Multi-axis motor control with high voltage backplane

An industrial control module for use with a backplane, the motor control module comprising:

• a rear face exposing a transversely extending first connector for receiving electrical power from the backplane to produce the drive signal and data signals for controlling the drive signal;
• a hanger positioned at an upper edge of the rear face supporting the weight of the motor control module independently of the joining of the first connectors with a second connector on the backplane wherein the hanger allows a pivoting joining of the first and second connectors about at the upper edge of the rear face;
• and
• a screw supported by the motor control module and engaging a threaded hole in the backplane to lock the motor control module into position with the first connector joined with the second connector.

A kit for the creation of a motor control comprising:

• at least one motor control module generating a drive signal for controlling an electric motor, the motor control modules having a rear face exposing a first connector for receiving electrical power to produce the drive signal and receiving data signals for controlling the drive signal;
• at least one dummy module having a rear face exposing a second connector;
• a backplane having:
• (a) an insulating support;
• (b) a set of high power conductors extending longitudinally along the insulating support;
• (c) a set of low power conductors displaced from the high power conductors and extending longitudinally along the insulating Support;
• (d) third connectors spaced longitudinally along the insulating support and extending over the high and low power conductors and join therewith, the first connector joinable with one of the second connectors;
• and
• (e) means for detecting that each of the third connectors is joined with one of a first or second connector.

A system for sharing power among a plurality of electronic modules, each module having a first connector exposed at the rear face thereof, the system comprising:

• (a) an insulating support;
• (b) a set of high power conductors extending along the insulating support;
• (c) a set of low power conductors displaced from the high power conductors and extending along the insulating support;
• (d) a set of data conductors displaced from the high power and low power conductors and extending along the insulating support;
• (e) second connectors spaced along the insulating support, low power and data conductors and electrically connected thereto, the First connector joinable with one of the second connectors;
• and
• (D) a support means for engaging the rear face of the modules to support and align the modules before and after the first and second connectors are engaged.