Patent ID: 6033268
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: H01R,H05K,Y10S

Abstract:
A modular I/O unit for field wiring comprising:a base having a socket;a terminal bank on said base comprising a plurality of terminals, each of said terminals having a contact adapted to make an eIectrical connection with said field wiring;electrical conductors disposed in said base and exiting between said terminals and said socket;a removable electronics module comprising signal processing circuitry having electrical components disposed within a housing a promixal end engaging said socket and a distal end, wherein said signal processing circuitry connects with said electrical conductors in said base, and wherein said housing projects outward from said base when said proximal end is engaged in said socket with the distal end of said housing spaced from said base; anda locking mechanism locking said electronics module in said socket, said locking mechanism comprising at least one locking assembly including a shaft extending from said distal end of said housing to said proximal end, an engagement member on a first end of said shaft adjacent to said proximal end of said housing, a catch member in said socket in said base, and an actuator on a second end of said shaft adjacent to said distal end of said housing for manipulating said shaft from said distal end of said housing to engage and disengage said engagement member with said catch member and configured to provide a visual indication that said electronics module is not locked in said socket when said engagement member is disengaged from said catch member.