Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-29
2001-12-18
Feild, Lynn D. (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S726000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06331935
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to controller assemblies, such as those used in a programmable logic controller (PLC) system, and particularly to packaged controllers utilizing a base unit and a processor unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Controllers are used throughout industry to control and monitor a wide range of machines and other movable components and systems. In an exemplary controller, such as that used in a PLC system, the controller may have power supply circuitry, I/O circuitry, interface circuitry, etc. combined with a processor, such as a CPU.
Generally, controllers are available with a wide range of capabilities and processing power. Conventional PLC systems utilize a plurality of modules that are mechanically mounted in a rack system and electrically connected along a back plane. The individual modules can be interchanged or replaced as required by a given system application.
Some PLCs, referred to as packaged controllers, typically are used for smaller machines or systems and include a single integral system having its own power supply, input/output circuitry, interface circuitry and processor in a single unit.
With packaged controllers, the entire controller e.g., PLC, must be purchased with appropriate power supply, I/O circuitry, interface circuitry, processor, etc. for the particular task or environment in which it will be used. The purchaser is limited to the available preconfigured controllers and has limited ability to upgrade a packaged controller system without purchasing a new system. Additionally, the purchaser is limited to the capabilities and features of the commercially available control systems.
It would be advantageous from both the customer's perspective and the manufacturer's perspective to design packaged controller assemblies having modular components that could be selectively interchanged. For example, it would be advantageous to have a PLC separated into two interchangeable components, such as a base unit containing a power supply, power supply circuitry, I/O circuitry, interface circuitry, etc., and a separate processor unit containing a control device, such as a CPU, for the base unit. Such a design would provide both the customer and the manufacturer great flexibility in delivering many configurations of a controller assembly with a smaller number of manufactured components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one preferred embodiment, the present invention features a dockable processor unit system. The system comprises a processor unit and a base unit configured to receive the processor unit. A latching mechanism is provided to selectively latch the processor unit to the base unit. The latching mechanism includes an integral lever disposed to facilitate separation of the processor unit from the base unit.
According to another aspect of the invention, a programmable logic controller system is provided. The system comprises a base unit and a processor unit configured to engage the base unit. A latching mechanism is designed to selectively hold and release the processor unit with respect to the base unit.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for selectively latching a processor unit to a base unit of a programmable logic controller system. The method includes configuring a base unit with a receptacle for receiving a processor unit and selectively engaging the processor unit with the base unit. The method further includes connecting a latching mechanism to the base unit and the processor unit to selectively hold the processor unit in engagement with the base unit and to selectively release the processor unit from the base unit. Also, a lever is incorporated with the latching mechanism to provide a user with mechanical advantage in disengaging the processor unit from the base unit.
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Feild Lynn D.
Gerasimow Alexander M.
Rockwell Automation Technologies Inc.
Someren Robert A. Van
Walbrun William R.
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