Readily expandable input/output construction for programmable controller
AssigneeGould Inc.
InventorsJay M. Prager, Roman Y. Gonzales
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
By providing an input/output module which incorporates post means formed thereon and slider means connected thereto and movable into and out of locking engagement with the post means of an adjacent module, a unique input/output module is achieved that is rapidly mounted to an adjacent module as well as rapidly disconnected therefrom. Preferably, each input/output module incorporates mating connector means positioned on opposite surfaces thereof, whereby each input/output module electronically directly connects to an adjacent module for communication with a central processor.
Claims6
Input/output modules interconnectable with a central processor to form a machine controller for receiving information from and providing operating instructions to external devices, and interconnectable with adjacent previously mounted input/output modules, each of said input/output modules comprising
- A. a housing having a substantially regular parallelepiped shape and incorporating
- a. first connector means for communicating with the external devices, and
- b. second connector means adapted for electronic engagement with a mating connector for communicating with the central processor;
- B. post means extending from an external surface of said housing;
- and
- C. two slider members, each of which comprises mirror images of the other and are
- a. movably mounted on opposite surfaces of the housing,
- b. movable between a first disengaged position and a second post-engaged locking position, and
- c. incorporating interconnecting, locking finger means extending therefrom, positioned for locking engagement with the post means of an adjacent module when the slider is moved from its first disengaged position to its second engaged, locked position;
- whereby input/output modules are quickly and easily securely mounted to, or disengaged from, each other, providing a programmable controller capable of being expanded, or repaired, rapidly and efficiently.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.