Modular panel construction for programmable controller and frame therefore
AssigneeModicon, Inc.
InventorHoward A. Powers
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
By providing an input/output panel housing which is readily connectible to adjacent housings and which cooperates with up to four removable input/output modules, a completely expandable, modularized input/output panel construction is achieved. Each housing accommodates up to four "plug-in" input/output modules, and is constructed so that the wiring from the equipment being controlled is connected directly to fixed terminals and need not be removed when the input/output modules are removed or replaced. Since each housing is readily connectible to adjacent housings, the input/output panel board construction of this invention is completely flexible and readily expandable to meet any desired operational needs.
Claims11
An input/output panel assembly interconnected with a central processor to form a machine controller interconnected with and operating external devices, comprising:
- A. a support frame;
- B. a terminal strip secured to said support frame at a first location and incorporating a set of contact pins communicating with said external devices;
- C. a panel board
- a. removably mounted to said support frame at a second location,
- b. electrically interconnectable with adjacent panel boards,
- c. incorporating a first set of pin-receiving means, and
- d. communicating with the central processor;
- and
- D. an electronic module removably mounted to said support frame and incorporating
- a. a plurality of contacts electrically interconnected with said plurality of contact pins of said terminal strip, and
- b. a second set of contact pins electrically connected to said first set of pin-receiving means of said panel board,
- whereby upon insertion of said electronic module in said support frame, said module is electrically connected between said external devices and said central processor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.