Connector unit for input/output module of programmable controller having disengagement lever

Claim 1

An I/O module for a programmable control device, comprising: a housing having a first end, a second end, and two parallel opposite sides; a circuit board disposed inside the housing; first electrical connector means, disposed at the first end of the housing, for electrically connecting the programmable control device to the circuit board; a mounting/dismounting unit having a hinge and a grip on opposite sides of the mounting/dismounting unit and a terminal block to which signal wires are to be connected; and second electrical connector means, disposed at the second end of the housing, for electrically connecting the circuit board to the terminal block; a pivot pin disposed on the second end of the housing adjacent one of the sides thereof and being engaged with the hinge when the mounting/dismounting unit is mounted on the housing, whereby a force exerted outwardly from said housing on the grip on the mounting/dismounting imparts pivotal movement about said pivot pin and away from the housing until the hinge and said pivot pin disengage from each other after pivoting through a predetermined arc; mounting means for mounting said mounting/dismounting unit on said housing, said mounting means including latch means disposed at the second end of the housing opposite said pivot pin, for holding the mounting/dismounting unit in the mounted position, said latch means including an L-shaped lever, having a first arm engaging the mounting/dismounting unit in the mounted position, a second arm forcing the mounting/dismounting unit outwards from the housing when the first arm is raised to release the mounting/dismounting unit and a pivot point where the first and second arms meet.