Controller

• US 6,307,153 B2
• Filed: 11/26/1997
• Issued: 10/23/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Omron Corporation
• Original Assignee: Omron Corporation
• Inventors: Imoto, Masaru
• Primary Examiner(s): Reichard, Dean A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Estrada, Angel R.
• Application Number:
  US08/979,697
• Publication Number:
  US 20010011597A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,427 Days
• Field of Search: 361/686, 361/803, 361/784, 361/728, 361/796, 361/736, 361/752, 361/753, 364/DIG.2, 439/620, 439/488, 439/491, 439/76.1, 439/928, 439/928.1, 439/65, 439/74, 439/131, 439/501, 439/490, 174/50, 174/58, 174/53, 220/3.2, 220/3.3, 220/3.94, 220/241
• US Class Current: 174/50
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/0423 Input/output
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/05 Programmable logic controllers, e.g. simulating logic interconnections of signals according to ladder diagrams or function charts
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/1428 for small modular apparatus with terminal block
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/1468 Mechanical features of input/output (I/O) modules
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/1479 including decentralized modules, e.g. connected to other modules using fieldbus
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/1481 User interface, e.g. status displays; Programming interface, e.g. connector for computer programming; Monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 7/1484 Electrical diagrams relating to constructional features, e.g. signal routing within PLC; Provisions for disaster recovery, e.g. redundant systems

Abstract

A controller in which a dead space for wiring is reduced, its input-and-output response time is shortened, and miniaturization and cost reduction is ensured. A RS-232 connector connection unit (6) and a peripheral connector connection unit (7) are lowered than a projection (4) provided with displays (12₁ to 12₄) so that a cable connector does not exceed the projection (4) when the connector is mounted on the connector connection units (6) and (7).

Claims

1. A controller having a connecting portion connectable to a cable connector for connecting a peripheral component, comprising:

a housing having a wall including a flat section and a projection projected from the flat section in a direction of the cable connector when connected to the connecting portion; and

an opening disposed on the flat section through which the cable connector connects to the connecting portion disposed in the housing,

wherein the projection has a height approximately equal to a height of a hood portion of the cable connector when connected to the connecting portion.

2. A controller according to claim 1 which receives input data from an input unit through a terminal and produces output data to be applied to an output unit through said terminal, and further comprising communication means for executing a serial communication with said terminal to receive and send said input and output data.

3. A controller according to claim 1, further comprising:

a display disposed on the projection of the housing;

a first board disposed in parallel with a side wall of the housing; and

a second board disposed to cross the first board,

wherein the first board is positioned on the projection of the housing and the second board, upon which is placed the connection portion, is positioned on a lower level section of the housing.

4. A controller according to claim 3 in which the second board is provided with a power supply circuit and the second board is provided with a control circuit.