Input / output module and control system

Abstract

The input / output module (300) included in the control system (1) has: an input section (350) having an input terminal that inputs a signal; an output section (360) having an output terminal that outputs a signal; a communication section (500) that receives first setting information from a higher-level controller (200), the first setting information setting a condition for a value of a signal output from the output terminal or a condition between a value of a signal that has been input to the input terminal and a value of a signal output from the output terminal; a setting reception section (501) that receives second setting information; a setting storage section (310) that stores the first setting information received by the communication section (500) or the second setting information received by the setting reception section (501); and an input / output control section (370) that performs control based on the first setting information or the second setting information to cause a signal of a value that has been set to be output from the output terminal or to cause a signal of a value that changes in accordance with a condition that has been set and a value of a signal input to the input terminal to be output from the output terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an input / output module and a control system. Background Technology

[0002] Instruments used in factories to automate production processes are employed. The system that controls these instruments utilizes a control system that includes a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0003] The input / output (I / O) modules included in the PLC obtain information related to the inputs and outputs for controlling the instrument from the upper-level controller connected via a network, and supply signals or power to the instrument.

[0004] Patent documents 1 and 2 describe an input / output module that is connected to and operates in conjunction with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) module, which acts as a higher-level controller that sets the input / output module.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-251052

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 03-222010 Summary of the Invention

[0007] These input / output modules operate according to the settings of the connected upstream controller. Therefore, a problem arises: if an upstream controller is not connected, the input / output modules cannot operate, and the control system cannot be started.

[0008] The input / output modules described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have circuitry that allows them to continue outputting to subsequent instruments even when the upper-level controller has stopped operating. The input / output modules described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are modules that operate in conjunction with an upper-level controller. Therefore, even when using these input / output modules, if they are not already connected to an upper-level controller, it will be impossible to supply power and signals to external instruments connected to the input / output modules.

[0009] If existing input / output modules are used, the following issues arise: it is impossible to start up the control system before connecting to the upper-level controller, and it is impossible to verify the operation of external instruments connected to the input / output modules.

[0010] The present invention is proposed in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and its purpose is to provide an input / output module and a control system that can perform the start-up operation of the control system before connecting to the upper-level controller and confirm the operation of the external instruments connected to the input / output module.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the input / output module of the present invention comprises: an input unit having an input terminal for inputting signals; an output unit having an output terminal for outputting signals; a communication unit receiving first setting information from an upper-level controller, the first setting information setting conditions for the value of a signal output from the output terminal, or conditions between the value of a signal input to the input terminal and the value of a signal output from the output terminal; a setting receiving unit receiving second setting information, the second setting information setting conditions for the value of a signal output from the output terminal, or conditions between the value of a signal input to the input terminal and the value of a signal output from the output terminal; a setting storage unit storing the first setting information received by the communication unit or the second setting information received by the setting receiving unit; and an input / output control unit performing control based on the first setting information or the second setting information stored in the setting storage unit, namely, outputting a signal with a set value from the output terminal, or outputting a signal with a value that changes according to the set conditions and the value of a signal input to the input terminal from the output terminal.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] According to the present invention, an input / output module and a control system are provided that can perform a start-up operation of the control system before connecting to a higher-level controller and confirm the operation of external instruments connected to the input / output module. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the overall control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the details of the input and output sections of the input / output modules included in the control system.

[0016] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows a specific example of the information stored in the setting storage section of the input / output module included in the control system.

[0017] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of the signals output by the input / output modules included in the control system.

[0018] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows other examples of signals output by the input / output modules included in the control system.

[0019] Figure 6 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows other examples of signals output by the input / output modules included in the control system.

[0020] Figure 7 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows other examples of signals output by the input / output modules included in the control system.

[0021] Figure 8 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows other examples of signals output by the input / output modules included in the control system.

[0022] Figure 9 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows other examples of signals output by the input / output modules included in the control system.

[0023] Figure 10 It is aimed at Figure 1 The control system shown includes an input / output module, and a diagram illustrates a specific example of the hardware structure for implementing this input / output module.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the overall control system according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 It means Figure 11 A diagram showing an example of the information displayed by a display unit included in the control system.

[0026] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the overall control system involved in Variation 1.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the overall control system involved in Variation Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0028] (First Embodiment)

[0029] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a control system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which includes an input / output (I / O) module 300 and functions as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), will be described.

[0030] (Overview of Control System 1)

[0031] Figure 1 The control system 1 shown includes: an input / output module 300; a higher-level controller 200 that outputs signals to control the input / output module 300; and a power supply 60 that supplies power to the input / output module 300.

[0032] In addition, external instruments 401 and 402 are connected to the input / output module 300.

[0033] (Regarding setting tools 100 and 101)

[0034] Setting tools 100 and 101 are connected to the input / output module 300. Details will be described later, but setting tools 100 and 101 set setting information related to signals input from external instrument 401 and signals output to external instrument 402.

[0035] Setting up tools 100 and 101, for example, includes personal computers (PCs), smartphones, tablets, etc., with application software installed.

[0036] The configuration tool 100 is connected to the input / output module 300 via the upper-level controller 200. The configuration tool 101 is connected directly to the input / output module 300 without going through the upper-level controller 200.

[0037] (Regarding the upstream controller 200)

[0038] The upper controller 200 obtains the setting information for the input / output module 300 from the setting tool 100.

[0039] The upper-level controller 200 can also execute programs created by the user and generate setting information for the input / output module 300 based on the execution results.

[0040] (Structure of input / output module 300)

[0041] The input / output module 300 has a communication unit 500 that communicates with the connected upper-level controller 200. The input / output module 300 obtains setting information set by the setting tool 100 via the upper-level controller 200.

[0042] In addition, the input / output module 300 has a communication unit 501 that communicates directly with the setting tool 101. The input / output module 300 acquires the setting information set by the setting tool 101.

[0043] Communication unit 501 is an example of a communication interface or a setting receiver. Setting information is an example of first setting information or second setting information. Setting tool 101 is an example of a setting terminal.

[0044] (Details of Input / Output Module 300)

[0045] The input / output module 300 includes: a setting storage unit 310 that stores input / output related setting information received by the communication unit 500 or the communication unit 501; a setting switching unit 320 that switches the setting information stored in the setting storage unit 310 between those received via the communication unit 500 and those received via the communication unit 501; a mode switching unit 340 that switches the start-up discrimination mode described later; a flag storage unit 330 that stores the value of a start-up discrimination flag corresponding to the start-up discrimination mode; an input unit 350 that inputs a signal supplied from a connected external instrument 401 based on the setting information stored in the setting storage unit 310; an output unit 360 that outputs a signal to a connected external instrument 402; and an input / output control unit 370 that controls the value of the signal output from the output unit 360.

[0046] (Regarding startup detection mode and startup detection flags)

[0047] The start-up discrimination mode is either a "start-up mode" indicating that the control system 1 is in a start-up state or a "non-start-up mode" indicating that the control system 1 is in a state other than a start-up state. The mode switching unit 340 switches the value of the start-up discrimination mode between the "start-up mode" and the "non-start-up mode".

[0048] The startup detection flag is a flag corresponding to the startup detection mode. It is set to ON when the startup detection mode is "startup mode" and OFF when the startup detection mode is "non-startup mode". The flag storage unit 330 stores the value of the ON or OFF startup detection flag.

[0049] (Regarding input unit 350 and output unit 360)

[0050] Figure 2 The input section 350 shown has n input terminals X1, X2, ..., Xn, and the output section 360 has n output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn.

[0051] The values ​​of the signals output from the output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn are controlled by the input / output control unit 370 based on the setting information stored in the setting storage unit 310.

[0052] exist Figure 2 The diagram shows an example where the input terminals X1, X2, ..., Xn correspond one-to-one with the output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn, but the input terminals X1, X2, ..., Xn and the output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn may not correspond one-to-one.

[0053] The setting information includes information for setting the values ​​of signals output from output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn, or information for setting conditions between the values ​​of signals input to input terminals X1, X2, ..., Xn and the values ​​of signals output from output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn. The conditions can also be conditions unrelated to the values ​​of signals input to input terminals X1, X2, ..., Xn. For example, the condition can be the result of a program calculation. Alternatively, the input / output module 300 can obtain the result of a program executed by the upper-level controller 200 and output it to output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn.

[0054] (Regarding the input / output control unit 370)

[0055] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of setting information. Based on the setting information, the input / output control unit 370 sets output terminal Y1 to output a signal with a value of "0", output terminal Y2 to output a signal with the same value as the signal input to input terminal X2, and output terminal Yn to output a signal with a value of "1". Based on the setting information, the input / output control unit 370 sets output terminal Y3 to output a signal representing the logical AND of the values ​​of the signals input to input terminal X3 and input terminal X4. Based on the setting information, the input / output control unit 370 sets output terminal Y4 to output a signal representing the logical OR of the values ​​of the signals input to input terminal X1 and input terminal X2.

[0056] Back Figure 1 The mode switching unit 340 is, for example, a toggle switch, a push-button switch, or a dual in-line package (DIP) switch. The mode switching unit 340 is not limited to a mechanical switch; for example, it can also be an electrical or electronic switch that detects that it is connected to the upper-level controller 200 and changes the start-up discrimination mode from "start-up mode" to "non-start-up mode".

[0057] In the startup discrimination modes switched by the mode switching unit 340, "startup mode" is an example of the first mode, and "non-startup mode" is an example of the second mode.

[0058] The setting switching unit 320 switches the setting information stored in the setting storage unit 310 between the one received by the communication unit 500 from the upper controller 200 and the one received by the communication unit 501, based on the startup discrimination mode switched by the mode switching unit 340.

[0059] Specifically, when the setting switch unit 320 stores the flag stored in the flag storage unit 330 as ON, it stores the setting information received by the communication unit 501 from the setting tool 101 into the setting storage unit 310. When the setting switch unit 320 stores the flag stored in the flag storage unit 330 as OFF, it stores the setting information received by the communication unit 500 from the upper controller 200 into the setting storage unit 310.

[0060] The setting storage unit 310 stores only one setting information at a time. Therefore, for example, if the setting storage unit 310 stores setting information received via the communication unit 501, when the communication unit 500 receives setting information from the upper controller 200, the setting storage unit 310 overwrites the setting information received by the communication unit 500 from the upper controller 200.

[0061] The input / output control unit 370 changes the value of the signal output by the output unit 360 based on the setting information stored in the setting storage unit 310 or the value of the signal input to the input unit 350.

[0062] The following is for reference Figures 4 to 9 Examples are given of the values ​​of signals input to each input terminal X1, X2, ..., Xn of the input unit 350 and the values ​​of signals output from each output terminal Y1, Y2, ..., Yn of the output unit 360.

[0063] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the input / output control unit 370 outputs a signal with a value of "1" at all output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn of the output unit 360, regardless of the value of the signal input to each input terminal X1, X2, ..., Xn of the input unit 350. If the external instrument 402 receives a signal with a value of "1" and operates, then when the control system 1 is started, the operation of the external instrument 402 connected to the output unit 360 can be confirmed even if the external instrument 401 is not connected to the input unit 350.

[0064] In other examples, the input / output control unit 370 performs the following control in accordance with whether the values ​​of the signals input to the input terminals X1, X2, ..., Xn of the input unit 350 are all "1" indicating ON.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, when the values ​​of the signals input to the input terminals X1, X2, ..., Xn of the input unit 350 are all "1", the input / output control unit 370 outputs signals with a value of "1" from all the output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn of the output unit 360.

[0066] like Figure 6As shown, when the value of the signal input to at least one of the input terminals X1, X2, ..., Xn of the input unit 350 is “0”, the input / output control unit 370 outputs a signal with a value of “0” from all the output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn of the output unit 360.

[0067] Based on this control, a control system 1 can be implemented that stops power when an abnormality is detected by the input / output module 300.

[0068] The input unit 350 is connected to an external instrument 401 and is equipped with a safety switch that outputs a signal with a value of "0" when an abnormality is detected.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, when no abnormality is detected by any of the sensors or safety switches, a signal with a value of "1" is input to all input terminals X1, X2, ..., Xn. Therefore, the input / output control unit 370 outputs a signal with a value of "1" to the output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn.

[0070] When at least one safety switch detects an anomaly, for example in Figure 6 When the safety switch connected to the input terminal X3 detects an abnormality and inputs a signal with a value of "0" to the input terminal X3, the input / output control unit 370 outputs a signal with a value of "0" from all output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn.

[0071] According to the control system 1 with this structure, if the safety switch detects an abnormality, it outputs a signal with a value of "0" from all output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn. Therefore, by connecting the external instrument 402, which stops upon detecting a signal with a value of "0", to the output unit 360, the external instrument 402 can be safely stopped.

[0072] In another example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the input / output control unit 370 does not change the values ​​of the signals that have been input to the input unit 350 at each input terminal X1, X2, ..., Xn, but instead causes the corresponding output unit 360 to output at each output terminal Y1, Y2, ..., Yn.

[0073] By connecting the input device as an external instrument 401 to the input unit 350, the input device can directly control the external instrument 402 connected to the output unit 360 while the input / output module 300 is engaged.

[0074] In another example, the input / output control unit 370 controls the output in correspondence with the value of the signal of the input terminal X1 selected by the input terminals X1, X2, ..., Xn of the input unit 350 as control input terminals.

[0075] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, when a signal with a value of "1" is input to input terminal X1, the input / output control unit 370 does not change the values ​​of the signals input to input units 350 other than input terminal X1, such as X2, X3, ..., Xn. Instead, it directly outputs from output units 360 to output terminals Y2, Y3, ..., Yn that correspond to the input terminals of input units 350.

[0076] In contrast, Figure 9 In the example shown, when a signal of “0” is input to input terminal X1, which is selected as a control input terminal, the input / output control unit 370 outputs a signal of “0” from all output terminals Y2, Y3, ..., Yn of the output unit 360 except for output terminal Y1.

[0077] According to this control, it is possible to simultaneously stop the external instrument via the input terminal X1 selected as the control input terminal, and control the external instrument 402 via the input terminals X2, X3, ..., Xn other than the input terminal X1 selected as the control input terminal.

[0078] The input / output module 300 described above, for example, can be connected via a... Figure 10 The information processing device 10 of the hardware structure shown is used to implement this.

[0079] The information processing device 10 includes: a processor 11 that performs various arithmetic operations; a network interface (IF) 12 that communicates with other devices such as an input device 16 and an output device 17; a main storage device 13 such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores information; an auxiliary storage device 14 such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD) that permanently stores information; and a bus 15 that serves as a path for exchanging information between the processor 11, the network interface 12, the main storage device 13, or the auxiliary storage device 14.

[0080] Processor 11 is the implementation Figure 1 The example shown is of the hardware including the setting switch unit 320, the input / output control unit 370, etc., and the network interface 12 is used to implement... Figure 1 The example shown is of the hardware of the communication units 500 and 501. The main storage device 13 and the auxiliary storage device 14 are used to implement... Figure 1 The example shown is of the hardware including the flag storage unit 330, setting storage unit 310, and mode storage unit 380.

[0081] Input device 16 is a device that receives data input from external sources. Input device 16 includes, for example, human-computer interface devices such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, and microphone. Input device 16 may also include a part that detects the state of buttons, key presses, etc., and inputs information accordingly.

[0082] In addition, the input device 16 can also be a device for detecting signals sent from other devices, such as a parallel bus, serial bus, or other receiving interface.

[0083] Output device 17 is a device that displays various information to the user and outputs information, such as a liquid crystal display, a CRT display, or an organic EL display. Output device 17 also includes printers, plotters, etc., that print information in the form of text, images, etc. Output device 17 has parts such as displays and printers that output information.

[0084] The process of starting up a control system 1 that uses the input / output module 300 described above to connect to the upper controller 200, which is not yet connected to the upper controller 200, is explained.

[0085] First, the user connects external instruments 401 and 402 to the input / output module 300. Additionally, the user connects the setting tool 101 to the input / output module 300 via the communication unit 501.

[0086] At the factory, the startup discrimination mode of the input / output module 300 is set to "startup mode". If the startup discrimination mode is "non-startup mode", the user operates the setting tool 101 or the mode switching unit 340 of the input / output module 300 to set the startup discrimination mode to "startup mode".

[0087] In order for the user to supply power to the external instrument 402 connected to the output unit 360 from the power supply 60, the user operates the setting tool 101 so that the input / output module 300 can obtain setting information.

[0088] The user can test the operation of the connected external instruments 401 and 402, or verify the signals input to the input terminals X1, X2, ..., Xn or the signals output from the output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Yn through the measuring device, and start the control system 1.

[0089] Even without connecting the upper controller 200 to the input / output module 300, external instruments 401 and 402 can be activated before the startup operation is completed.

[0090] Conversely, after the startup process is complete, the user can also connect the upper-level controller 200 to the input / output module 300. The user connects the upper-level controller 200 to the communication unit 500 and the setting tool 100 to the upper-level controller 200. The user operates the setting tool 100 to set configuration information for the upper-level controller 200.

[0091] After the startup operation is completed, the user can also remove the configuration tool 101 from the input / output module 300.

[0092] Users can switch the startup detection mode from "startup mode" to "non-startup mode" by operating the setting tool 100 or the mode switching unit 340.

[0093] The user operates the setting tool 100 to set setting information for the upper-level controller 200, so that the input / output module 300 can obtain the setting information.

[0094] The input / output module 300 activates the external instruments 401 and 402 according to the setting information supplied by the upper controller 200.

[0095] According to the input / output module 300, no modifications are needed to the connections between external instrument 401 and input unit 350, or between external instrument 402 and output unit 360, before or after the system startup operation. Therefore, compared to situations where modifications to the connections between external instrument 401 and input unit 350, or between external instrument 402 and output unit 360, or confirmation of the connections are required, the startup time of the control system 1 is reduced.

[0096] In addition, for example, a safety switch that outputs an OFF signal when it detects the approach of an obstacle can be connected to the input terminal X1 of the input unit 350 as an external instrument 401 to perform a safe start-up operation.

[0097] Furthermore, the input / output control unit 370 can detect the situation where a forced output command is received from the setting tool 101 connected to the communication unit 501, regardless of the signals that have been input to the input terminals X1, X2, ..., Xn, and cause each output terminal Y1, Y2, ..., Yn of the output unit 360 to output "1".

[0098] As explained above, according to the control system 1, the output from the output unit 360 can be changed even without the connection of the upper controller 200.

[0099] Furthermore, even without connecting to the upper-level controller 200, the input / output module 300 can still output signals, thus making it easy to establish a plan for starting the operation and enabling flexible planning.

[0100] The signal output from the output unit 360 can also be light, current, electricity, etc. When the startup operation is divided into multiple stages, a safety mechanism can also be installed to cut off the power supply from the power source 60 to the power unit when the operation of external instruments 401 and 402 is confirmed.

[0101] The setting storage unit 310 described above stores only one setting information at a time. However, the setting storage unit 310 can also store multiple setting information. For example, the setting storage unit 310 can store both the setting information received via the communication unit 501 and the setting information received by the communication unit 500 from the upper controller 200.

[0102] (Implementation Method 2)

[0103] The control system 2 according to the second embodiment, based on the structure of the control system 1, further includes a display unit 601 for displaying information related to input and output. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the parts that differ from the control system 1.

[0104] like Figure 11 As shown, the input / output module 600 has a display unit 601, which displays information about signals input to the input unit 350 and information about signals output from the output unit 360.

[0105] like Figure 12 As shown, the display unit 601 displays the states of the input terminals X1, X2, ..., X8 and the output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Y8 respectively as either "ON" or "OFF". Furthermore, the display unit 601 sets "ON" and "OFF" to correspond to "1" and "0" bits respectively, displays each bit individually, and summarizes the values ​​of all four bits as a hexadecimal number for display.

[0106] According to the control system 2, even if the user does not directly measure the values ​​of voltage, current, etc. of the input terminals X1, X2, ..., X8 and the output terminals Y1, Y2, ..., Y8, the input and output of the input / output module 600 can be easily confirmed.

[0107] (Variation Example 1)

[0108] Control systems 1 and 2 store the setting information received via communication units 500 and 501 in setting storage unit 310, but the setting information can also be received via setting receiving unit 502 provided in input / output module 300.

[0109] like Figure 13As shown, the control system 3 involved in Modification 1 has a setting receiving unit 502, which stores setting information received via the communication unit 500 or setting information received via the setting receiving unit 502 in the setting storage unit 310.

[0110] The receiving unit 502 is, for example, a toggle switch, a push-button switch, or a double in-line switch.

[0111] The user operates the setting receiving unit 502 to input setting information. The setting information received via the communication unit 500 and the setting information input to the setting receiving unit 502 are switched by the setting switching unit 320, and the setting information of one party is stored in the setting storage unit 310.

[0112] (Variation Example 2)

[0113] Control systems 1, 2, and 3 include an input / output module 600, which has a display unit 601 for displaying information related to input and output. In contrast, the control system 4 in the modified example displays information related to input and output using a display tool 701. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the parts that differ from control systems 1 to 3.

[0114] like Figure 14 As shown, the input / output module 700 is connected to a display tool 701 via a communication unit 501 to display error messages generated during input / output.

[0115] According to the control system 4, the user can easily find the cause of the error by viewing the display tool 701 from a location far away from the input / output module 700.

[0116] Furthermore, the methods described in the above embodiments can be written as computer-executable programs to storage media such as disks, optical discs, optical disks, and semiconductor memories, and applied to various devices. A computer implementing the present invention reads the program stored in the storage medium and uses that program to control actions, thereby executing the above-described processing.

[0117] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the examples of the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in other ways by making appropriate modifications.

[0118] Various embodiments and modifications can be implemented without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the scope of the invention. That is, the scope of the invention is defined not by the embodiments, but by the claims. Moreover, various modifications implemented within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0119] Explanation of the label

[0120] 1, 2, 3, 4…Control system, 10…Information processing device, 11…Processor, 12…Network interface, 13…Main storage device, 14…Auxiliary storage device, 15…Bus, 16…Input device, 17…Output device, 60…Power supply, 100, 101…Setting tool, 200…Upper-level controller, 300, 600, 700…Input / output module, 310…Setting storage unit, 320…Setting switching unit, 330…Flag storage unit, 340…Mode switching unit, 350…Input unit, 360…Output unit, 370…Input / output control unit, 401, 402…External instruments, 500, 501…Communication unit, 502…Setting receiving unit, 601…Display unit, 701…Display tool.

Claims

1. An input / output module, comprising: The input section has input terminals for inputting signals; The output section has an output terminal for outputting signals; The communication unit receives first setting information from the upper-level controller. This first setting information sets conditions for the value of the signal output from the output terminal, or conditions between the value of the signal input to the input terminal and the value of the signal output from the output terminal, and controls the operation of external instruments connected to the input / output module. The receiving unit receives second setting information, which sets conditions for the value of the signal output from the output terminal, or conditions between the value of the signal input to the input terminal and the value of the signal output from the output terminal, and controls the operation of the external instrument connected to the input / output module. A setting storage unit stores the first setting information received by the communication unit or the second setting information received by the setting receiving unit; The input / output control unit performs control based on the first setting information or the second setting information stored in the setting storage unit, that is, outputting a signal of the set value from the output terminal, or outputting a signal of a value that changes with the set conditions and the value of the signal input to the input terminal from the output terminal. as well as The mode switching unit switches between mode 1 and mode 2. When the mode is the first mode, the input / output control unit, based on the first setting information, outputs a signal of the set value from the output terminal, or outputs a signal of a value that changes according to the set conditions and the value of the signal input to the input terminal from the output terminal. When the mode is the second mode, that is, the start-up mode, the setting receiving unit receives the second setting information from outside the upper controller, and the input / output control unit outputs a signal of the set value from the output terminal based on the second setting information, or outputs a signal of a value that changes with the set conditions and the value of the signal input to the input terminal from the output terminal.

2. The input / output module according to claim 1, wherein, When the communication unit receives the first setting information from the upper-level controller, and the mode is the second mode, the mode is switched from the second mode to the first mode.

3. The input / output module according to claim 2, wherein, When the communication unit receives the first setting information from the upper-level controller, and the second setting information is stored in the setting storage unit, the second setting information stored in the setting storage unit will be overwritten by the first setting information.

4. The input / output module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The setting receiving unit includes a communication interface connected to the terminal that receives the second setting information.

5. The input / output module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The setting receiving unit includes a switch for inputting the second setting information.

6. The input / output module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Before connecting to the upper-level controller, the input / output control unit performs the control based on the second setting information.

7. A control system having: The input / output module according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and A display tool, connected to the input / output module, displays the value of the signal input from an external instrument to the input / output module or output from the input / output module to an external instrument.

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