HK1188873A - Modular electrical bus system - Google Patents

Description

Modular electrical bus system

The application is a divisional application, the application number of the original application is 200780100747.2 (International application number is PCT/US 2007/025677), the international application date is 12-14 th of 2007, and the invention name is 'modular electrical bus system'.

Technical Field

The field of the invention relates to electrical bus systems that can be used with pneumatic valve manifolds.

Background

Industrial automation uses a number of control devices. One common control device incorporates an electrically driven solenoid that controls the direction of hydraulic flow or the direction of compressed air flow for driving other downstream devices. In recent times, these valves are controlled by an industrial network (fieldbus) whose communication modules are often mounted adjacent to the valve manifold.

Efforts have been made to modularize fieldbus with input-output (I/O) modules so that additional I/O components can be added or replaced more easily. Each input/output module has a plurality of fittings that can all function as input fittings, all function as output fittings, or as a mixture of input fittings and output fittings. Modularity may be desirable to place certain I/O modules remotely closer to a particular sensor or machine. In the past, when such remote installation was accomplished, different remote components had to be used.

What is needed is a modular electrical bus system having several I/O modules that can be easily mounted together and remotely used separately from a main communication module. What is also needed is an I/O module and a fieldbus module having an image visualization display that can display status and changing parameters.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a modular electrical bus system for a valve manifold has a first module and a second module juxtaposed relative to each other and having complementary interlocking shapes for interlocking along a mounting surface. Preferably, the first module has interlocking extensions and the second module has an interlocking lumen. Preferably, the bus system has first and second modules in the form of modular I/O units, each having a plurality of I/O fittings, said fittings being both electrically and mechanically connectable together by a bridge connecting adjacent units together. At least one of the modular I/O units is also mechanically decoupled from the bus system and remains in communication with the bus system. The bridge locks the first and second modules together perpendicular to the mounting surface.

Each modular I/O cell has a major front surface and a side surface having a recessed front surface relative to the major front surface. Each side is placed with an electrical accessory placed between the two major front faces of two adjacent modular I/O units. The bridge fits in a gap formed in front of the recessed front surface between the major front surfaces of two adjacent modular I/O units to mechanically connect and secure to the two adjacent modular I/O units. In one embodiment, each bridge member has complementary electrical fittings for connecting to electrical fittings of adjacent modular I/O units to electrically connect adjacent modular I/O units. Preferably, the first and second front face portions are complementarily shaped to interlock adjacent modules together in the plane of the major front face. In one embodiment, the first and second front surface portions have complementary shaped dovetail concave and convex shapes to interlock together. The front surface portion at one side of the housing and the second front surface portion at the other side of the housing are aligned at the same distance from the main front surface. The first electrical connection is laterally aligned with the second electrical connection of an adjacent module when the adjacent modules are connected together.

In another embodiment, a modular I/O unit has a generally rectangular housing with a central front face having a plurality of I/O connectors. The housing has an upper shoulder and a lower shoulder, each shoulder having two electrical connectors thereon. The bridge electrically and mechanically couples the upper and lower shoulders together. The modular I/O units are juxtaposed adjacent to one another and the bridge has interlocking projections that are received within complementary sockets of adjacent modular I/O units. The bridge member has an aperture therethrough aligned with at least one socket for receiving a fastener therethrough for attaching the I/O unit to the mounting surface through the I/O unit. Two adjacent modular I/O units may have opposing sockets having dovetail shapes facing each other. The projection may have a tapered dovetail portion that is received in two facing female sockets.

In one embodiment, a modular I/O unit has a housing with corresponding electrical connectors mounted adjacent opposite sides. The bridge member has mating electrical connections for connecting to two adjacent modular I/O units or main communication modules. The modular I/O may have its housing with an upper shoulder and a lower shoulder with each shoulder having two electrical connectors thereon. The bridge electrically and mechanically couples the respective upper and lower shoulders of adjacent units together.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an electrical bus communication system has a modular unit with an alphanumeric image display for displaying information associated therewith.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an electrical bus communication assembly has a main communication module and a set of modular I/O units mounted to a side of the main communication module adjacent to each other. Each modular I/O unit has electrical accessories near each side thereof. The bridge spans and connects two adjacent modular I/O cells. The bridge has complementary electrical fittings for engaging electrical fittings of two adjacent I/O cells. Fasteners optionally mount the modular I/O unit to a mounting substrate. The bridge also mechanically connects adjacent modular I/O units together such that when the bridge is separated from one I/O modular unit, one modular I/O unit can be removed from the mounting base and the grouped modular I/O units without removing the left and right adjacent modular I/O units. Each modular I/O unit encloses an electronics card therein and may be distributed to remote locations and may be electrically connected to the main group and the main communication module.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an I/O module for an electrical bus system may have a housing with a main front face and a first electrical connection proximate one side and a second electrical connection proximate the other side. A plurality of I/O modules are mounted on the major front face of the housing. One side of the housing is shaped to fit adjacent the other side of an adjacent I/O module and to receive a bridging connector. The alphanumeric graphic display preferably has operable buttons for scrolling through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the I/O module.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an electrical bus assembly has a primary communication module and a set of modular I/O units mounted to a side of the primary communication module adjacent to each other. Each modular I/O unit has electrical fittings near each side thereof and is connected to corresponding complementary electrical fittings of adjacent modules. One modular I/O cell can be taken out of the group of modular I/O cells without taking out the left and right adjacent modular I/O cells. Each modular I/O unit encloses a number of electronic cards therein and may be distributed to remote locations and may be connected to a main group and a main communications module. The master communication module is configured to automatically address each modular I/O unit with a sub-network address on the master group or remote site. The I/O modules are each constructed to selectively select a supply of two power supplies fed into each I/O cell.

Drawings

Referring now to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective and partially schematic overview of an arrangement of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the set of main I/O modules and connector clip shown in FIG. 1 with a field bus and optional termination board and bus output board;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the remote I/O station shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the I/O modules shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded top side view of adjacent I/O modules and connector clips;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the I/O enclosure shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the I/O module shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the connector clip shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a ground circuit formed by the traces shown in FIG. 6 and the clip shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front view of one of the I/O modules shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the attachment clip shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a backing clip to be connected to the connecting clip of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an I/O module of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a connection clip to be used with the I/O module shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an adjacent I/O module; and

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of a connector clip for the I/O module shown in FIG. 16.

Detailed Description

Referring now to fig. 1, one arrangement of a modular fieldbus system 10 provides control means for a solenoid valve 12, which control valve 12 controls directional flow in a valve manifold 14 within a master station 16. The master station 16 has a master communication module 30, the master communication module 30 including an alphanumeric display 22 mounted thereon. The fieldbus system can also have a plurality of I/O modules 18, the I/O modules 18 being connected together by a bridge, hereinafter referred to as a clip 20, which clip 20 bridges and connects two adjacent modules 18 and is in fact electrically connected together to a main communications module 30. The master communication module 30 is connected to the solenoid valve 12 and controls the solenoid valve 12. For the purposes of the present invention, a module may be modular to be connected with other units, or may be a stand-alone unit.

The I/O module 18 may be stacked and mounted on a mounting surface 28, such as a machine wall or panel, or fastened directly to the mounting surface 28 by a commercially available DIN RAIL system. At one end of the master station 16 of the module 18, a main communication module 30 interfaces with a set of solenoids 12 and a valve manifold 14. The primary communication module 30 has a communication accessory 33 and a power accessory 43 for the primary and secondary power supplies. The other end of the master station 16 of the I/O module has a bus output mounting plate 32 or, as shown in fig. 2, a terminal mounting plate 34. The two plates 32 and 34 each have an aperture 37, the apertures 37 being adapted to receive DIN compliant fasteners for mounting to a DIN RAIL mounting system.

The system is modular such that the I/O module 18 can be installed at a remote station 35, the remote station 35 being remote from the master station 16 of the I/O module 18 as shown in fig. 1. The remote I/O module 18 is structurally identical to the other modules 18 in the master station 16 and is electrically connected to the master communication module 30 and communicates with the master communication module 30 via a bus cable 36 and an optional power cable 38. The remote I/O module 18 has a bus input mounting plate 31 and a bus output mounting plate 32, which are attached at opposite ends of the I/O module 18, respectively, one for receiving bus cables 36 and the other for extending further bus cables 36 to another optional substation 40. The bus input board 31 also has an aperture adapted to receive DIN RAIL compliant fasteners. Each bus input and bus output board 31 and 32 has two electrical fittings 45 and 47. The upper fitting 45 is used for network power and communications via cable 36, while the lower fitting 47 transfers auxiliary power to the remotely mounted I/O module 18 via cable 38, as will be described. Further remote module stations 35 having the required total number of I/O modules 18 may be connected in series in the same pattern.

The other substations 40 are connected by electrical bus cables 36 and 38 to fittings 45 and 47 and communication module 39 for controlling the sets of solenoids 12 and valve manifold 14 in the substations 40. Of course, it is contemplated that radio transmission power and communication transmissions may be substituted for the bus cables 36 and 38.

The structure of each module 18 is more clearly shown in fig. 4-9. Each I/O module 18 is equipped in a housing 19. The cover 96 of the housing 19 mounts an alphanumeric graphic display 22 on its front major surface 24. The front major surface 24 also has a plurality of I/O connections or fittings 26. Each I/O fitting 26 may have a commercially acceptable five-prong connection portion that may be used to power and communicate with a wide variety of sensors and devices (not shown). Other foot count attachment portions are also acceptable. Each fitting 26 may be used as an input or an output so that any individual module 18 may have all inputs, all outputs or a mixture of inputs and outputs with digital or analog signals. The cover 96 has a window 108 for the display 22, which window 108 may have a protective transparent cover 109. The cap 96 also has an aperture 110 for the I/O fitting 26. The aperture 107 may accommodate an operating button 130, the operating button 130 being used to operate a menu viewed on the display 22. As shown in fig. 4, when the alphanumeric graphic is in place, the cover plate 113 seals the window 108 and the cover 109 in the main front surface.

One side 41 of the housing 19 has an interlocking extension 42 extending upwardly from one side. The interlock extension 42 has a front surface 44, the front surface 44 being recessed from the major front surface 24. The front face 44 has electrical fittings 46 and a central threaded insert 48. The interlocking extensions shown may be dovetail-shaped with angled side walls 50 and straight end walls 52, the end walls 52 being parallel to the side faces 58. The extension 42 is centrally located between the upper end 54 and the lower end 56 of the housing 19.

The other side 58 of the housing 19 has two complementary shaped interlocking extensions 60 near the upper 54 and lower 56 ends. Each extension has an outer side wall 62, which outer side wall 62 is flush with the respective upper and lower ends 54 and 56 of the housing 19. The inner angled walls 66 are suitably spaced apart to form a dovetail shaped cavity 70 for fitting the extension 42 of an adjacent module 18. Each extension 60 has a front surface 72, the front surface 72 also being recessed relative to the major front surface 24 in the same manner as the extensions 42. Each extension 60 has an electrical fitting 46 and a threaded insert 48. As shown in fig. 2, 3 and 5, adjacent modules 18 are assembled together by dropping or sliding one module vertically relative to the other so as to lock the modules together laterally by interlocking extensions 42 and 60. In other words, the two modules are locked together along the mounting face plane 28 shown in fig. 1. A gap 74 is then formed therebetween, as best seen in fig. 5, the gap 74 extending downwardly to the vertically aligned front faces 44 and 72 of the extension 60 and the extension 42. Each gap 74 receives a clip 20 to complete the assembly and prevent adjacent modules 18 from lifting relative to each other as a result of being tightened into the threaded inserts 48.

The interior of the housing of module 18 is shown more clearly in figure 6 where housing 19 is open to view the interior thereof. The module 18 has a front plate 86, the front plate 86 mounting the alphanumeric graphic display 22 and the I/O fitting 26. The display 22 and the fitting 26 may be structurally connected in other ways. A rear plate 88 is secured to the front plate 86 and is spaced from the front plate 86. The front and rear plates 86 and 88 are connected to a cover 96 of the housing 19 by elongated fasteners 90 and conduits 92, the fasteners 90 and conduits 92 entering through holes or slots 97 in the rear plate 88 and extending to the front plate 86. The long fasteners 90 engage threaded sockets 94 in the interior of a cap 96 of the housing 19. The first plate 88 is sandwiched between the housing cover 96 and the conduit 92 to be secured. The back plate 88 also mounts the electrical fittings 46 by suitable solder connections. Traces (not shown) on board 88 connect the fittings 46 on one side 41 to corresponding fittings 46 on the other side 58 of the housing 19 for power and communication transfer therebetween. The I/O accessory 26 is also electrically connected to the board 88 through the board 86 so as to be in communication with both the display 22 and the accessory 46, where information can then be transmitted to the host communication module 30.

Referring now to fig. 9, a ground trace 100, such as a ground plane, also extends across the backplate 88 from an aperture 102 to an aperture 104. The ground traces 100 are in electrical communication with electrically conductive threaded fasteners 106 as they extend through apertures 102 and 104. Fasteners 106 engage the underside of the threaded insert 48 from the interior of the cover 96 to mount the back plate 88. The threaded insert 48 is made of a conductive material such as brass or other metal and is molded or otherwise secured to the cap 96 of the housing 19. Each insert 48 has two blind holes 99 so that the insert cannot enter the interior of the housing 19 from outside the environment even when fasteners are not engaged thereto.

Once plate 86 is secured to cover 96 by long fasteners 90, plates 86 and 88 are closed within housing 19 by displacement of backing member 112 of housing 19. A backing member 112 may be secured to the lid 96 to enclose the components within the housing 19, as shown in fig. 7. The housing cover 96 has an aperture 116 that extends through the housing cover 96 so that it can be used to mount the I/O module 18 directly to the mounting face 28.

As shown in fig. 8, since the plane 76 has an electrical connection fitting 78, this fitting 78 is electrically connected to the fitting 46 of one module 18 in fig. 2 and at one side 41 to the corresponding fitting 46 on the other side of the other module 18. In this manner, two continuous circuits are formed across the entire set of modules 18. The upper fitting 46 is primarily used to transmit network power and communications to the I/O data circuitry for the fitting 26 and to the fitting 45 in the bus output mounting board 32. The lower fittings 26 are used to transfer auxiliary power to the I/O modules 18 and the lower fittings 47 of the bus outlet mounting plates 32 and to each I/O module fitting 26. Additional auxiliary power may be attached to any lower fittings 47 of the bus input and output boards 31 and 32 to provide up to 4 amps of current at 24 volts, for example. The bus cables 36 and 38 can provide communication and auxiliary power to the remote stations 35 and 40, which remote stations 35 and 40 also always transmit power in the same manner as the master station 16.

As shown more clearly in fig. 2, 5 and 8, the clip 20 has an elongated body 74 that houses a pair of circuit boards 76, each circuit board 76 having two male fittings 78, the male fittings 78 having a retainer 80 therearound. Retainer 80 may be clamped in place on the body by fasteners 82, which fasteners 82 engage through apertures 84 in retainer 80 to engage body 74. Each of the fitting 78 and retainer 80 is fitted and connected to the fitting 46 in the extensions 42 and 60.

The clip 20 also has an internally molded conductive strip 118, the conductive strip 118 having three annular contact shoulders 120, the shoulders 120 being exposed in counterbores 122 around an aperture 124. An electrically conductive threaded fastener 126 extends through the aperture 124 to engage the contact shoulder 122 and the threaded insert 48 in the extensions 42 and 60 in the adjacent module 18. The fastener 126 mechanically secures two adjacent modules together and provides a continuous ground circuit between the two adjacent modules 18.

The completion of the grounding circuit is described by referring to fig. 1 and 9. The bus input and bus output mounting boards 31 and 32 also have similar ground strips 118 directly molded therein. Each terminal mounting plate 34 may also have a similar ground strip 118 therein. The fastener 126 engages the ground strip 118 as it mounts the mounting plate 31, 32 or 34 to the module 18. The ground lead 128 is now placed under any of the fasteners 126 that mount the module 18, and the mounting plate 31, 32 or 34. The leads 128 are connected to the metal frame of the device, such as the mounting face 28.

The ground circuit through module 18 and clip 20 are shown schematically in fig. 9. A fastener 106 passing through the aperture 104 engages the threaded insert 48 in the extension 42 and is in contact with the trace 100 of the first module 18. The fastener 126 thus engages the top of the threaded insert 48 in the extension 42, which engages the central annular contact shoulder 120 of the clip 20. Both the fasteners 106 and 126 and the threaded insert 48 are made of metal or other conductive material. The conducting strip 118 extends with its central annular contact shoulder 120 onto the two outer contact shoulders 120. The external contact shoulder is engaged by an electrically conductive fastener 126, which electrically conductive fastener 126 engages an electrically conductive threaded insert 48 in the housing cover 96 at the extension portion 60. The threaded insert 48 also engages a conductive fastener 106, which conductive fastener 48 passes through the board 88 at the aperture 102 and is in electrical contact with the ground trace 100 on the back board 88. Trace 100 extends across board 88 to an aperture 104, and thus aperture 104 is also in electrical contact with a conductive fastener 106 passing through aperture 104. The ground circuit thus repeatedly passes through adjacent clips 20 and adjacent modules 18.

The clips 20 thus ground the modules 18 together. The clips 20 also electrically connect the modules 18 together with the power and auxiliary power connectors 43 through fittings 78, which fittings 78 connect to the fittings 46 and also mechanically secure the modules 18 together. The interlocking extensions 42, 60 and the interior cavities 70 of two adjacent modules 18 expedite the mounting of one module 18 to another module 18 by temporarily holding the modules 18 in place against the mounting surface 28 while they become secured by the clips 20.

In addition, this configuration provides for intermediate placement of the I/O module for removal by lifting away from the mounting surface 28. By removing the adjacent clips 20, the extensions 42, 60 and the cavity 70 are exposed and the module 18 can be lifted out. Replacement I/O modules 18 can be provided in the space provided without moving other I/O modules 18. Optionally, other I/O modules can be moved together and joined together by an interlocking connection while eliminating the space left by removing the I/O modules. Additionally, if additional I/O modules 18 are needed, the boards 31, 32 or 34 can be temporarily removed to create a space where additional modules 18 can then be added and the boards 31, 32 and 34 can be reconnected to complete the mechanical, electrical and ground connections. In addition, in the same way, an additional module 18 can be added between two other modules 18.

The mounting plates 32 and 34 can be used at either the master station 16 or remote distribution stations 35 and 40. Bus bar input board 31 can be used for remote substation 35. The modular nature of the I/O module 18 and components 31, 32 and 34 provides for a wide range of distribution and optional configurations.

An alternative configuration of an I/O module for providing a fieldbus valve manifold is shown in FIGS. 10-13. In fig. 10-13, the module 218 has a housing 219 with a major front face 224, the major front face 224 having an I/O fitting 226. The housing 219 has upper and lower shoulders 242, the upper and lower shoulders 242 having a front surface 244, the front surface 244 being recessed relative to the major front surface 224. Each shoulder 242 has two electrical connectors 246 and a dovetail shaped internal cavity 270. Each clip 220 has a complementary electrical fitting 278, as shown in fig. 12, the electrical fitting 278 being connectable to the connector 246 to electrically connect adjacent modules 218 together. The clip 220 also has a male dovetail projection 242, the projection 242 fitting within each internal cavity 270 and mechanically locking adjacent modules 218 together. The clip also has an aperture 215 and a backing clip 225, the aperture 215 enabling a threaded fastener 236 to extend therethrough and engage, and the backing clip 225 also has a tapered dovetail projection 245, as shown in FIG. 13.

Each module likewise has an alphanumeric display 222 that indicates the status or other parameter of each signal connected to the accessory 226. A label holder 221 may also be incorporated into each housing 219.

Another embodiment is shown in fig. 14-15, where the module 318 has a pair of dovetail shaped cavities 370, the pair of dovetail shaped cavities 370 being provided at one side of a recessed shoulder 360, the shoulder 360 extending between the lower and upper shoulders 343. The i-shaped clip 320 extends over both the lower and upper shoulders 343 to connect the electrical connectors 346 of adjacent modules together by connectors 378 and has a pair of double dovetail projections 342 to engage the internal cavity 370 to mechanically lock the adjacent modules 318 together. The alphanumeric display 322 may set the length of the module 318 vertically downward.

Fig. 16 and 17 disclose another embodiment where the module 418 has electrical fittings 446 on two side shoulders 460 and is aligned with a single dovetail shaped cavity 470. The dovetailed faces of adjacent modules 418 engage dovetailed projections 442 of the clip 420, the clip 442 also having two pairs of complementary electrical fittings 478. The module 418 has an alphanumeric display 422.

The electronic device of the modular bus I/O system has an alphanumeric display 22, 222, 322 and 422 or an LED (light emitting diode), LCD (liquid crystal display) type display which is capable of displaying the status and other parameters of the I/O module and the main communication module and other wording such as error or address of the module. The display may be a commercially available pixel display product. It is also contemplated that other LEDs, LCDs or other visual display panels may be suitable. The display 22 has two operating buttons 130, the two operating buttons 130 being scrollable through a menu, as prepared for a particular modular group and I/O module. The display 22 can scroll through longer messages as desired.

The display 22 can be used to display the status of the I/O connection. For example, a positioned square is lit with a value of I/O, which is formed by darkening, so that the value is seen in negative form within the lit square.

Suitable manipulation of the operating buttons 130 enables scrolling through the menu to display and adjust certain features, many of which were previously only visible through an external device. For example, the following node performances can be seen: network node address, baud rate, I/O size diagnostic information and firmware revision level. It may also be used to display and enable the user to adjust network addresses, baud rates, parameters for I/O size, and self-test modes.

Valve manifold sub-node performance can see, for example, I/O range, communication errors, short circuit errors, auxiliary power status, firmware corrections, and can also be used to display and adjust individual module self-tests. The I/O module menu may display, for example, I/O range, type analog to digital, input, output, input/output, NPN or PNP, communication error, short circuit error, auxiliary power status, analog signal, firmware modification, and may be used to display and enable a user to adjust individual module self-test mode and debounce delay settings.

The master network attached to the fieldbus system has a master controller that can address each attached module. Rather than manually setting the toggle switch, there can be an automatic addressing scheme where each module is addressed in sequence so that the master communication module knows where the signal of a particular I/O accessory 26 resides.

An optional memory board may be added to the main communication module or as an additional module that can omit the start parameter. The parameters can then be changed at the I/O module and downloaded back to the memory module. A manual configuration board can replace the memory board. In this configuration, one can replace the master communication node without reconfiguring a new unit.

Each I/O module may have an internal readout circuit that will automatically recognize when the network power drops below the available level and automatically switch to the auxiliary power supply provided by the sub-network power supply through the lower accessory 43 in the main communication module 30, which is also provided through the lower accessory 43 in the main communication module 30. If one power system is shaken or stopped, the switch can be automatically switched to another power source. Auxiliary power is also provided in the bus input board 31 to the lower accessory 47.

In this manner, the flexible power distribution bus system can be made with housing components made of plastic or other types of desired materials that are non-conductive by incorporating a separate grounding system therein. The grounding system no longer relies on electrical conductivity and metal housing that fits the module. Each I/O module is independent and protectively encloses an electronics card. The modularity and self-sealing of the modules enables their remote installation as a remote substation taken out alone or with other connected modules and valves.

Removal and replacement of the module is accomplished quickly by its unique connection structure. Clips readily connect the modules together and each module is constructed to provide transitional integrity of the assembly with the clips connected to adjacent modules. In addition, the modules as individual units can be remotely located without the need for special end plates.

The display 22, 222, 322, 422 enables the user to see important features through menu scrolling, or even to remotely adjust certain features, as desired. The modular auto-addressing system and automatic power selection provide a more reliable and modern fieldbus system that is particularly suited for solenoid driven manifold valves and I/O systems. A module as used herein may comprise a stand-alone unit housing a display.

Other changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (42)

1. An electrical serial bus communication system, comprising: a module having an electronic numeric or alphanumeric display thereon for displaying information associated therewith; the module is configured to automatically select from two power sources fed to the module.

2. An electrical serial bus communication system, comprising: a module having an electronic numeric or alphanumeric display thereon for displaying information associated therewith; the module is a communication module configured to connect to a plurality of external output devices.

3. An electrical serial bus communication system, comprising: a module having an electronic numeric or alphanumeric display thereon for displaying information associated therewith; the module is an I/O modular unit having externally provided connectors for connecting to a plurality of input sensors and/or output devices.

4. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 3, further comprising: the I/O cell has a first side with an interlocking extension of a first shape; the I/O cell has an opposing second side with two spaced-apart interlocking extensions and an internal cavity therebetween that is shaped complementarily to interlock with the interlocking extension having the first shape.

5. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 4, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is mounted on a major front surface of the I/O unit; the interlocking extension portion has a front surface that is recessed relative to a major surface of the I/O cell.

6. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 5, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is manually operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the I/O unit.

7. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 6, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display has buttons operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the respective I/O cell.

8. An electrical serial bus communication system comprising: a module having an electronic numeric or alphanumeric display thereon for displaying information associated therewith; the module is an I/O unit for a valve manifold; the I/O cell has a first side with an interlocking extension of a first shape; the I/O unit having an opposing second side with two spaced-apart interlocking extensions and an internal cavity therebetween that is complementarily shaped to interlock with the interlocking extension having the first shape; the interlocking extension portion has a front surface that is recessed relative to a major surface of the I/O cell; the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is manually operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the I/O unit; said electronic numeric or alphanumeric display having buttons operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of said respective I/O cell; and the I/O cells are configured to automatically select from the two power supplies fed to each I/O cell.

9. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 1, further comprising: the module has a first side with interlocking extensions of a first shape; the module has an opposing second side with two spaced-apart interlocking extensions and an internal cavity therebetween that is shaped to complementarily interlock with the interlocking extensions having the first shape.

10. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 9, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is mounted on a major front surface of the module; and the interlocking extension portion has a front surface that is recessed relative to a major surface of the module.

11. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 10, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is manually operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the module.

12. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 11, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display the module has buttons operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the module.

13. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 3, further comprising: the I/O unit has a main front surface on which the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is mounted; the I/O cell has two opposing sides with interlocking extensions protruding from the sides; the interlocking extensions have respective front surfaces that are recessed relative to the major front surface.

14. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 13, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is manually operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the I/O unit.

15. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 14, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display has buttons operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the I/O unit.

16. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 1, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is manually operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the module.

17. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 16, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display has buttons operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the module.

18. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 1, further comprising: the module has a main front surface on which the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is mounted; the module having two opposing sides with interlocking extensions projecting therefrom; the interlocking extensions have respective front surfaces that are recessed relative to the major front surface.

19. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 18, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is manually operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the module.

20. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 19, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display has buttons operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the module.

21. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 1, further comprising: the module is an I/O unit.

22. An I/O cell for connection to a serial bus system, comprising: a housing having a plurality of externally provided connectors for connecting to a plurality of input sensors and/or output devices; and an electronic numeric or alphanumeric display mounted on a surface of the I/O unit for displaying information related thereto.

23. The I/O cell of claim 22, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is manually operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the I/O unit.

24. The I/O cell of claim 23, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display has buttons operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the I/O unit.

25. The I/O cell of claim 24, further comprising: said operable buttons being located laterally on each side of said electronic numeric or alphanumeric display; the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display extends laterally across the front surface of the I/O unit near the upper end of the I/O unit.

26. The I/O cell of claim 22, further comprising: the I/O cell has a first side with an interlocking extension of a first shape; the I/O cell has an opposing second side with two spaced-apart interlocking extensions and an internal cavity therebetween that is shaped complementarily to interlock with the interlocking extension having the first shape.

27. The I/O cell of claim 26, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is mounted on a major front surface of the I/O unit; the interlocking extension portion has a front surface that is recessed relative to a major surface of the I/O cell.

28. The I/O cell of claim 27, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is manually operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the I/O unit.

29. The I/O cell of claim 28, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display has buttons operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the I/O unit.

30. The I/O cell of claim 29, further comprising: the operable buttons are located laterally on each side of the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display.

31. A master communication module for connection with an electrical serial bus communication system, the master communication module comprising: the primary communication module is configured to be connectable to a plurality of external output devices; and an electronic numeric or alphanumeric display on a surface of the primary communication module for displaying information associated therewith.

32. The primary communication module of claim 31, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is manually operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the primary communication module.

33. The primary communication module of claim 32, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display has buttons operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the main communication module.

34. The primary communication module of claim 33, further comprising: said operable buttons being located laterally on each side of said electronic numeric or alphanumeric display; the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display extends laterally across the front face of the primary communication module near the upper end of the primary communication module.

35. The primary communication module of claim 30, further comprising: the primary communication module has a first side with interlocking extensions of a first shape; the primary communication module has an opposing second side with two spaced-apart interlocking extensions and an internal cavity therebetween that is shaped to complementarily receive the interlocking extensions having the first shape.

36. The primary communication module of claim 35, further comprising: the electronic digital or alphanumeric display is mounted on a main front surface of the main communication module; the interlocking extension portion has a front surface that is recessed relative to a major surface of the primary telecommunications module.

37. The primary communication module of claim 36, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display is manually operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the primary communication module.

38. The primary communication module of claim 37, further comprising: the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display has buttons operable to scroll through menus and different indicia relating to different parameters of the main communication module.

39. The primary communication module of claim 38, further comprising: said operable buttons being located laterally on each side of said electronic numeric or alphanumeric display; the electronic numeric or alphanumeric display extends laterally across the front face of the primary communication module near the upper end of the primary communication module.

40. The electrical serial bus communication system of claim 2, further comprising: the communication module is disposed between the group of I/O units and the group of valve units.

41. The primary communication module of claim 31, further comprising: the communication module is disposed between the group of I/O units and the group of valve units.

42. The I/O cell of claim 22, further comprising: the I/O unit is configured to automatically select from two power supplies fed to the I/O unit.