Systems and methods for coupling input/output devices
AssigneeRockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
InventorsDouglas R. Bodmann, David S. Wehrle, Joseph G. Vazach, Robert J. Kretschmann, Nathan J. Molnar, Gregg M. Sichner
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An input/output (I/O) device for an automation control system includes a base portion configured to communicatively connect the I/O device with at least one other I/O device, an I/O module physically and communicatively connected to the base portion and comprising I/O communication circuitry, a terminal block physically and communicatively connected to the base portion, and an ejection device configured to eject the I/O module or the terminal block from the base portion by pushing the I/O module or the terminal block out of engagement with the base portion when activated.
Claims12
An input/output (I/O) device for an automation control system, the I/O device comprising:
- a base portion configured to communicatively connect the I/O device with at least one other I/O device;
- an I/O module physically and communicatively connected to the base portion and comprising I/O communication circuitry;
- a terminal block physically and communicatively connected to the base portion, wherein the base portion communicates signals between the I/O module and the terminal block during operation;
- and
- an ejection device comprising a push-push latch mechanism configured to releasably engage the I/O module or the terminal block with the base portion when the I/O module or the terminal block is moved in a first direction such that the I/O module or the terminal block is interlocked with the base portion and configured to eject the I/O module or the terminal block from the base portion by pushing the I/O module or the terminal block out of engagement with the base portion when activated by the I/O module or the terminal block being subsequently moved in the first direction such that the I/O module or the terminal block is released from the base portion.
A component of an input/output (I/O) device, the component comprising:
- a first connector configured to engage with a second connector of an additional component of the I/O device, wherein signals are communicated between the component and the additional component during operation;
- and
- an ejection device configured to eject the component from the additional component by disengaging the first connector from the second connector, wherein the ejection device comprises:
- a plunger configured to contact the additional component;
- and
- a latch mechanism coupled to the plunger and configured to move the component away from the additional component when the latch mechanism is activated.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.