Modular electrical control distribution system

Decentralized modular input/output unit adapted to be located in the immediate vicinity of a machine or controlled device and

• additionally adapted for electrical connection to an electronic control unit (8'), especially a programmable memory control for the machine or controlled device, via a connecting bus (8")
• in combination with
• at least one electronic input/output module (2),
• wherein said at least input/output module includes an input/output stage (77) and a connection plug means (71, 72 73), and
• wherein said modular input/out unit comprises
• a distribution box (1);
• at least one bus socket (8) in said box adapted for electrical and mechanical connection of said connecting bus (8"), with said box (1),
• a plurality of further sockets (12) in said box for receiving the connection plug means (71, 72, 73) of at least of one of said input/output modules;
• an electronic logic component (56) shielded with respect to external environmental influences and electrically connected to said at least one bus socket (8) and to said plurality of further sockets (12), located within said box, said logic component (56) controlling the distribution, exchange and interchange of signals between said control unit (8') and said at least one input/output module (2);
• and
• means (5, 17, 28, 52) for sealing the distribution box (1), said bus socket (8) and said plurality of further sockets (12) against contamination, or ingress of at least one of:
• dust, moisture, water.