Universal input/output system construction for programmable controllers
First Claim
1. An expandable, multi-purpose input/output system interconnected with a central processor to form a machine controller interconnected with and operating external devices, comprisingA. a housing incorporating means for communicating with the central processor;
- B. a printed circuit board incorporatinga. means for disengageably interconnecting said printed circuit board with the communicating means of the housing, andb. a plurality of electrically independent contacts for communicating with the external equipment;
C. a slider systema. mounted in the housing,b. movable from a first, locked, housing-inserted position to a second, locked, partially withdrawn position, andc. incorporating means for supportingly holding the printed circuit board in the housing in disconnectable communication with the central processor;
D. a terminal connector block mounted to the slider assembly and comprisinga. a plurality of wire connection points for electrically connecting the external equipment to the input/output system, andb. a plurality of quick disconnect contacts, with each of said contacts being independently conductively associated with one wire connection point; and
E. a connector panel incorporating a plurality of conductively independent contacts for electrically interconnecting the quick disconnect contacts of the terminal connector block with the plurality of electrically independent contacts of the printed circuit board;
whereby an input/output system is achieved wherein the external equipment wires are easily connected to the terminal connector block by supportingly extending the connector block to a position outside of the housing, wherein the printed circuit board is quickly and easily disengageably inserted and interconnected with the central processor, and wherein complete electrical interconnection of the external equipment through the printed circuit board to the central processor is made quickly and easily without requiring disassembly of the external equipment wires for removal, replacement or repair of the printed circuit board.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
By providing an input/output housing which incorporates paired slider assemblies for supportingly maintaining a printed circuit board in secure electronic engagement between a central processor and external devices, with said printed circuit board being quickly and easily removable from the electronically engaged position, an input/output system for a programmable controller is achieved which is capable of being quickly and easily expanded as well as capable of rapid field assembly and field disassembly for removal or replacement of any required parts. In addition, the external equipment wiring is made to a terminal block which is mounted between the paired slider assemblies and pivotally engaged therein to provide readily accessible contact points for initial interconnection thereto, while also being pivotally movable and slidingly advanceable into the housing for continuous maintenance therein in a secure, hidden, easily accessible storage zone. In the preferred embodiment, all connectors in the input/output system are solderless connections to assure rapid assembly and disassembly capabilities.
71 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An expandable, multi-purpose input/output system interconnected with a central processor to form a machine controller interconnected with and operating external devices, comprising
A. a housing incorporating means for communicating with the central processor; -
B. a printed circuit board incorporating a. means for disengageably interconnecting said printed circuit board with the communicating means of the housing, and b. a plurality of electrically independent contacts for communicating with the external equipment; C. a slider system a. mounted in the housing, b. movable from a first, locked, housing-inserted position to a second, locked, partially withdrawn position, and c. incorporating means for supportingly holding the printed circuit board in the housing in disconnectable communication with the central processor; D. a terminal connector block mounted to the slider assembly and comprising a. a plurality of wire connection points for electrically connecting the external equipment to the input/output system, and b. a plurality of quick disconnect contacts, with each of said contacts being independently conductively associated with one wire connection point; and E. a connector panel incorporating a plurality of conductively independent contacts for electrically interconnecting the quick disconnect contacts of the terminal connector block with the plurality of electrically independent contacts of the printed circuit board; whereby an input/output system is achieved wherein the external equipment wires are easily connected to the terminal connector block by supportingly extending the connector block to a position outside of the housing, wherein the printed circuit board is quickly and easily disengageably inserted and interconnected with the central processor, and wherein complete electrical interconnection of the external equipment through the printed circuit board to the central processor is made quickly and easily without requiring disassembly of the external equipment wires for removal, replacement or repair of the printed circuit board. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification