I / O terminal

Abstract

To make it possible to inspect that an input apparatus or an output apparatus is connected properly to an I / O terminal by using the I / O terminal.SOLUTION: An I / O terminal includes: one or more input ports capable of connecting an input apparatus and receiving an input signal from the input apparatus; a plurality of output ports capable of connecting an output apparatus and sending an output signal to the output apparatus; an operation reception part for receiving a user operation for the I / O terminal; a storage part for storing a plurality of programs; and a validation part for validating one program among the plurality of programs in the storage part according to the user operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to IO terminals. [Background technology]

[0002] Machines and equipment used in many production sites must use safety devices (safety components) that comply with international standards. The purpose of this safety device is to prevent human safety from being threatened by automatically moving devices such as robots. Such safety devices include safety controllers and IO terminals. The safety controller remotely controls devices connected to the IO terminals via the IO terminals, such as detection devices that detect the presence or intrusion of people, input devices that accept emergency operations, and output devices that actually stop the equipment.

[0003] Regarding such safety equipment, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-310534 (Patent Document 1) describes a safety remote I / O terminal capable of executing a logic operation program.

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2008-310536 (Patent Document 2) describes a configuration in which a safety remote I / O terminal device performs safety control logic calculations arbitrarily set by a user.

[0005] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-98985 (Patent Document 3) describes a configuration in which a safety slave unit controls the execution of a user program in a safety controller based on a determination of whether communication with a safety controller has been established and a determination of whether an abnormality exists based on an input signal from a device connected to the safety slave unit.

[0006] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-152480 (Patent Document 4) describes an information display lamp arranged on the surface panel of a slave device that communicates with a master device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-310534 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-310536 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-98985 [Patent Document 4] Patent Publication No. 2021-152480 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] When using factory automation (FA) equipment, users commission a wiring specialist to connect an IO terminal to input and output devices. After the IO terminal is delivered, the user combines the IO terminal with a host controller and tests whether the controller operates as designed, a process known as debugging. If a bug is detected during this testing due to an incorrect connection of an input or output device to the IO terminal, the user must interrupt the combination test and redo the wiring, resulting in rework. Therefore, users have long desired a way to verify that an input or output device is properly connected to the IO terminal, for example, during wiring work. This desire also exists for safety remote IO terminals related to safety equipment. However, the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 to 4 do not describe a configuration that meets this desire.

[0009] An object of this disclosure is to provide a technique that can use an IO terminal to check whether an input device or an output device is properly connected to the IO terminal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The IO terminal according to the present disclosure includes a network interface that connects to a network to which a controller belongs, one or more input ports that can be connected to input devices and that accept input signals from the input devices, a plurality of output ports that can be connected to output devices and that transmit output signals to the output devices, an operation reception unit that accepts user operations on the IO terminal, a memory unit for storing a plurality of programs, and an activation unit that activates one of the plurality of programs in the memory unit in accordance with a user operation.

[0011] The multiple programs in the memory unit include a first program including logic for changing the value of an output signal for operating one or more output devices in accordance with the value of an input signal received from one input device, and a second program different from the first program.

[0012] According to the above disclosure, an IO terminal activates and executes a first program stored therein in response to a user operation. When the first program is executed, the value of an output signal for operating one or more output devices is changed in accordance with the value of an input signal received from one input device connected to the IO terminal. Therefore, a user can determine whether an input device or an output device is properly connected to the IO terminal by checking whether the output device operates when the first program is executed.

[0013] In the above disclosure, the IO terminal further includes a notification unit that notifies the signal input state of an input signal at each of one or more input ports and the signal output state of an output signal at each of a plurality of output ports.

[0014] According to the above disclosure, the IO terminal can notify the user whether an input signal from an input device is being received at an input port to which the input device is connected, or whether an output signal is being output from an output port.

[0015] In the above disclosure, the IO terminal further includes a first lamp and a second lamp, and the notification unit changes the lighting mode of the first lamp according to the signal input state at the input port, and changes the lighting mode of the second lamp according to the signal output state at the output port.

[0016] According to the above disclosure, the IO terminal can notify the user by using the lighting state of a lamp whether an input signal from an input device is being received at an input port to which the input device is connected, or whether an output signal is being output from an output port.

[0017] In the above disclosure, the IO terminal further comprises a housing, a first connector arranged on the surface of the housing for connecting a cable leading to an input device to each of one or more input ports, and a second connector arranged on the surface of the housing for connecting a cable leading to an output device to each of a plurality of output ports, wherein the first lamp is arranged adjacent to the first connector on the surface of the housing, and the second lamp is arranged adjacent to the second connector on the surface of the housing.

[0018] According to the disclosure above, the lamp is disposed adjacent to a first connector for connecting a cable connected to an input device to the input port, or a second connector for connecting a cable connected to an output device to the output port. Therefore, a user can identify the connector corresponding to the input port or output port that notifies the input / output status of the signal at the port by the lighting state of the lamp disposed adjacent to the connector.

[0019] In the above disclosure, the storage unit stores a plurality of first programs whose logic differs according to the attribute of an input signal of one input device.

[0020] According to the above disclosure, the user can operate the IO terminal to specify one of the plurality of first programs to be enabled.

[0021] In the above disclosure, the storage unit has a non-rewritable area, and the first program is stored in the non-rewritable area.

[0022] According to the above disclosure, the first program stored in the IO terminal can be protected from being rewritten (changed, deleted, added, etc.) to the program.

[0023] In the above disclosure, the storage unit has a rewritable area, and the first program is stored in the rewritable area.

[0024] According to the above disclosure, the first program can be rewritten (changed, deleted, added, etc.) in the IO terminal.

[0025] In the above disclosure, the IO terminal modifies or deletes the first program in the rewritable area.

[0026] In the above disclosure, the operation receiving unit includes a mechanical switch configured to be operable by a user, and the user can issue instructions to the IO terminal by operating such a mechanical switch.

[0027] In the above disclosure, the second program includes a program that determines, for each of the one or more output devices, a value of an output signal for operating the output device in accordance with a control signal communicated with the controller.

[0028] According to the above disclosure, the IO terminal can, in accordance with a user operation, activate, as one of the multiple programs in the memory unit, a program that determines, for each of one or more output devices, a value of an output signal for operating the output device in accordance with a control signal communicated with the controller, instead of the first program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present disclosure, an IO terminal can be used to test whether an input or output device is properly connected to the IO terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an IO terminal 20 according to the present embodiment in relation to peripheral devices. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a safety system 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a device configuration of a safety controller 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device 200 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing a network including an IO terminal 20 and a safety controller 100 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an IO terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of information stored in a storage unit 32 of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of areas E2 and E3 in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration related to a wiring check mode according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of logic of a wiring check program 3 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of logic of a wiring check program 3 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of logic of a wiring check program 3 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating other examples of lamp arrangement according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 14 is a diagram illustrating the lighting state of the lamp in FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating lighting patterns of lamps indicating the signal input state of an input port according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16]This is a diagram for explaining the lighting mode of a lamp indicating the signal output state of an output port according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart of the process according to the present embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] Hereinafter, each embodiment according to the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0032] <A. Application Example> First, an example of a scenario to which the present invention is applied will be described. In the present embodiment, the IO terminal is shown as an example of a device constituting a safety control system to which the functional safety standard IEC 61508 is applied. However, the present embodiment can also be applied to an IO terminal to which the functional safety standard is not applied.

[0033] In this specification, "safety control" is a general term for processes for preventing the safety of people from being threatened by some equipment, machine, etc. due to some defect. Safety control includes, for example, not only cases where the behavior of the control target itself is different from normal, but also processes for stopping the control target when it is determined that some abnormality has occurred in the control device itself.

[0034] The term "device" encompasses any device that can be connected via a network. Devices include at least some of a sensor alone, an actuator alone, a relay device for connecting one or more sensors or actuators to a network, an IO terminal for connecting one or more sensors or actuators to a network, and various control devices such as a robot controller, a temperature controller, and a flow rate controller. In particular, a "device" for realizing safety control is also referred to as a "safety device." In this embodiment, an IO terminal is described as an example of a "safety device," but the IO terminal is not limited to a "device" for realizing safety control.

[0035] In this embodiment, "wiring" refers to connecting devices with cables to form an electrical circuit. "User" is a concept that includes the worker who performs the wiring work, the manufacturer of the IO terminal 20, and others, and the concept of the user in the scene changes as the scene in which the IO terminal 20 is used or operated changes.

[0036] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an IO terminal 20 according to this embodiment in relation to peripheral devices. The IO terminal 20 has a housing 39, a first cable connector 38a and a second cable connector 38b arranged on the surface of the housing 39, a first lamp 37a and a second lamp 37b for notification, and a rotary switch 24.

[0037] The first cable connector 38a has a connector for connecting a signal cable connected to each input device 50 to an input port (described later), and the second cable connector 38b has a connector for connecting a signal cable connected to each input device 50 to an output port (described later). The first lamp 37a is arranged close to the first cable connector 38a, and the second lamp 37b is arranged close to the second cable connector 38b. The close arrangement of the first lamp 37a and the second lamp 37b may include, for example, an arrangement in which they are arranged so as to surround the cable connectors. The first lamp 37a and the second lamp 37b include light-emitting devices such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) or starters.

[0038] The input device 50 includes, for example, a detection device that detects the presence or intrusion of a person, and an input device that accepts operations in an emergency. The input device 50 includes, for example, a safety sensor, a safety door switch, a safety limit switch, an emergency stop switch, and a light curtain. The output device 60 is a device that is driven in conjunction with an operation on the input device 50. The output device 60 includes, for example, a safety relay that drives a contactor to cut off an electric circuit that supplies power to a controlled object. In an application scenario, a danger area is set around a device driven by a motor, and the input device 50 is placed around the danger area. The safety relay is driven by receiving an input signal from such an input device 50.

[0039] The IO terminal 20 has a storage unit capable of storing multiple programs, a notification unit 31d that notifies the user of the input / output status of signals, an operation reception unit 31a that includes the rotary switch 24 and receives user operations on the IO terminal 20, and an enabling unit 31b. The notification unit 31d, the operation reception unit 31a, and the enabling unit 31b can be realized by software modules or modules that combine software and circuits. The storage unit corresponds to memories 35 and 36, which will be described later.

[0040] The multiple programs that can be stored in the storage unit have an executable format and are represented, for example, by binary code. They include a first program including wiring check programs 3(1) to (15) and a safety control program 7, which is an example of a "second program." The safety control program 7 includes logic that determines the value of an output signal for operating one or more output devices 60 in accordance with a control signal communicated with a safety controller 100 (described later). The safety control program 7 is an example of a second program. The second program may be any type of program different from the wiring check program, and is not limited to the safety control program 7.

[0041] In this embodiment, in the common explanation of the wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15), they are collectively referred to as the wiring check program 3. Each of the wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) and the wiring check program 3 is an example of a "first program." The wiring check program 3 includes logic that changes the value of an output signal for operating one or more output devices 60 in accordance with the value of an input signal received from one input device 50.

[0042] The wiring check program 3 includes, for example, a wiring check program 3(1) that changes the value of an output signal for one or more output devices to operate safely in accordance with the value of an input signal from an emergency stop switch, a wiring check program 3(2) that changes the value of an output signal for one or more output devices to operate safely in accordance with the value of an input signal from a safety door switch, and a wiring check program 3(3) that changes the value of an output signal for one or more output devices to operate safely in accordance with the value of an input signal from a light curtain. The types of wiring check program 3 are not limited to these.

[0043] In this way, the wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) include a plurality of wiring check programs 3 whose logic differs depending on the attribute of the input signal from one input device 50, that is, depending on the model of the input device 50.

[0044] The signals actually exchanged between the IO terminal 20 and the devices connected to the IO terminal 20 (safety controller 100, input device 50, output device 60, etc.) are treated as "values" within the wiring check program 3 and the safety control program 7. Since these real signals and the corresponding values ​​within the programs are essentially the same, in the following explanation, these "signals" can be treated as values ​​assigned to the electrical signals on the IO terminal 20 in addition to the electrical signals actually exchanged.

[0045] The IO terminal 20 further includes a communication interface that connects to a network to which the information processing device 200 having a display 211 belongs. The information processing device 200 creates a wiring check program 3 or a safety control program 7, and transfers the created program to the IO terminal 20 via the network to store it in a memory unit 32 of the IO terminal 20. The information processing device 200 also transfers to the IO terminal 20 a command to delete the wiring check program 3 or the safety control program 7 from the memory unit 32. The information processing device 200 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or other communication terminal.

[0046] The operation modes of the IO terminal 20 include a wiring check mode in which the wiring check program 3 is started and a safety control mode in which the safety control program 7 is started, and these modes are set exclusively in the IO terminal 20.

[0047] The activation unit 31b activates one of the wiring check program 3 or the safety control program 7 according to the user operation received by the operation reception unit 31a. The activation of the program includes making the state of the one program executable. The executable state includes that the program is read from the storage unit and expanded (loaded) into the main memory.

[0048] When the wiring check program 3 is executed, the user operates the input device 50 corresponding to the input signal of the wiring check program 3, and checks whether one or more output devices 60 corresponding to the output signal of the wiring check program 3 operate. If one or more output devices 60 that are expected to operate do not operate, the wiring is incorrect, that is, the connection of the cable to the IO terminal 20 connected to the one or more output devices 60 that are expected is incorrect. The user changes, for example, the second cable connector 38b to which the cable connected to the one or more output devices 60 that are expected is connected to another second cable connector 38b. After changing the wiring, the user executes the wiring check program 3 on the IO terminal 20 and performs an operation of checking whether one or more output devices 60 that are expected operate. The user can eliminate the wiring error by repeating the operation until it is detected that one or more output devices 60 that are expected operate.

[0049] In this way, by executing the wiring check program 3 on the IO terminal 20 during the wiring work, the IO terminal 20 in which the input device 50 and the output device 60 are appropriately connected by wiring is obtained.

[0050] <B. System Configuration> Next, a safety system including the IO terminal 20 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the safety system 1.

[0051] 2, a safety system 1 is applied to, for example, factory automation (FA) of a production line. The safety system 1 mainly includes a safety controller 100, an information processing device 200 having a display 211, a control device 300 that controls equipment, machinery, etc., and an IO terminal 20. Although the safety system 1 in FIG. 2 includes a plurality of IO terminals 20, the number of IO terminals 20 may be one or more.

[0052] The control device 300 is typically configured with a programmable logic controller (PLC) or the like, and executes a predetermined user program on input data acquired from a control target, and issues commands to the control target according to output data calculated thereby. In FIG. 2, a motor 510 and a driver 512 that drives the motor 510 are exemplified as control targets. In accordance with the user program, when a certain drive start condition is met, the control device 300 outputs a drive command to the driver 512 to drive the motor 510 in rotation. Furthermore, when a certain drive stop condition is met, the control device 300 stops outputting the drive command to the driver 512 to stop the motor 510 in rotation.

[0053] In addition to the control of the control object by such control device 300, a safety controller 100 is typically further provided to ensure the safety of users and others associated with the control object. When a predetermined condition (safety condition) associated with an input signal from input device 400 (such as a safety sensor, a safety door switch, a safety limit switch, or an emergency stop switch) serving as a safety device is met, safety controller 100 outputs an output signal (control signal) to safety relay 514, an example of an output device, for operating the safety relay 514. Safety relay 514 operates in response to the output signal from safety controller 100 and cuts off the power supply to driver 512 that drives motor 510. As a result, motor 510 is forcibly stopped.

[0054] The safety controller 100 also remotely controls the IO terminals 20 in the safety control mode. The IO terminals 20 are connected to one or more input devices 50 and one or more output devices 60. For example, the safety controller 100 outputs a control signal to a specific IO terminal 20 among the multiple IO terminals 20 in response to a detection signal from a safety sensor, which is an input device 400. In the specific IO terminal 20, the safety control program 7 determines, for each of the one or more output devices 60, an output signal value for operating the output device 60 in accordance with the control signal. The output device 60 operates in accordance with the determined output signal value. The specific IO terminal 20 transfers the control signal from the safety controller 100 to the other IO terminals 20. The other IO terminals 20 also execute the safety control program 7 in response to receiving the control signal. As a result, the output devices 60 (safety relays) connected to each IO terminal 20 receive an output signal for safe operation, and the motor associated with the safety relay is forcibly stopped. This forcible stopping of the motor ensures the safety of users who enter a hazardous area.

[0055] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the safety controller 100, the control device 300, and the IO terminal 20 are connected via a control network NW1, and can exchange data held internally among them. The safety controller 100, the control device 300, and the IO terminal 20 are also connected to the information processing device 200 via an information network NW2. A network protocol that guarantees punctuality, such as EtherCAT (registered trademark), is preferable for the control network NW1 to which the safety controller 100, the control device 300, and the IO terminal 20 belong. EtherNet / IP (registered trademark) can also be adopted for the control network NW1. The information network NW2 to which the information processing device 200 belongs may employ a general network protocol, such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or EtherNet / IP (registered trademark).

[0056] The information processing device 200 is a support tool for providing functions such as management of programs executed by the safety controller 100, the control device 300, and the IO terminal 20, program development, confirmation of the execution state of programs, and program modification.

[0057] <C. Device Configuration> Next, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the device configurations of the devices constituting the safety system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0058] (c1: Safety Controller 100) FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the device configuration of the safety controller 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the safety controller 100 includes an arithmetic processing unit 108 including a processor 102, a main memory 104, and a flash memory 106, and various interfaces.

[0059] In the arithmetic processing unit 108, the processor 102 realizes functional safety according to the control target by expanding and executing the system program and the safety program stored in the flash memory 106 in the main memory 104.

[0060] The safety controller 100 includes, as interfaces, a control network interface 110, an information network interface 112, a memory card interface 116, a local communication interface 120, and an internal bus interface 122.

[0061] The control network interface 110 mediates communication with other devices via the control network NW1 (see FIG. 2). The information network interface 112 mediates communication with other devices via the information network NW2 (see FIG. 2).

[0062] The memory card interface 116 is configured to allow a memory card 118 to be inserted therein, and reads and writes data from and to the memory card 118 .

[0063] The local communication interface 120 is an interface for directly connecting to the information processing device 200 or other devices, and uses, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0064] The internal bus interface 122 mediates communication between the safety controller 100 and an input / output unit directly attached thereto via the internal bus.

[0065] (c2: information processing device 200) Next, an example of a hardware configuration of information processing device 200 will be described. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of information processing device 200 according to the present embodiment.

[0066] Information processing device 200 includes, as its main components, processor 202 that executes system program 226 including an operating system (OS) and various programs as described below, main memory 204 that provides a work area for storing data necessary for program execution by processor 202, operation unit 206 that accepts user operations such as a keyboard and mouse, output unit 208 that outputs processing results such as various indicators and a printer, information network NW2 and a network interface 210 for communicating with information network NW2, optical drive 212 to which optical recording medium (e.g., DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)) 214 is removably attached, local communication interface 216 for communicating with safety controller 100 and the like, and auxiliary storage device 220. These components are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate data via internal bus 218 or the like.

[0067] The auxiliary storage device 220 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Flash Solid State Drive), etc., and stores programs executed by the processor 202. Specifically, the auxiliary storage device 220 stores a system program 226 including an OS (Operating System), one or more wiring check programs 3, one or more safety control programs 7, and application programs that provide various tools when executed. The application programs include a program creation tool 228 that creates programs to be executed on the safety controller 100, the control device 300, and the IO terminal 20, a program loading tool 229 that loads the created programs into the storage units of the safety controller 100, the control device 300, and the IO terminal 20, and a program deletion tool 230 that deletes programs from the storage units of the safety controller 100, the control device 300, and the IO terminal 20.

[0068] (c3: Control device 300) The control device 300 according to the present embodiment has the same device configuration as the safety controller 100 shown in FIG. 3, so detailed description will not be repeated. Note that the safety controller 100 employs duplication of processors and the like and safety modules, but generally, such configurations are not employed in the control device 300. Also, in the control device 300, user programs are executed instead of the above-described safety programs.

[0069] <D. Network configuration of the IO terminal 20> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a network including the IO terminal 20 and the safety controller 100 according to the present embodiment. The communication network in FIG. 5 includes the safety controller 100 that is a communication master and a plurality of IO terminals 20 that are communication slaves.

[0070] For the connection of the safety controller 100 and the plurality of IO terminals 20, various network topologies such as a tree or a star can be adopted. A frame including a control command sent from the safety controller 100 is transferred through a path passing through the IO terminal 20 connected to the network. Such a communication path is assumed to be a network conforming to EtherNet / IP (registered trademark).

[0071] The IO terminal 20 includes a network interface 22, a safety input circuit having a plurality of input ports P1 to P4, and a safety output circuit having a plurality of output ports P5 to P8. Each input port receives an input signal from an input device 50 connected to the input port. The input signal is treated as a boolean value (true or false) in the wiring check program 3. Also, each output port outputs an output signal (on or off) corresponding to the value calculated by the wiring check program 3 to an output device 60 connected to the output port by the wiring check program 3.

[0072] <Hardware Configuration of IO Terminal 20> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the IO terminal 20 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, it has a MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 31, a storage unit 32, a first lamp 37a, a second lamp 37b, a main memory 38 including a non-volatile storage medium, a network interface 22 having a communication circuit such as a communication coupler unit and controlling communication with the control system network NW1, a communication interface 23 having a communication circuit such as a communication coupler unit and controlling communication with the information system network NW2, and a rotary switch 24.

[0073] Also, the IO terminal 20 has a safety control unit that is duplicated to ensure reliable safe operation, and a safety input circuit 25 and a safety output circuit 26 that communicate with the safety control unit. The safety input circuit 25 has the input ports P1 to P4 in FIG. 5, and the safety output circuit 26 has the output ports P5 to P8 in FIG. 5.

[0074] The MPU 31 is connected to the network interface 22, the communication interface 23, the storage unit 32, and the duplicated safety control unit, and enables communication between these modules.

[0075] The rotary switch 24 is an example of an operation receiving unit that receives user operations on the IO terminal 20. The rotary switch 24 includes a mechanical switch that is provided on the surface of the housing 39 of the IO terminal 20 in a manner that allows the user to operate it. The rotary switch 24 has a switch that is operated, for example, by rotating a dial, and when the rotation of the switch stops at one of a plurality of positions, the position where the rotation stopped (operation position) is detected and output by an encoder.

[0076] The safety control section has a dual system consisting of a system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) A33 and a memory 35 accessed by the CPU A33, and a system including a CPU B34 and a memory 36 accessed by the CPU B34. The CPU A33 and the CPU B34 are connected to the safety input circuit 25 and the safety output circuit 26, respectively. The memory 35 includes a nonvolatile memory 35A such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile memory 35B such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the memory 36 includes a nonvolatile memory 36A such as a ROM and a volatile memory 356B such as a RAM.

[0077] The non-volatile memories 35A and 36A store wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) and a safety control program 7. The number of wiring check programs 3 that can be stored in the non-volatile memories 35A and 36A is not limited to 15, and one or more safety control programs 7 can be stored. Since the above-described dual system is adopted in the safety control unit, for each of the safety control program 7 and the wiring check program 3, the types and numbers of programs stored in the non-volatile memories 35A and 36A are the same. Here, for the sake of explanation, the non-volatile memories 35A and 36A store wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) and one safety control program 7.

[0078] When the operation receiving unit 31a detects the operation position of the rotary switch 24, the activation unit 31b generates an instruction to select and activate a program based on the detected operation position, and outputs it to the CPU A33 and the CPU B34. In response to this instruction, the CPU A33 and the CPU B34 respectively search (select) one corresponding to the operation position (encoded value) from the wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) and the safety control program 7 of the non-volatile memory 35A and the non-volatile memory 36A. The CPU A33 and the CPU A34 expand the retrieved program into the volatile memories 35B and 36B, and execute the expanded program. By such a user operation of the rotary switch 24, one of the wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) and the safety control program 7 is activated.

[0079] <F. Configuration of the storage unit> FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of information stored in the storage unit 32 of FIG. 6. The storage unit 32 includes a region E1 for storing a system program including an OS, and a region E2 for storing an application program and data.

[0080] The application programs in area E2 include an operation processing program 71 that, when executed, realizes the module of the operation reception unit 31a, a management program 72 that, when executed, realizes the module of the validation unit 31b, and an alarm program 73 that, when executed, realizes the module of the alarm unit 31d.

[0081] The MPU 31 reads the program from the storage unit 32, expands it in the main memory 38, and reads the expanded program from the main memory 38 and executes it.

[0082] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the nonvolatile memory 35A and the nonvolatile memory 36A of FIG. 6. In FIG. 8, the types and number of programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 35A and the nonvolatile memory 36A are the same. The nonvolatile memory 35A and the nonvolatile memory 36A each include a code area for storing the program code of the wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) and a code area for storing the program code of the safety control program 7. The code area stores a record 90 for each of the wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) and the safety control program 7. The record 90 includes a number 91 that identifies the record and a program code 92.

[0083] In the case of record 90, if the corresponding program is not stored in nonvolatile memory 35A or nonvolatile memory 36A, program code 92 is set to all 0s (zeroes), indicating that the record is unused (no program code is stored). In FIG. 8, record 90 with number 91 "00" is an area allocated to safety control program 7, and records 90 with numbers 91 "01" to "15" are areas allocated to wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15). In this embodiment, nonvolatile memory 35A and nonvolatile memory 36A can store up to 15 wiring check programs 3, but the number of wiring check programs 3 that can be stored is not limited to 15. Furthermore, the number of safety control programs 7 is not limited to one, and multiple programs can be stored.

[0084] For example, when manufacturing the IO terminal 20, the manufacturer stores the wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) and the safety control program 7 in the non-rewritable areas (non-volatile memory 35A and non-volatile memory 36A). The manufacturer can provide the wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) in the non-rewritable areas to the user (operator) as a wiring check tool. In addition, because they are stored in the non-rewritable areas, the manufacturer can protect the wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) from being changed.

[0085] Furthermore, if the memories 35, 36 have a rewritable area (memory), the wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) may be stored in the rewritable area of ​​the memories 35, 36. Because they are stored in the rewritable area, the I / O terminal 20 can add, change, or delete the wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15). For example, after the wiring work is completed, the wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) can be deleted from the rewritable area.

[0086] The IO terminal 20 may be equipped with a management module that manages the programs in the memory 35 and the memory 36. The management module modifies the wiring check program 3 in the memory 35 and the memory 36 in accordance with instructions transferred from an external device, such as the information processing device 200, via the information network NW2. For example, the management module loads (stores) the wiring check program 3 transferred from the external device via the information network NW2 into the area E2. The management module deletes the wiring check program 3 from the area E2 in accordance with instructions transferred from the external device via the information network NW2. In this way, the IO terminal 20 can add, change, and delete the wiring check program 3 in the rewritable area. Note that when a user operates a switch or button provided on the housing 39, the management module can also delete the wiring check program 3 from the rewritable area of ​​the memory 35 and the memory 36 in accordance with instructions based on the user operation.

[0087] (f1. Selection of Program) The user operates the rotary switch 24 to select one program to be activated from among a plurality of programs stored in the non-volatile memory 35A and the non-volatile memory 36A. More specifically, when the rotary switch 24 is operated by the user, one of the positions from position "0" to position "15" is detected as the operation position. When position "0" is detected, the CPU A33 and the CPU B34 search for the safety control program 7 of the record 90 with number 91 being "00" based on position "0" included in the instruction from the activation unit 31b. When position "i" (any value of i = 01 to 15) is detected, the CPU A33 and the CPU B34 search for the wiring check program 3 of the record 90 with number 91 being "i" based on position "i" included in the instruction from the activation unit 31b. Thus, the program (wiring check program 3 or safety control program 7) selected by the user by operating the rotary switch 24 is activated and executed.

[0088] The rotary switch 24 is also used to switch the operation mode of the IO terminal 20. More specifically, when the user operates the rotary switch 24 so that the operation position is one of positions "1" to "15", the IO terminal 20 can be set to the wiring check mode in which the wiring check program 3 is executed. After completing the wiring check, when the user operates the operation position of the rotary switch 24 to be position "0", the operation mode of the IO terminal 20 can be switched to the safety control mode in which the safety control program 7 is executed.

[0089] Note that the operation for program selection and operation mode switching in the IO terminal 20 is not limited to the operation of the rotary switch 24. For example, the user can operate the information processing device 200 to transfer an instruction for program selection and operation mode switching from the information processing device 200 to the IO terminal 20.

[0090] <G. Hardware Configuration Related to Wiring Check Mode> 9 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration related to the wiring check mode according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 9, the operation mode of the IO terminal 20 is the wiring check mode in which the wiring check program 3 stored in the memory 35 and the memory 36 is executed.

[0091] 9, the IO terminal 20 has one or more MCUs (Micro Controller Units) 30a. The IO terminal 20 further includes a lamp interface 37c connected to the MCU 30a, a switch interface 34, a safety input circuit 25, a safety output circuit 26, a memory 35, and a memory 36. The lamp interface 37c generates a signal for controlling lighting in accordance with a command from the MCU 30a and outputs the signal to the lamps 37a and 37b. The lamps 37a and 37b light up in a manner according to the signal from the lamp interface 37c.

[0092] The MCU 30a includes one or more IC (Integrated Circuit) chips. The one or more IC chips are equipped with an MPU 31, a CPU A 33, and a CPU B 34. The MPU 31 executes the processes of an operation reception unit 31a that receives user operations based on the output from a switch interface 34, an activation unit 31b, and an alarm unit 31d that communicates with a lamp interface 37c. The CPUs A 33 and B 34 execute wiring check programs 3 in memories 35 and 36 using the values ​​of input signals received from an input device 50 via a safety input circuit 25. Value output signals that are the execution results are output to one or more output devices 60 via a safety output circuit 26.

[0093] The safety input circuit 25 and the safety output circuit 26 realize communication between the program executed on the IO terminal 20 and external devices. The safety input circuit 25 has input registers corresponding to each of the input ports P1 to P4, and the safety output circuit 26 has output registers corresponding to each of the output ports P5 to P8. Values ​​in the input registers are addressed and read by the programs executed by the CPUs A33 and A34, and values ​​are written (set) to the output registers addressed by the programs executed by the CPUs A33 and A34. The safety input circuit 25 converts input signals received by each input port into values ​​(true or false, or 1 or 0) and sets the converted values ​​in the input registers corresponding to the input ports. The safety output circuit 26 converts the values ​​in the output registers corresponding to each output port into output signals (on or off) and transmits the converted signals to the output registers via the output ports corresponding to the output ports.

[0094] As a result, when the wiring check program 3 is executed, it becomes possible to change the value of the output signal for operating one or more output devices 60 depending on the value of the input signal received from the input device 50.

[0095] In the dual system of the IO terminal 20, CPU A33 and CPU B34 execute the same program stored in memory 35 and memory 36, and when the values ​​of the output signals resulting from both executions match, the output signals are sent to the output device 60.

[0096] The modules of the operation reception unit 31a, the activation unit 31b, the lamp interface 37c, and the notification unit 31d that communicate with the MPU 31 in FIG. 9 are configured by, for example, a program. Instead of this configuration, all or part of these modules may be implemented by a hardwired circuit. For example, the functions provided by the processor of the IO terminal 20 executing the above various programs may be implemented using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0097] <Example of Wiring Check Program 3> FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 are diagrams showing logic examples of the wiring check program 3 according to the present embodiment. The wiring check program 3 shows the logic 33, the input value 30A, and the output value 30C handled by the logic 33.

[0098] In FIG. 10, a light curtain is shown as the input device 50 and a safety relay is shown as the output device 60. In FIG. 11, an emergency stop switch is shown as the input device 50 and a robot controller and a contactor are shown as the output devices 60. The logic 33 in FIG. 10 shows the logic of a multi-connector that derives the input signal (value) from one input device 50 as the output signal (value) to one output device 60 as it is. The logic 33 in FIG. 11 shows the logic of routing that distributes the input signal (value) from one input device 50 to the output signals (values) to each of the plurality of output devices 60. When the logics 33 in FIGS. 10 and 11 are executed, if the input signal from the input device 50 changes to on (or off), the output signal changes to on (or off) in conjunction with the change. According to the wiring check program 3 in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the user operates the input device 50, that is, when the input signal is operated, the output signal of the corresponding output device 60 can be operated, so that the user can easily check the wiring. Also, in this wiring check, it is possible to check the wiring of the cable connecting the input device 50 to the IO terminal 20.

[0099] In FIG. 12, an emergency stop switch is shown as the input device 50, and a safety relay and a contactor are shown as the output devices 60. The logic 33 in FIG. 12 includes logic 33A and 33B that set the output signals to the plurality of output devices 60 to on at regular time intervals in response to an input signal from the input device 50 of 1. According to the wiring check program 3 in FIG. 12, when the user operates the input device 50, that is, when the input signal is operated, the output signals of the corresponding plurality of output devices 60 can be operated at regular intervals.

[0100] The logic of the wiring check program 3 is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12. The wiring check program 3 may be described using a function block diagram (FBD: Function Block Diagram). Alternatively, it may be described in any one of a ladder diagram (LD: Ladder Diagram), an instruction list (IL: Instruction List), structured text (ST: Structured Text), and a sequential function chart (SFC: Sequential Function Chart), or a combination thereof. Furthermore, it may be described in a general-purpose programming language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) or the C language.

[0101] <I. Notification Using a Lamp> The notification unit 31d notifies the signal input state of the input signal at the input port and the signal output state of the output signal at the output port. More specifically, the notification unit 31d changes the lighting mode of the first lamp 37a according to the signal input state at the input port, and changes the lighting mode of the second lamp 37b according to the signal output state at the output port.

[0102] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the arrangement of lamps according to this embodiment. Fig. 14 is a diagram explaining the lighting state of the lamps in Fig. 13. In Fig. 12, first lamp 37a and second lamp 37b may be arranged in a position different from the position close to cable connectors 38a and 38b shown in Fig. 1, for example, in portion 39a on the surface of housing 39 in Fig. 1. Note that the arrangement positions of first lamp 37a and second lamp 37b are not limited to portion 39a as long as the lighting state is visible to the user. Fig. 12 shows the arrangement of LEDs, which are an example of lamps.

[0103] 13, groups 37A, 37B, 37C, 37D, 37E, 37F, 37G, and 37H, each of which is configured with one or more LEDs, are arranged. Four of the LEDs configuring group 37D correspond to four first lamps 37a that indicate the signal input states of ports P1 to P4. Furthermore, four of the LEDs configuring group 37H correspond to four second lamps 37b that indicate the signal output states of ports P5 to P8.

[0104] 14, the LEDs in group 37A indicate the current operating status of the IO terminal 20, the LEDs in group 37B indicate the connection status of the control network NW1 to the IO terminal 20, and the LEDs in group 37C indicate the power supply status of the IO terminal 20. The LEDs in groups 37E and 37F indicate the communication status of EtherNet / IP built into the IO terminal 20, more specifically, the communication status of the Ethernet port. The LED in group 37G indicates the supply status of output power.

[0105] 15 is a diagram illustrating the lighting state of lamps indicating the signal input state of the input ports according to the present embodiment. The notification unit 31d determines the signal input state based on the signals detected at each of the input ports P1 to P4, and controls the lamp 37a corresponding to the input port based on the determination result via the lamp interface 37c.

[0106] 15, when the notification unit 31d determines that the signal input state is an "on signal," it controls the lamp 37a to light up in yellow. When the notification unit 31d determines that the signal input state is an "off signal," or that the signal has been turned on but is disconnected, it controls the lamp 37a to turn off. When the notification unit 31d determines that the signal input state indicates a connection of an incorrect input device 50 or a short circuit with another terminal, it controls the lamp 37a to light up in red or flash in red.

[0107] When the user operates the input device 50, if none of the lamps 37a corresponding to the input ports P1 to P4 light up in yellow, the user can determine that the wiring of the input device 50 is incorrect.

[0108] 16 is a diagram illustrating the lighting patterns of lamps indicating the signal output states of the output ports according to the present embodiment. The notification unit 31d determines the signal output state based on the signals detected at each of the output ports P5 to P8, and controls the lamp 37b corresponding to the input port based on the determination result via the lamp interface 37c.

[0109] 16, when the notification unit 31d determines that the signal output state is an "ON signal," it controls the lamp 37b to light up in yellow. When the notification unit 31d determines that the signal output state is an "OFF signal," it controls the lamp 37b to turn off. When the notification unit 31d determines that the output port is short-circuited to another terminal based on the signal output state, it controls the lamp 37b to light up in red or flash in red.

[0110] If the user detects that the output device 60 connected to the output port where the lamp 37b is lit yellow is not operating, the user can determine that the wiring for the output device 60 is incorrect.

[0111] The lamps 37a and 37b are lit in positions close to the cable connectors 38a and 38b for connecting cables to the corresponding ports. The user can use the lighting (or extinguishing) of the lamps 37a and 37b as guide information for identifying the cable connector to which the cable connected to the input device 50 or the cable connected to the output device 60 should be connected. Note that the lighting modes shown in Figures 15 and 16 are merely examples and are not limiting.

[0112] <J.フローチャート> Fig. 17 is a flowchart of processing according to this embodiment. Fig. 17 shows processing when a wiring check is performed on an IO terminal 20 as shown in Fig. 1 that is not connected to the control network NW1. Before the processing of Fig. 16 is started, wiring check programs 3(1) to 30(15) are stored in nonvolatile memory 35A and nonvolatile memory 36A.

[0113] First, the user performs wiring work to connect the input device 50 and the output device 60 to the IO terminal 20 with cables. The user operates the rotary switch 24 to set the operation position to, for example, "1." This sets the IO terminal 20 to "wiring check mode."

[0114] The IO terminal 20 starts the wiring check program 3(1) corresponding to the operation position "1" (step S2). More specifically, the CPU A33 and the CPU B34 search for the wiring check program 3(1) from the nonvolatile memory 35A and the nonvolatile memory 36A based on the operation position "1" accepted by the operation accepting unit 31a, and activate the wiring check program 3(1). The activated wiring check program 3(1) is started (executed) in the IO terminal 20.

[0115] When the worker operates the wired input device 50, the input signal from the operated input device 50 changes. The wiring check program 3(1) changes the value of the output signal based on a value corresponding to the input signal from the input device 50. An output signal indicating the changed value is output from the output port. As a result, the signal input state of the input port and the signal output state of the output port change. The notification unit 31d turns on the first lamp 37a and the second lamp 37b based on the signal input state at the input port and the signal output state at the output port (step S3). The signal input state at each input port and the signal output state at each output port are notified to the user by the lighting mode of the lamps.

[0116] The user checks the lighting state of the lamp and checks the wiring according to the check result. If the check result shows that the wiring is correct, the user completes the wiring work, turns off the power to the IO terminal 20, and operates the rotary switch 24 to the operation position "0".

[0117] After the wiring work is completed, the user delivers the IO terminal 20 to the manufacturer. The manufacturer places the IO terminal 20 in the system shown in Fig. 2 and connects it to the control network NW1 and the information network NW2 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0118] 2, the IO terminal 20 is powered on, and the operation reception unit 31a receives the operation position "0" of the rotary switch 24 (step S4). This switches the operation mode, and the IO terminal 20 is set to the "safety control mode."

[0119] Based on the received operation position "0", CPU A33 and CPU B34 search for a second program, for example, the safety control program 7, from nonvolatile memory 35A and nonvolatile memory 36A. The searched safety control program 7 is activated. CPU A33 and CPU B34 start (execute) the activated safety control program 7 (step S5). After the safety control program 7 is started, the IO terminal 20 operates safely in response to the control signal transferred from the safety controller 100.

[0120] According to the above-described process, after the wiring for connecting the input device 50 and the output device 60 to the IO terminal 20 with a cable is carried out, when the IO terminal 20 executes the wiring check program 3, the user can evaluate the propriety of the connection state of the devices to the IO terminal 20 (that is, the propriety of the wiring) based on the lighting mode of the first lamp 37a or the second lamp 37b. Therefore, the user can deliver the IO terminal 20 for which the inspection of the proper connection of the devices has been completed to a manufacturer or the like. As a result, after delivery to the manufacturer, rework such as rewiring the IO terminal 20 can be eliminated.

[0121] The disclosed embodiments should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

[0122] <K. Supplementary Note> The following configurations are disclosed in this specification.

[0123] [Configuration 1] An IO terminal (20), a network interface (22) for connecting to a network (NW1) to which a controller (100, 300) belongs, an input port to which an input device (50) can be connected, and one or more input ports (P1 to P4) for receiving an input signal from the input device, an output port to which an output device (60) can be connected, and a plurality of output ports (P5 to P8) for transmitting an output signal to the output device, an operation reception unit (31a) for receiving a user operation on the IO terminal, a storage unit (32) for storing a plurality of programs, and an activation unit (31b) for activating one of the plurality of programs in the storage unit according to the user operation. The plurality of programs in the storage unit are An IO terminal including a first program (3) including logic (33) for changing the value of an output signal for operating one or more output devices in accordance with the value of an input signal received from one input device, and a second program different from the first program.

[0124] [Configuration 2] The IO terminal according to configuration 1, further comprising a notification unit (31d) that notifies a signal input state of the input signal at each of the one or more input ports and a signal output state of the output signal at each of the plurality of output ports.

[0125] [Configuration 3] The IO terminal is further comprising a first lamp (37a) and a second lamp (37b); The IO terminal according to configuration 2, wherein the notification unit changes the lighting state of the first lamp according to the signal input state at the input port, and changes the lighting state of the second lamp according to the signal output state at the output port.

[0126] [Configuration 4] The IO terminal is A housing (39); a first connector (38a) disposed on the surface of the housing for connecting a cable leading to the input device to each of the one or more input ports; a second connector (38b) arranged on the surface of the housing for connecting a cable leading to the output device to each of the plurality of output ports; the first lamp is disposed on the surface of the housing in proximity to the first connector; The IO terminal of configuration 3, wherein the second lamp is positioned on the surface of the housing in proximity to the second connector.

[0127] [Configuration 5] The IO terminal according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the storage unit stores a plurality of the first programs (3(1) to 3(15)) whose logic differs according to an attribute of an input signal of the one input device.

[0128] [Configuration 6] the storage unit has a non-rewritable area, 6. The IO terminal of any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the first program is stored in the non-rewritable area.

[0129] [Configuration 7] the storage unit has a rewritable area, 6. The IO terminal of any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the first program is stored in the rewritable area.

[0130] [Configuration 8] The IO terminal of configuration 7, wherein the IO terminal changes or deletes the first program in the rewritable area.

[0131] [Configuration 9] 9. The IO terminal according to claim 1, wherein the operation reception unit includes a mechanical switch (24) configured to be operable by a user.

[0132] [Configuration 10] 10. The IO terminal of any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the second program includes a program (7) that determines, for each of one or more output devices, a value of an output signal for operating the output device in accordance with a control signal communicated with the controller. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1 safety system, 3 wiring check program, 7 safety control program, 100 safety controller, 20 IO terminal, 22,210 network interface, 23 communication interface, 24 rotary switch, 25 safety input circuit, 26 safety output circuit, 30A input value, 30C output value, 31a operation reception unit, 31b activation unit, 31d notification unit, 32 memory unit, 33, 33A logic, 34 switch interface, 35, 36 memory, 35A, 36A non-volatile memory, 35B 36B volatile memory, 37a first lamp, 37b second lamp, 37c lamp interface, 38 main memory, 38a first cable connector, 38b second cable connector, 39 housing, 39a part, 50,400 input device, 60 output device, 71 operation processing program, 72 management program, 73 notification program, 90 Record, 91 number, 92 program code, 102, 202 processor, 104, 204 main memory, 106 flash memory, 108 processing unit, 110 control system network interface, 112 information system network interface, 116 memory card interface, 118 memory card, 120, 216 local communication interface, 122 internal bus interface, 200 information processing device, 206 operation unit, 208 output unit, 211 display, 212 optical drive, 218 internal bus, 220 auxiliary storage device, 224, 226 system program, 228 program creation tool, 229 program load tool, 230 program deletion tool, 300 control device, NW1 control system network, NW2 information system network, P1 to P4 input ports, P5 to P8 output ports.

Claims

1. An IO terminal, a network interface connecting the network to which the controller belongs; one or more input ports to which an input device can be connected and which receive an input signal from the input device; a plurality of output ports to which output devices can be connected, the output ports transmitting output signals to the output devices; an operation reception unit that receives a user operation on the IO terminal; a storage unit for storing a plurality of programs; an enabling unit that enables one of the plurality of programs in the storage unit in accordance with the user operation, The plurality of programs in the storage unit are An IO terminal including: a first program including logic for changing the value of an output signal for operating one or more output devices in accordance with the value of an input signal received from one input device; and a second program different from the first program.

2. The IO terminal according to claim 1 , further comprising a notification unit that notifies a signal input state of the input signal at each of the one or more input ports and a signal output state of the output signal at each of the plurality of output ports.

3. The IO terminal is Further comprising a first lamp and a second lamp, 3. The IO terminal according to claim 2, wherein the notification unit changes the lighting state of the first lamp according to the signal input state at the input port, and changes the lighting state of the second lamp according to the signal output state at the output port.

4. The IO terminal is The housing and a first connector arranged on a surface of the housing for connecting a cable leading to the input device to each of the one or more input ports; a second connector arranged on the surface of the housing for connecting a cable leading to the output device to each of the plurality of output ports, the first lamp is disposed on the surface of the housing in proximity to the first connector; The IO terminal according to claim 3 , wherein the second lamp is disposed on the surface of the housing in proximity to the second connector.

5. The IO terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the storage unit stores a plurality of the first programs, the logic of which differs depending on an attribute of an input signal of the one input device.

6. the storage unit has a non-rewritable area, 5. The IO terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first program is stored in the non-rewritable area.

7. the storage unit has a rewritable area, 5. The IO terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first program is stored in the rewritable area.

8. The IO terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the IO terminal changes or deletes the first program in the rewritable area.

9. The IO terminal according to claim 1 , wherein the operation reception unit includes a mechanical switch configured to be operable by a user.

10. 5. The IO terminal according to claim 1, wherein the second program includes a program for determining, for each of one or more output devices, a value of an output signal for operating the output device in accordance with a control signal communicated with the controller.

Images