Abstract:
An electronics module includes a latch with a first latch portion and a second latch portion. The latch portions move between a latched position and an unlatched position. A spring is located between the first and second latch portions and biases the first and second latch portions in first and second directions. The first latch portion comprises an actuation portion located externally from the housing and that is adapted to be manually engaged and moved linearly in the second direction to move the first latch portion from its latched position toward its unlatched position. The second latch portion includes a resilient tail with a locator tab that seats in either a first receiving location or a second receiving location of the first latch portion and that is selectively deflectable to disengage the locator tab from the second receiving location so that the spring moves the latch to the latched configuration.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for aligning status indicators on a terminal block of an I/O device by locating the status indicators directly adjacent to or integrated directly within their respective terminals on the terminal block. The status indicators are illuminated by LEDs or other light emitters disposed within a housing of the I/O device. Light from the LEDs are directed to the status indicators by light pipes disposed within the housing of the I/O device. LED activation circuitry disposed within the housing determines a manner in which to activate the LEDs to illuminate the status indicators based on inputs and outputs between the I/O device and a controlled process. In certain embodiments, the status indicators are disposed on a raised section of the I/O device, which may be part of a removable LED indication assembly including the LEDs, light pipes, and LED activation circuitry.
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.
Abstract:
An electronics module includes a housing with: (i) a forced convection chamber including an internal forced convection space; and, (ii) a passive chamber including an internal passive space that is separated from the forced convection space. At least one fan is connected to the housing and adapted to induce forced convection airflow in the forced convection space. A heat sink is connected to the housing and includes: (i) a heat input portion exposed to the passive space; and, (ii) a heat output portion exposed to the forced convection space. A circuit board assembly is located in the passive space and includes at least one electronic component that is thermally engaged with the heat input portion of the heat sink. A clamping plate is secured to the heat sink and captures the circuit board to the heat sink. The circuit board is isolated from the fan-induced forced convection airflow.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for aligning status indicators on a terminal block of an I/O device by locating the status indicators directly adjacent to or integrated directly within their respective terminals on the terminal block. The status indicators are illuminated by LEDs or other light emitters disposed within a housing of the I/O device. Light from the LEDs are directed to the status indicators by light pipes disposed within the housing of the I/O device. LED activation circuitry disposed within the housing determines a manner in which to activate the LEDs to illuminate the status indicators based on inputs and outputs between the I/O device and a controlled process. In certain embodiments, the status indicators are disposed on a raised section of the I/O device, which may be part of a removable LED indication assembly including the LEDs, light pipes, and LED activation circuitry.
Abstract:
An electronics module includes a latch with a first latch portion and a second latch portion. The latch portions move between a latched position and an unlatched position. A spring is located between the first and second latch portions and biases the first and second latch portions in first and second directions. The first latch portion comprises an actuation portion located externally from the housing and that is adapted to be manually engaged and moved linearly in the second direction to move the first latch portion from its latched position toward its unlatched position. The second latch portion includes a resilient tail with a locator tab that seats in either a first receiving location or a second receiving location of the first latch portion and that is selectively deflectable to disengage the locator tab from the second receiving location so that the spring moves the latch to the latched configuration.
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.