AUTOMATION CONTROLLER I/O MODULE

Abstract

This invention describes an I/O module for a modular automation controller. The controller has a main assembly including a motherboard. The I/O modules plug into the motherboard. The modules are parallel to the motherboard allowing use of surface mount LED indicators reducing manufacturing costs. The modules use a plastic cover which retains the module's PCA as well latches the module to the motherboard, making the automation controller less expensive.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: FIG. 1 shows a typical modular Automation Controller (prior art).

FIG. 2: FIG. 2 shows Automation Controller described in this invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B: FIGS. 3A and 3B show two views of I/O module cover of this invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B: FIG. 4A shows a printed circuit board of a module and 4B shows a complete I/O module.

Claims

1. In a modular automation controller comprising of a motherboard and one or more input/output modules, an I/O module comprising of a housing and a printed circuit board assembly (PCA), with means to retain said PCA within said housing without screws, and to mount said module on said motherboard without screws, said retaining and mounting means comprising of guide posts, snaps and latches molded in said housing, said mounting means snap into slots in said motherboard.

2. Said I/O module of claim 1 wherein said retaining means consist of protrusions in the said housing that have means to expand and flex to snap in a printed circuit board assembly.

3. Said I/O module of claim 1 wherein said mounting means consist of protrusions in the said housing that have means to expand and flex to snap into a motherboard.

4. In a modular automation controller comprising of a motherboard and one or more input/output modules, an I/O module comprising of a housing and a printed circuit board assembly (PCA), wherein said PCA contains a connector with plurality of terminals to wire input/output devices and indicators to indicate status of said input/output devices wherein said indicators are placed next to corresponding said terminals.

5. An I/O module of claim 4 wherein said indicator means consist of Light Emitting Diodes.

6. An I/O module of claim 5 wherein said Light Emitting Diodes are surface mount devices.

7. An I/O module of claim 4 wherein said housing has a closed top with see through windows for said indicators.

8. In a modular automation controller comprising of a motherboard and one or more input/output modules, an I/O module comprising of a housing and a printed circuit board assembly (PCA), wherein said PCA contains a connector with plurality of terminals to mate into corresponding terminals on said motherboard and said connector allows said PCA to mate to said motherboard in a parallel direction.

9. In a modular automation controller comprising of a motherboard and one or more input/output modules, an I/O module having mechanical and electrical means to connect to said motherboard parallel to each other.

10. An I/O module of claim 9 wherein said mechanical and electrical means consist of male and female connectors to mate with each other.

11. In a modular automation controller comprising of a motherboard and one or more input/output modules, an I/O module comprising of a housing and a printed circuit board assembly (PCA), wherein said PCA contains a connector with plurality of terminals to wire input/output devices, said terminals having means for a quick connect or disconnect of said wires from said input/output devices.