 17. The data generation circuit 17 may include the diagnostic data in the transmission data.

The input unit 4 includes a first input terminal 31, a second input terminal 32, an input circuit 33, an extraction circuit 34, an error detection circuit 35, and a unit control circuit 36. In fig. 1, the configuration of the transmission section to the controller 3 is not illustrated. The potential of the first input terminal 31 is maintained constant (for example, Ground (GND)). The superimposed signal is input from the signal line 22 to the second input terminal 32.

The input circuit 33 extracts an output signal from the superimposed signal, and outputs the output signal to the unit control circuit 36. The extraction circuit 34 extracts a data signal from the superimposed signal and outputs the data signal to the error detection circuit 35. The error detection circuit 35 performs error detection on the data signal by using any data verification method such as Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) or Manchester coding (Manchester coding). The error detection circuit 35 outputs the data signal and the error detection result to the cell control circuit 36. In addition, when an error is detected from the data signal, the error detection circuit 35 may not output the data signal to the cell control circuit 36. The unit control circuit 36 outputs the output signal and the data signal to the controller 3. The error detection Circuit 35 and the cell control Circuit 36 may include, for example, an Integrated Circuit (IC) or a plurality of ICs.

(configuration of communication System 1)

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the structure of a communication system including an electric machine 6 supporting a superimposed signal. The communication system 1 includes a PC 2 (personal computer, information processing device), a controller 3, an input unit 4, an output unit 5, and electric devices 6 to 10. The PC 2 is connected to the controller 3. The PC 2 receives information on the electric devices 6 to 10 from the controller 3, and transmits a control command to the controller 3. The controller 3 is connected to the input unit 4 and the output unit 5. The controller 3 transmits signals for operating the electrical devices 6 to 10 or controlling the electrical devices 6 to 10 to the input unit 4 and the output unit 5 in accordance with the control commands. The controller 3 transmits signals from the electric devices 6 to 10 received via the input unit 4 or the output unit 5 to the PC 2.

The electric devices 6 and 7 are operated by the electric power supplied from the input unit 4, and signals corresponding to the states of the operating elements included in the electric devices 6 and 7 are transmitted to the input unit 4. Here, the electric machine 6 is a limit switch including a switch as an operating element. The electric machine 7 is a sensor including a sensing element as an action element. When the electric machine 6 is a limit switch and the electric machine 7 is a sensor, the operation element 13 can output an on/off signal as an output signal (operation signal). Hereinafter, a case where the electric device 6 is a limit switch will be described, and the same applies to a case where the electric device 7 is a sensor.

The output unit 5 (receiving device) is connected to the electric devices 8 to 10. Each of the electric devices 8 to 10 is connected to the output unit 5 through a pair of signal lines. The output unit 5 operates the electric devices 8 to 10 and controls the electric devices 8 to 10 based on instructions from the PC 2 and the controller 3. The output unit 5 transmits data signals received from the electric devices 8 to 10 to the controller 3. The output unit 5 may receive the superimposed signals from the electric machines 8 to 10, and extract the data signal from the received superimposed signals. Further, the output unit 5 can determine the communication state between the output unit 5 and the electric machine. In addition, the output unit 5 may output the determination result to the controller 3.

The electric machines 8 to 10 are operated by the electric power supplied from the output unit 5, and are controlled by the control signal received from the output unit 5. Here, the electric machine 8 is a relay device including a coil as an operating element. The electric machine 9 is a solenoid valve including a coil as an operating element. The electric machine 10 is an electric actuator including a coil as an operating element.

(operation of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 in communication Using superimposed signals)

With respect to the operation of the electric device and the communication apparatus in communication using the superimposed signal, an example of the operation of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 will be described with reference to fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows the same configuration as the combination of the electric device 7 and the input unit 4, and the combination of any one of the electric devices 8 to 10 and the output unit 5. Fig. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a signal waveform. Fig. 4 (a) shows a case where the cycle of the output signal (operation signal) is longer than the cycle of the data signal, and (b) shows a case where the cycle of the output signal is shorter than the cycle of the data signal. The output signal is superimposed with the data signal to form a superimposed signal. The waveform of the superimposed signal is obtained by superimposing the waveform of the output signal and the waveform of the data signal. The amplitude of the output signal is greater than the amplitude of the data signal. Therefore, the original values of the output signal and the data signal can be known from the superimposed signal. Here, the output signal is H when the switch of the electric device 6 is ON (ON), and L when the switch of the electric device 6 is OFF (OFF).

The values of the superimposed signals are divided into L1, L2, H1 and H2 from low to high. If the superimposed signal is within the range of L, the output signal is L. L ranges include L1 and L2. If the superimposed signal is in the H range higher than the L range, the output signal is H. H ranges include H1 and H2. In the case where the superimposed signal is L1 or H1, the data signal is L. In the case where the superimposed signal is L2 or H2, the data signal is H.

When receiving the superimposed signal from the electric machine 6, the input unit 4 determines whether the output signal is H or L (whether the switch of the electric machine 6 is ON (ON) or OFF (OFF)) based ON the superimposed signal. In addition, the input unit 4 may extract a data signal from the superimposed signal and output information corresponding to the data signal to the outside.

In this way, the input unit 4 can determine whether the switch of the electric machine 6 is ON (ON) or OFF (OFF) based ON the superimposed signal, and also perform processing corresponding to the data signal.

The input means 4 can output the identifier and the positional information of the electric device 6 to the outside together with information indicating disconnection of the wiring and the like. The PC 2 can inform the user of the communication state between the input unit 4 and the electric machine 6 in three categories such as normal, warning, and failure, according to information received from the input unit 4 via the controller 3. The user can judge whether or not maintenance of the electric machine 6 is required by acquiring information on the state of communication between the input unit 4 and the electric machine 6 by using the PC 2.

(error detection of input Unit)

In fig. 4, it is assumed that both the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 support communication using a superimposed signal. However, in the case where the input unit 4 does not support the superimposed signal, this input unit 4 may erroneously detect ON (ON)/OFF (OFF) of the switch of the electric machine 6. An example of the erroneous detection by the input unit 4 will be described with reference to fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of erroneous detection of ON/OFF of the electric device 6 in the input unit 4 as the communication device.

As explained using fig. 4, the electrical machine 6 supporting the superimposed signal transmits the superimposed signal having a value in the H range to the input unit 4 in the form of an output signal of H in the case where the switch is turned ON (ON). Likewise, the electric machine 6 transmits a superimposed signal having a value in the L range to the input unit 4 in the form of an output signal of L in the case where the switch is OFF (OFF). At this time, the superimposed signal includes the output signal and the data signal, and thus the current value indicated by the superimposed signal is larger than the current value indicated by the output signal.

On the other hand, it is assumed that only the output signal is input to the input unit 4 that does not support the superimposed signal. That is, the input unit 4 is substantially assured of determining that the switch of the electric machine 6 is OFF (OFF) based on the superimposed signal shown by L1 in the figure in which the influence of the data signal is small. However, the input unit 4 does not necessarily determine that the switch of the electric device 6 is OFF (OFF) reliably based on the superimposed signal having a large influence of the data signal as shown in L2.

For example, the threshold value for determining that the input unit 4 that does not support the superimposed signal is OFF (OFF) of the switch of the electric appliance 6 is assumed as "input OFF (OFF) current" in the drawing. That is, the input unit 4 determines ON (ON)/OFF (OFF) of the electric machine 6 based ON the input OFF (OFF) current of L2 > input OFF (OFF) current > L1. At this time, if the switch of the electric machine 6 supporting the superimposed signal is OFF (OFF), and the electric machine 6 transmits the superimposed signal having a value of L2 to the input unit 4, the input unit 4 erroneously detects that the switch of the electric machine 6 is ON (ON) according to L2 > input OFF (OFF) current. Since the value of the input OFF current differs depending on the type of the input unit 4, individual difference, or the like, if the electrical device 6 supporting the superimposed signal is connected to the input unit 4 not supporting the superimposed signal and used, the above-described erroneous detection may occur, which is not preferable.

As a method of preventing the erroneous detection, for example, it is preferable that the electric machine 6 detects whether or not the input unit 4 supports communication using the superimposed signal. If it is detected whether or not the input unit 4 supports communication using the superimposed signal, the electric device 6 can switch between an operation mode of transmitting the superimposed signal and an operation mode of transmitting only the output signal, for example. The switching of the operation mode is preferably performed based on information acquired by the electric device 6 from the input unit 4, and may be, for example, a current value of a current supplied from the input unit 4 to the electric device 6.

Construction example 2

(Structure of electric machine and input Unit)

Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of an electric device 6 and an input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of essential structures of an electric apparatus 6 and an input unit 4 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In the following description, it is assumed that both the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 support communication using a superimposed signal. In addition, the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 that support communication using a superimposed signal are described below, but the same technical idea can be applied to the electric device 8, the electric device 9, the electric device 10, and the output unit 5 that support communication using a superimposed signal.

When a current having a current value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value is supplied from the input means 4 while the electric device 6 is operating in the low-current consumption mode, the operation mode can be switched to the normal operation mode. The electric machine 6 includes a current detection unit 61 and a transmission control circuit 15A, and the transmission control circuit 15A includes an operation mode switching unit 62 and a superimposed signal transmission unit 63.

The electric machine 6 is a machine that can communicate with the input unit 4 using a superimposed signal. The electric device 6 can be operated in two operation modes, a normal operation mode in which the superimposed signal is transmitted and a low-current consumption mode in which the superimposed signal is not transmitted. The normal operation mode and the low-current consumption mode may be not only whether or not the superimposed signal is transmitted, but also, for example, the operation clock frequency in the low-current consumption mode of the transmission control circuit 15A may be set lower than the operation clock frequency in the normal operation mode.

The current detection section 61 detects a current value supplied from the input unit 4. The current detection unit 61 sends the detected current value to the operation mode switching unit 62.

The transmission control circuit 15A corresponds to the transmission circuit 15 of fig. 2. That is, the transmission control circuit 15A further includes a data generation circuit 17, a superimposing circuit 18, a diagnostic circuit 19, and the like, which are not shown in fig. 1. The data generation circuit 17, the diagnosis circuit 19, and the operation mode switching unit 62 can be realized by, for example: a Microprocessor (MPU) executes a program command, which is software for realizing each function, using information stored in a memory.

The operation mode switching unit 62 can switch the operation mode of the electric device 6 between the normal operation mode and the low-current consumption mode based on the current value received from the current detection unit 61. More specifically, the operation mode switching unit 62 is configured to switch the operation mode of the electric device 6 to the normal operation mode when the current detecting unit 61 detects a current equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value.

The operation mode switching unit 62 may define each of the plurality of operation modes as a normal operation mode or a low-current consumption mode, for example, or may switch to a third operation mode other than the normal operation mode and the low-current consumption mode.

The superimposed signal transmitting unit 63 transmits the superimposed signal, in which the transmission data (data signal) generated by the data generating circuit 17 is superimposed on the operation signal output from the operation element 13 by the superimposing circuit 18, to the input unit 4.

The input unit 4 includes an operation signal processing unit 41, a data signal processing unit 42, and a current control unit 43. The input unit 4 is a receiving device (communication device) which is connected to a plurality of electric devices so as to be capable of communicating with each other and which is capable of receiving a superimposed signal from each of the electric devices. In the illustrated example, an electric device 6 and an electric device 7 are connected to the input unit 4, respectively. That is, the input unit 4 can receive the superimposed signal from the electric machine 6 and the electric machine 7. In the present operation example, the input unit 4 periodically receives the data signal included in the superimposed signal from the electric machine 6 and the electric machine 7. In addition, the reception of the data signal need not be periodic. The connection between the input unit and the electric machines 6 and 7 is realized by a pair of signal lines, for example. The input unit 4 may extract a data signal from the received superimposed signal, determine a communication state between the electric device that is the transmission source of the superimposed signal and itself, and output the result to the controller 3. The input unit 4 constitutes a communication system 1 as shown in fig. 3 together with a plurality of devices including an electric device 6, an electric device 7, and a controller 3.

The input means 4 is configured to determine whether or not a communication error occurs in a transition period of values of the operation signals of the electric machine 6 and the electric machine 7 when the communication error is detected in the communication with the electric machine 6 and the electric machine 7 with respect to the communication state with the electric machine 6 and the electric machine 7. Further, communication errors detected in a period other than the transition period include, for example, a communication error caused by repeated momentary interruption when the contact point of the switch is in an unstable state, a communication error caused by external noise, and disconnection of wiring.

The operation signal processing unit 41 can detect an output signal (operation signal) from the superimposed signal. The operation signal processing unit 41 corresponds to the input circuit 33 in fig. 2, and transmits the detected output signal to a control circuit (corresponding to the unit control circuit 36 in fig. 2) not shown.

The data signal processing section 42 may extract a data signal from the superimposed signal. The data signal processing unit 42 corresponds to the extraction circuit 34 in fig. 2, and performs error detection on the extracted data signal as necessary, and then transmits the data signal to a control circuit (corresponding to the unit control circuit 36 in fig. 2) not shown.

The current control unit 43 may supply a current to the electric device 6 so that the current having a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value flows for a certain time after the electric device 6 is started. The current control unit 43 can control the current value of the current supplied to the electric device 6, for example, in accordance with an instruction from a control circuit (not shown) (corresponding to the unit control circuit 36 in fig. 2).

(Circuit configuration of electric machine and input Unit)

Fig. 6 is an example of the circuit configuration of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, a description of a part of the circuit described with reference to fig. 2 is omitted.

In the electric machine 6, the current detection portion 61 can detect the current value of the current supplied from the input unit 4 using the resistor R1. The current detection unit 61 may be configured as shown in fig. 6 using an amplifier U1 and an amplifier U2 that operate as comparators, and resistors R2 to R8. The current detector 61 amplifies and adjusts the output of a signal indicating the current value detected by using the resistor R1 by using the amplifier U1 and the amplifier U2, and outputs the signal to the operation mode switching unit 62 included in the transmission circuit 15.

When the transmission circuit 15 receives a signal indicating that a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value is detected from the current detection unit 61 when the operation mode of the electric device 6 is the low-current consumption mode, the operation mode switching unit 62 switches the operation mode of the electric device 6 to the normal operation mode. Then, the transmission circuit 15 uses the superimposed signal transmission unit 63 to transmit a superimposed signal in which the data signal is superimposed on the output signal to the input unit 4.

In the input cell 4, the current control unit 43 turns ON (ON) the transistor TR1 for a certain time in accordance with an instruction from the cell control circuit 36. The current control unit 43 may be configured as shown in fig. 6 using a transistor TR1, a resistor R10 to a resistor R12, and the like. That is, the current control unit 43 receives the signal output from the cell control circuit 36 as a base current, and controls the current to flow between the collector and the emitter for a certain period of time through the resistor R12. In other words, when the transistor TR1 is turned ON (ON), the current value of the current supplied from the input unit 4 to the electric device 6 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

By configuring the current control unit 43 of the input unit 4 to have the circuit configuration as described above, the input unit 4 can supply a current having a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value to the electric device 6 for a certain period of time. By configuring the current detection unit 61 of the electric device 6 as described above to have the circuit configuration, the electric device 6 can switch the operation mode and transmit the superimposed signal to the input unit 4 when a current having a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value is supplied from the input unit 4. Further, the input unit 4 can extract an output signal from the superimposed signal by the input circuit 33, and transmit the output signal to the unit control circuit 36.

In the case where the input means 4 is configured without the current control unit 43 as shown in fig. 2, the input means 4 does not supply a current having a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value to the electric device 6. At this time, the electric device 6 does not switch the operation mode from the low-current consumption mode to the normal operation mode. Therefore, the electric machine 6 according to one aspect of the present disclosure can be operated by switching the operation mode according to the type of the input unit 4 as a connection target.

In addition, when the electric device 6 is configured without the current detection unit 61 as shown in fig. 2, since it is not possible to detect the current having the current value equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value supplied from the input unit 4, the electric device 6 does not switch the operation mode and does not transmit the superimposed signal. Therefore, the input unit 4 according to an aspect of the present disclosure can make the signal received by the input unit 4 different between a case where the electric device 6 capable of transmitting the superimposed signal is connected and a case where the electric device 6 incapable of transmitting the superimposed signal is connected.

(specific example of operation mode switching)

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of switching of the operation mode in the electric apparatus 6 according to the aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 (a) shows an example of a circuit for controlling the current supplied from the input unit 4 to the electric device 6, and fig. 7 (b) shows a time change from power-ON (ON) of the circuit of fig. 7 (a). Fig. 7 (c) shows a time change from power-ON (ON) of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4. In the following description, it is assumed that the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 have the circuit configuration shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 7 (a) is a circuit example of a part of the cell control circuit 36 for supplying a current having a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value from the input cell 4 to the electric device 6 for a certain period of time. In the example of the figure, "DC" represents a direct current supplied from the power supply 20, "ResetIC" is a circuit that generates a reset signal, and "Timer" is a circuit that delays and outputs an input signal. The reset signal generated by the reset ic using the dc current supplied from the power supply 20 is input to the Timer and an Exclusive-OR gate (XOR gate). The XOR gate inputs a result of a logical operation based on the input contents of the two systems connected to the ResetIC and the Timer to the base of the transistor TR1 of fig. 6.

Fig. 7 (b) shows a time change from power-ON (ON) of the circuit of fig. 7 (a). In the illustrated example, "DC-ON" indicates a timing at which the power supply 20 is started, and "ResetIC", "Timer", and "TR 1 (Base)" respectively indicate items of the same name as in (a) of fig. 7.

First, if the power supply 20 is turned on, a reset signal is input from the ResetIC to the Timer and XOR gates. Since no signal is input from the "Timer" side among the two-system inputs of the XOR gate, the XOR gate performs a logical operation such that a signal indicating ON (ON) is input to the base of the transistor TR 1. At this time, a delay denoted as "Reset delay" occurs until the "ResetIC" outputs the Reset signal.

After the reset signal is input to the base of the transistor TR1, the delayed output reset signal is input from "Timer" to the XOR gate. For the XOR gate, the reset signal is input from both systems, and thus the result of the logical operation is that the XOR gate inputs a signal indicating OFF to the base of the transistor TR 1. At this time, the time when the "Timer" inputs the reset signal to the XOR gate is a time delay represented as "Timer delay" in the drawing. In this way, the input unit 4 can turn ON (ON) the transistor TR1 during a time period denoted as "Timer delay".

With reference to fig. 7 (c), a change in time from power-ON (ON) of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 will be described. In the example of the figure, "DC" represents a current supplied from the power supply 20 to the electric machine 6 and the input unit 4, and "TR 1" represents ON/OFF of the transistor TR 1. The "supply current" indicates the magnitude of the current supplied from the input unit 4 to the electric device 6, and the "transmission control circuit" indicates the state of the transmission control circuit 15A of the electric device 6.

First, when the power supply 20 is started, the transmission control circuit 15A of the electric device 6 releases the reset state, performs initial processing, and then starts operation in the low current consumption mode. Then, as described with reference to fig. 7 (b), the transistor TR1 is turned ON (ON) for a certain time, and the "supply current" has a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value. Then, when the transistor TR1 is turned OFF (OFF) after a certain time has elapsed, the "supply current" returns to a current value smaller than the predetermined threshold value. When the current detector 61 detects that the "supply current" has increased from less than the predetermined threshold to equal to or more than the predetermined threshold and then decreases to less than the predetermined threshold again, the transmission control circuit 15A of the electric device 6 is switched to the normal operation mode by the operation mode switching unit 62. Thus, the electric machine 6 can switch the operation mode based on the current value.

Action example 3

(treatment procedure)

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow executed by the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 (a) shows a flow of the electric device 6, and fig. 8 (b) shows a flow of the input unit 4. In the following description, it is assumed that the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 are connected to the power supply 20 in the same manner as in fig. 6.

First, a flow of the electric machine 6 will be described with reference to fig. 8 (a). First, the power supply of the electric machine 6 is turned ON (ON) (S1). At the time point of S1, the power supply 20 is not activated, and thus the electric machine 6 is not activated, and is in the reset state. After S1, when the power supply 20 is started by the processing of S12 described later, the supply of current to the electric device 6 is started. When the electric device 6 receives the current supply, the reset state is released (S2). Next, when the reset state is released, the electric machine 6 executes the initialization process, and after the initialization process is completed, the operation is started in the low-current consumption mode. That is, in the electric device 6, the operation mode switching unit 62 sets the operation mode to the low current consumption mode (S3).

After S3, the current detection unit 61 starts detecting the current having a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value supplied from the input unit 4 (S4). When the current supplied from the input unit 4 increases by the processing of S13 described later, the current detection unit 61 detects that a current having a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value is supplied from the input unit 4 (YES in S4), and the processing proceeds to S5. In S5, the current detection unit 61 detects that the current value of the current supplied from the input unit 4 has dropped from a predetermined threshold value to less than the predetermined threshold value (S5). When the current supplied from the input unit 4 decreases by the processing of S15 described later, the current detection unit 61 detects this as a decrease in current (YES in S5). Further, the current detector 61 instructs the operation mode switching unit 62 to switch the operation mode of the electric device 6 from the low current consumption mode to the normal operation mode. Next, the operation mode switching unit 62 sets the normal operation mode in accordance with the instruction (S6).

Through the above processing, the electric machine 6 of one aspect of the present disclosure can switch the operation mode based on a change in the current value of the current supplied from the input unit 4. That is, when the input means 4 for changing the current value of the supplied current is connected to the electric device 6, the superimposed signal can be transmitted to the input means 4. In addition, although fig. 8 (a) is configured to continue the low-current consumption mode until the current detection unit 61 detects a decrease in the current value, the switching to the normal operation mode may be performed at a point in time when the current detection unit 61 detects a current value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Next, the flow of the input section 4 will be described with reference to fig. 8 (b). First, the power supply of the input unit 4 is turned ON (ON) (S11), and the power supply 20 is activated (S12). When the electric device 6 is powered ON (ON) by the processing of S1 described above, the input unit 4 is electrically connected to the electric device 6 at the time point of S12.

After S12, in input section 4, current control unit 43 increases the current supplied to electric device 6 so that the current has a current value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (S13). When a certain time has elapsed after the start of the supply of the increased current in S13 (YES in S14), current control unit 43 decreases the current supplied to electric device 6 so that the current has a current value smaller than a predetermined threshold value (S15). After S15, the input unit 4 starts the reception operation for the superimposed signal (S16). That is, after the electric machine 6 performs the above-described processing of S5 and S6 based on S15, the electric machine 6 starts transmitting the superimposed signal.

Through the above processing, the input unit 4 according to an aspect of the present disclosure may cause the electric machine 6 to transmit the superimposed signal by changing a current value of the current supplied to the electric machine 6. The input unit 4 can acquire the output signal and the data signal from the superimposed signal received from the electric device 6 using the operation signal processing unit 41 and the data signal processing unit 42, respectively, and execute processing necessary for performing processing according to the content of each signal.

The electric machine 6 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may determine whether or not the input unit 4 connected thereto supports the superimposed signal, and start transmitting the superimposed signal if the superimposed signal is supported. That is, the low-current consumption mode of the electric machine 6 may be defined as any operation mode as long as it can determine whether or not the input unit 4 supports the superimposed signal without transmitting the superimposed signal. Similarly, the normal operation mode may be defined as any operation mode as long as the superimposed signal can be transmitted.

In the above-described configuration example, the operation mode switching unit 62 of the electric device 6 is configured to switch the operation mode of the electric device 6 to the normal operation mode when the current detecting unit 61 detects a current equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value. For example, the operation mode switching unit 62 may switch the operation mode of the electric device 6 to the normal operation mode when the current value of the current detected by the current detecting unit 61 varies in a predetermined pattern. When the pattern of the fluctuation of the current value is set as the condition for switching the operation mode, the operation mode can be switched without being affected by noise or the like to the current.

Modification example 1 § 4

The electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to fig. 1, 9, and 10.

(Structure of electric machine and input Unit)

The configuration of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to fig. 1. The input unit 4 is the same as the input unit 4 of the above configuration example.

The basic structure of the electric machine 6 is the same as the above-described structural example, but differs in the following points: in the low current consumption mode, the standby state (standby state) or the sleep state (sleep state) is set. That is, when the current detector 61 detects a current having a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value while the electric machine 6 is operating in the low-consumption current mode, the electric machine can be returned from the standby state or the sleep state to the normal operation mode.

(specific example of operation mode switching)

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of switching of the operation mode in the electric apparatus 6 according to the aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 (a) shows an outline of input and output of the transmission control circuit 15A, and (b) shows a time change from power-ON (ON) of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4. In the following description, it is assumed that the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 have the circuit configuration shown in fig. 6, and the current detection unit 61 transmits the recovery signal at a time point when it detects that the current value has increased to a predetermined threshold value or more and then decreases to a value smaller than the predetermined threshold value again.

Fig. 9 (a) shows that when the MPU (arithmetic unit) 65 that performs the arithmetic processing of the superimposition signal transmission unit 63 and the operation mode switching unit 62 receives the return signal from the current detection unit 61, the MPU returns from the standby state or the sleep state to the normal operation mode, and starts transmitting the superimposition signal to the input unit 4. That is, when the current detection unit 61 detects a current value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, it transmits a recovery signal to the MPU 65.

With reference to fig. 9 (b), a change in time from power-ON (ON) of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 will be described. In the drawing example, the same items as those in fig. 7 (c) are shown.

First, when the power supply 20 is started, the MPU 65 of the electric appliance 6 releases the reset state, performs initial processing, and then starts operation in a standby state or a sleep state as a low-current consumption mode. Then, the transistor TR1 is turned ON (ON)/OFF (OFF) to increase the "supply current" from less than a predetermined threshold value to a predetermined threshold value or more, and then to decrease again to less than the predetermined threshold value. When detecting this, the current detection unit 61 transmits a recovery signal to the MPU 65, and the operation mode switching unit 62 in the MPU 65 switches to the normal operation mode based on the recovery signal. Thus, the electric machine 6 can switch the operation mode based on the current value.

(treatment procedure)

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow executed by the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 (a) shows a flow of the electric device 6, and fig. 10 (b) shows a flow of the input unit 4. In the following description, the same processing as in each of fig. 8 will not be described. The flow of the input unit 4 shown in fig. 10 (b) is exactly the same as that in fig. 8 (b).

The flow of the electric machine 6 will be described with reference to fig. 10 (a). After the reset state of the electric device 6 is released in S2, the operation mode switching unit 62 sets the standby state or the sleep state as the low current consumption mode (S21). The subsequent processing from S3 to S6 is the same as in the above configuration example.

By the above processing, the consumption current during the operation of the electric device 6 in the low consumption current mode can be minimized.

Modification 2 § 5

The electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to fig. 1, 11, and 12.

(Structure of electric machine and input Unit)

The configuration of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to fig. 1 and 11 (a). The input unit 4 is the same as the input unit 4 of the above configuration example.

The basic structure of the electric machine 6 is the same as the above-described structural example, but a part of the structure is different. As shown in fig. 11 (a), the following are different: the electric machine 6 further includes a reset circuit 64 between the current detection unit 61 and the MPU 65. That is, the current detection unit 61 sends the result of detecting the current value of the current supplied from the input unit 4 to the electric machine 6 to the reset circuit 64. Upon receiving the detection result from the current detection unit 61, the reset circuit 64 transmits a reset signal to the MPU 65 to maintain the reset state while the current value of the current supplied from the input unit 4 to the electric device 6 is smaller than the predetermined threshold value. The MPU 65 maintains the reset state during the period of receiving the reset signal from the reset circuit 64, and switches the operation mode to the normal operation mode when the transmission of the reset signal from the reset circuit 64 is stopped. That is, the electric machine 6 sets the reset state as the low consumption current mode.

(specific example of operation mode switching)

Fig. 11 (b) shows a specific example of switching the operation mode of the electric device 6 according to the aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 (b) shows a time change from power-ON (ON) of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4. In the following description, it is assumed that the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 have the circuit configuration shown in fig. 6. In the example of the figure, the items having the same names as those in fig. 7 (c) indicate the same contents, and "reset circuit output" indicates whether or not a reset signal is output from the reset circuit 64 to the MPU 65.

First, when the power supply 20 is started, the reset circuit 64 of the electric appliance 6 starts outputting the reset signal to the MPU 65, and the MPU 65 maintains the reset state based on the reset signal. Then, when the "supply current" rises from less than the predetermined threshold to the predetermined threshold or more by ON/OFF of the transistor TR1, the reset circuit 64 stops outputting the reset signal based ON the detection result of the current detection unit 61. Subsequently, the MPU 65 cancels the reset state based on the interruption of the reset signal, performs initial processing, and then operates in the normal operation mode. Thus, the electric machine 6 can switch the operation mode based on the current value.

(treatment procedure)

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow executed by the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 (a) shows a flow of the electric device 6, and fig. 12 (b) shows a flow of the input unit 4. In the following description, the same processing as in each of fig. 8 will not be described. The flow of the input unit 4 shown in fig. 12 (b) is exactly the same as that in fig. 8 (b).

The flow of the electric machine 6 will be described with reference to fig. 12 (a). In the electric apparatus 6, after the power is turned ON (ON) in S1, the reset state is maintained based ON the reset signal transmitted from the reset circuit 64 to the MPU 65 (S31). Then, the electric machine 6 proceeds to the process of S4.

When the current supplied from the input unit 4 increases by the processing at S13 and the current detecting unit 61 detects a current equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value (YES at S4), the reset circuit 64 stops transmitting the reset signal, and thus the operation mode switching unit 62 of the MPU 65 sets the normal operation mode (S6).

By the above processing, the MPU 65 maintains the reset state in the low current consumption mode of the electric device 6, and thus the current consumption of the MPU 65 can be minimized.

Modification 3 § 6

The electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to fig. 1, 13, and 14.

(Structure of electric machine and input Unit)

The configuration of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to fig. 1 and 13 (a). The input unit 4 is the same as the input unit 4 of the above configuration example.

The basic structure of the electric machine 6 is the same as the above-described structural example, but a part of the structure is different. As shown in fig. 13 (a), the following are different: the electric machine 6 includes two MPUs, a first MPU 65A and a second MPU 65B, instead of the MPU 65. In other words, the MPU 65 includes the first MPU 65A and the second MPU 65B.

The first MPU 65A is a transmission control circuit used when the electric appliance 6 operates in the normal operation mode, and the second MPU 65B is a transmission control circuit used when the electric appliance 6 operates in the low-current consumption mode. The operation mode switching unit 62 switches the MPU used for operation between the first MPU 65A and the second MPU 65B.

As shown in fig. 13 (a), the current detection section 61 transmits a result of detecting the current value of the current supplied from the input unit 4 to the electric machine 6 to the second MPU 65B. When receiving the detection result from the current detection unit 61, the second MPU 65B transmits a reset signal to the first MPU 65A to maintain the reset state while the current value of the current supplied from the input unit 4 to the electric device 6 is smaller than the predetermined threshold value. The first MPU 65A maintains the reset state during the period of receiving the reset signal from the second MPU 65B, and switches the operation mode to the normal operation mode when the transmission of the reset signal from the second MPU 65B is stopped. That is, the electric machine 6 sets the reset state as the low consumption current mode.

(specific example of operation mode switching)

A specific example of switching the operation mode in the electric device 6 according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to fig. 13 (b). Fig. 13 (b) shows a time change from power-ON (ON) of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4. In the following description, it is assumed that the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 have the circuit configuration shown in fig. 6. In the drawing example, the items having the same names as those in fig. 7 (c) are shown as the same contents. The "first MPU" indicates the state of the first MPU 65A, and the "second MPU" indicates the state of the second MPU 65B.

First, when the power supply 20 is started, the second MPU 65B starts outputting a reset signal to the first MPU 65A, and the first MPU 65A maintains the reset state based on the reset signal. Then, when the "supply current" rises from less than the predetermined threshold to the predetermined threshold or more by ON/OFF of the transistor TR1, the second MPU 65B stops outputting the reset signal based ON the detection result of the current detection unit 61. Next, the first MPU 65A cancels the reset state based on the interruption of the reset signal, performs initial processing, and then operates in the normal operation mode. Thus, the electric machine 6 can switch the operation mode based on the current value.

(treatment procedure)

Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow executed by the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 14 (a) shows a flow of the first MPU 65A, and fig. 14 (B) shows a flow of the second MPU 65B. Fig. 14 (b) shows a flow of the input unit 4. In the following description, the same processing as in each of fig. 8 will not be described. The flow of the input unit 4 shown in fig. 14 (c) is exactly the same as that in fig. 8 (b).

The flow of the first MPU 65A will be described with reference to fig. 14 (a). In the electric machine 6, after the power is turned ON (ON) in S1, the reset state is maintained based ON the reset signal transmitted from the second MPU 65B to the first MPU 65A (S41). Then, the first MPU 65A proceeds to the process of S41.

In S41, the first MPU 65A determines whether the reset state is released or not, based on the second MPU 65B stopping sending the reset signal (S42). If it is determined that the reset state is canceled (YES in S42), the operation mode switching unit 62 of the first MPU 65A sets the normal operation mode (S6).

The flow of the second MPU 65B will be described with reference to fig. 14 (B). Since the second MPU 65B is included in the electric appliance 6 similarly to the first MPU 65A, the power is turned ON (ON) by the same process of S1. After S2, the second MPU 65B transmits a reset signal to the first MPU 65A until the current detection unit 61 detects a current equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (S43).

When the current supplied from the input unit 4 increases by the processing at S13 and the current detecting unit 61 detects a current equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value (YES at S4), the second MPU 65B stops transmitting the reset signal to the first MPU 65A (S44).

Through the above processing, when the electric device 6 detects a current equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value, the transmission control circuit for operation can be switched from the second MPU 65B to the first MPU 65A. Thus, for example, the second MPU 65B, which does not have a function of transmitting the superimposed signal to the communication device, can be used to minimize the current consumption of the first MPU 65A.

Modification example 4 § 7

(Structure of electric machine and input Unit)

The electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to fig. 1, 15, and 16.

(Structure of electric machine and input Unit)

The configuration of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to fig. 1. The input unit 4 is the same as the input unit 4 of the above configuration example.

The basic structure of the electric machine 6 is the same as the above-described structural example, but differs in the following points: in the low current consumption mode, the current detection unit 61 periodically detects the current value. That is, while the electric machine 6 is operating in the low-current consumption mode, the current detection unit 61 periodically switches between a monitoring mode in which the current value is periodically detected and a standby mode in which the current value is not detected. Further, when the current detector 61 detects a current having a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value while the electric machine 6 is operating in the monitor mode, the operation mode can be switched from the monitor mode to the normal operation mode.

In the description using fig. 8 in the operation example, the following is assumed: immediately after the electric device 6 is started in the low-current consumption mode, a current having a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value is supplied from the input means 4. However, if it takes time until the current detection unit 61 detects a current value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value after the electric machine 6 is activated in the low current consumption mode, the electric machine 6 may erroneously consider the input unit 4 as not supporting the superimposed signal and start operating. By periodically detecting the current value by the current detection unit 61 in the low-current consumption mode, even when it takes time to supply a current having a current value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value to the electric device 6 after the input unit 4 is activated, for example, the electric device 6 can detect the current and switch to the normal operation mode.

(specific example of operation mode switching)

A specific example of switching the operation mode in the electric device 6 according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to fig. 15. Fig. 15 shows a time change from power-ON (ON) of the electric device 6 and the input unit 4. In the following description, it is assumed that the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 include the circuit configuration shown in fig. 6, and description thereof will be omitted for items having the same name as that of fig. 7 (c).

First, when the power supply 20 is activated, the transmission control circuit 15A of the electric device 6 releases the reset state, performs initial processing, and then starts operation in the monitor mode. When the current detecting unit 61 does not detect a current value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value at the time point when the predetermined monitoring time has elapsed, the operation mode switching unit 62 of the transmission control circuit 15A switches the operation mode to the standby mode. Next, when a predetermined standby time elapses in the standby mode, the operation mode switching unit 62 switches the operation mode to the monitoring mode again. In this way, the electric machine 6 periodically switches between the monitoring mode and the standby mode until the current detecting unit 61 detects a current value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value while operating in the monitoring mode.

Then, the transistor TR1 is turned ON (ON)/OFF (OFF) to increase the "supply current" from less than a predetermined threshold to a predetermined threshold or more. When the current detection unit 61 detects this while the electric machine 6 is operating in the monitor mode, the operation mode switching unit 62 of the transmission control circuit 15A switches the operation mode from the monitor mode to the normal operation mode. Thus, the electric machine 6 can switch the operation mode based on the current value.

(treatment procedure)

The flow of processing executed by the electric machine 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings of fig. 16. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of processing executed by the electric device 6 and the input unit 4 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, in which fig. 16 (a) shows the flow of the electric device 6, and fig. 16 (b) shows the flow of the input unit 4. In the following description, the same processing as in each of fig. 8 will not be described. The flow of the input unit 4 shown in fig. 16 (b) is exactly the same as that in fig. 8 (b).

The flow of the electric machine 6 will be described with reference to fig. 16 (a). In the electric device 6, when the reset state is released in S2, the operation mode switching unit 62 sets the monitor mode (S51). Next, when the current equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value is not detected in S4 (NO in S4), the transmission control circuit 15A determines whether or not the predetermined monitoring time has elapsed (S52). If it is determined that the process has not elapsed (NO in S52), the process proceeds to S4, and the processes of S4 and S52 are executed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the determination has passed (YES in S52), operation mode switching unit 62 sets the standby mode (S53).

After S53, if the transmission control circuit 15A determines that the predetermined standby time has elapsed (YES in S54), the process proceeds to S51, and the operation mode switching unit 62 resets the monitoring mode. With regard to the subsequent processing, a series of processing of S51, S4, S52 to S54 is executed again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4 that the current detection unit 61 has detected a current equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (YES in S4), the operation mode switching unit 62 sets the normal operation mode (S6), and the series of processes is ended.

By the above processing, even when it takes time until the electric current having the current value equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value is supplied to the electric device 6 after the input means 4 is activated, the electric device 6 can detect the electric current and switch to the normal operation mode.

[ conclusion ]

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration.

That is, an electric machine of an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a superimposed signal transmitting unit that transmits an operation signal corresponding to a state of an operation element to an external communication device, or receives an operation signal for controlling the operation element from the communication device, and transmits a data signal representing predetermined information to the communication device as a superimposed signal superimposed on the operation signal; an operation mode switching unit that switches between a normal operation mode in which the superimposed signal is transmitted and a low-current consumption mode in which the superimposed signal is not transmitted; and a current detection unit that detects a current value supplied from the communication device, wherein the operation mode switching unit switches to the normal operation mode when the current detection unit detects a current equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold in the low-current consumption mode.

According to this configuration, when the electric machine detects a current equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value while operating in the low-current consumption mode, the electric machine can be switched to the normal operation mode. Here, when the communication device connected to the electric device is a communication device that supports reception of the superimposed signal, the communication device may supply a current equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold to the electric device. In this case, the electric machine can be operated in different operation modes when connected to the communication device supporting the superimposed signal and when connected to the communication device not supporting the superimposed signal. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electric apparatus which can be operated by switching the operation mode according to the type of the communication device to be connected and which is excellent in convenience.

In the electric machine according to the one aspect, the operating element may output an on/off signal as the operating signal, and the superimposed signal transmitting unit may transmit the operating signal to the communication device and may transmit the data signal to the communication device as a superimposed signal superimposed on the operating signal. According to the above configuration, if the data signal is superimposed on the operation signal, the current value increases. Here, when the on/off signal is transmitted to the communication device as the operation signal, if the current value at the time of turning off the operation signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the communication device which does not support the superimposed signal may not be able to accurately detect the operation signal. In contrast, according to the above configuration, when the communication device which does not support the superimposed signal is connected, the low-current consumption mode in which the superimposed signal is not transmitted is set, and therefore, even in the communication device which does not support the superimposed signal, the operation signal can be appropriately detected.

In the electric machine according to the one aspect, the superimposed signal transmitting unit may start transmitting the superimposed signal when the current detecting unit detects a current equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value and then detects a change in the current to be smaller than the predetermined threshold value. According to the above configuration, the electric device can stably perform communication after the operation mode is switched based on the current equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value and the electric power is supplied at the normal current value smaller than the predetermined threshold value.

The electric machine of the aspect may further include: and a calculation unit that performs calculation processing of the superimposed signal transmission unit and the operation mode switching unit, wherein the calculation unit makes an operation clock frequency in the low current consumption mode lower than an operation clock frequency in the normal operation mode. According to the above configuration, the electric device can switch the operation mode by switching the operation clock frequency of the operation unit. Thus, even in the low-current consumption mode, the electric device can execute various kinds of arithmetic processing other than transmission of the superimposed signal at a constant operation speed.

The electric machine of the aspect may further include: and a calculation unit that performs calculation processing of the superimposed signal transmission unit and the operation mode switching unit, wherein the calculation unit is set to a standby state or a sleep state in the low-current consumption mode, and performs a normal operation in the normal operation mode. According to this configuration, the consumption current during the operation of the electric machine in the low consumption current mode can be minimized.

The electric machine of the aspect may further include: and a calculation unit that performs calculation processing of the superimposition signal transmission unit and the operation mode switching unit, wherein the calculation unit maintains itself in a reset state in the low-current consumption mode, and operates by releasing the reset state in the normal operation mode. According to the above configuration, since the computing unit maintains the reset state in the low current consumption mode of the electric machine, the current consumption of the computing unit can be minimized.

The electric machine of the aspect may further include: and a calculation unit that performs calculation processing of the superimposed signal transmission unit and the operation mode switching unit, wherein the calculation unit includes a first calculation unit used when operating in the normal operation mode and a second calculation unit used when operating in the low-current consumption mode, and the operation mode switching unit is capable of switching operation of either the first calculation unit or the second calculation unit. According to the above configuration, when the electric machine detects a current equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value, the first arithmetic unit can switch the arithmetic unit for operation from the second arithmetic unit to the first arithmetic unit. Thus, for example, the first arithmetic unit having no function of transmitting the superimposed signal to the communication device can be used to minimize the current consumption.

In the electric apparatus according to the aspect, the operation mode switching unit may cause the current detection unit to periodically monitor the current value in the low current consumption mode. According to the above configuration, even when it takes time to supply a current having a current value equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value to the electric device after the communication device is started, for example, the electric device can detect the current and switch to the normal operation mode.

A communication device of an aspect of the present disclosure can communicate with the electric machine of the present invention, and includes: an operation signal processing unit that detects the operation signal; a data signal processing unit that extracts the data signal from the superimposed signal; and a current control unit configured to supply a current to the electric device so that the current having a current value equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold flows for a predetermined time after the electric device is started. According to the above configuration, the communication device supplies the electric machine with the current having the current value equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold value, thereby making it possible to notify the electric machine that the communication device is a communication device supporting the superimposed signal. Therefore, the electric machine can be operated in the normal operation mode to receive the superimposed signal.

A communication system of an aspect of the present disclosure includes: the electric machine of the aspect; and a communication device of the aspect connected to the electric machine.

[ implementation by software ]

The control blocks of the electric machine 6 and the input unit 4 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software.

In the latter case, the electric device 6 and the input means 4 include a computer that executes a program command as software for realizing each function. The computer includes, for example, one or more processors, and includes a computer-readable recording medium storing the program. In the computer, the processor reads the program from the recording medium and executes the program, thereby achieving the object of the present invention. As the processor, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) can be used. As the recording medium, a tape, an optical disk, a card, a semiconductor Memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like may be used in addition to a "non-transitory tangible medium", such as a Read Only Memory (ROM), or the like. Further, a Random Access Memory (RAM) or the like for expanding the program may be included. The program may be provided to the computer via any transmission medium (a communication network, a broadcast wave, or the like) that can transmit the program. In addition, an aspect of the present disclosure can also be implemented in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, the data signal being embedded in the carrier wave, the program being implemented by electronic transmission.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Description of the symbols

1: communication system

2：PC

3: controller

4: input unit (communication device)

41: operation signal processing unit

42: data signal processing unit

43: current control unit

5: output unit

6. 7, 8, 9, 10: electrical machine

15A: transmission control circuit

61: current detecting part

62: operation mode switching unit

63: superimposed signal transmitting unit

65: MPU (arithmetic unit)

65A: first MPU (first arithmetic unit)

65B: and a second MPU (second arithmetic unit).