Device for automatic loop checking

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "Device for automatic loop checking". The present invention discloses a device configured to be mounted on a terminal block to be electrically connected to at least one I / O loop. The device includes a terminal portion having at least one pair of electrical terminals. The electrical terminals are arranged to be connected to the terminal block and the I / O loop. The device also includes an electronic device portion electrically connected to the terminal portion, and the electronic device portion is suitable for communicating with the I / O loop through the terminal portion.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(b) to Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 201911039022, filed on September 26, 2019. That provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to industrial process control and automation systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for automatically checking I / O loops. Background Art

[0004] Loop check is the process of checking and verifying the accuracy of the cable from the control panel to the field instrument, which ensures that the correct transmitter is connected to the correct input / output (I / O) port of the controller. Loop check is an important activity in the installation, commissioning and maintenance phases of the plant. In many plants, loop check is a mandatory activity that cannot be omitted and consumes a lot of time, cost and manpower. Loop check requires multiple people to work together to ensure that the loop is correctly connected to the I / O port and marshalling cabinet. The loop check needs to be completed before the field instrument or marshalling cabinet is powered on.

[0005] Process industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, refining, etc. involve verification and validation at multiple stages in the project lifecycle. Verification and validation of input / output (I / O) loop checks need to be completed before commissioning and plant startup. During the project lifecycle, verification of I / O loop check activities occurs at Pre-Factory Acceptance Test (PRE-FAT), Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), and Site Acceptance Test (SAT) and verifies the hardwired I / O loops from junction boxes, field terminal assemblies, and marshaling cabinets to field instruments. This is a manually intensive, repetitive, and time-consuming activity that requires proof that each input / output channel is wired and configured correctly.

[0006] When checking for cable faults, the cables between the junction boxes and field terminal assemblies are tested by detecting the signals transmitted from the control panel to specific field devices. Under current technology, a team of people manually tests each cable from the cable source (such as a marshaling cabinet) to the destination (such as a field transmitter), which is time-consuming. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides an apparatus for automatically checking I / O loops of industrial process control and automation systems.

[0008] In a first embodiment, a device is provided. The device is configured to be mounted on a terminal block to be electrically connected to at least one I / O loop. The device includes a terminal portion having an electrical connector and at least one pair of electrical terminals. The electrical terminals are arranged to be connected to the terminal block and the I / O loop. The device also includes an electronics portion having an electrical connector connected to the terminal portion connector, the electrical connector being arranged to communicate with the I / O loop through the terminal portion. A latch arm on the device is configured to be manually operated to hold the device to the terminal block.

[0009] In a second embodiment, a device is provided. The device is configured to be mounted on a terminal block and electrically connected to at least one I / O loop. The device includes a terminal portion having an electrical connector and at least one pair of electrical terminals. The electrode terminals are arranged to be connected to the terminal block and the I / O loop. The device also includes an electronics portion having an electrical connector connected to the terminal portion connector, the electrical connector being arranged to communicate with the I / O loop through the terminal portion. In addition, a latch is provided, which is configured to be manually operated to hold the terminal portion to the electronics portion.

[0010] In a third embodiment, a device is provided, which is configured to be installed on a terminal block to be electrically connected to at least one I / O loop. The device comprises a terminal portion with at least one pair of electrical terminals. The electrical terminals are arranged to be connected to the terminal block and the I / O loop. The device also comprises an electronic device portion, which is electrically connected to the terminal portion, and the electronic device portion is suitable for communicating with the I / O loop by the terminal portion. The terminal portion is also suitable for being connected to at least one other terminal portion, thereby forming a stackable modular terminal unit.

[0011] Other technical features will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, descriptions and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 An exemplary industrial control and automation system according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 An exemplary system for automatically checking an I / O loop according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0015] Figure 3 is an exemplary perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exemplary exploded perspective view of a device;

[0017] Figure 5 An example of an electronic device portion according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 6 is an exemplary perspective view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention mounted on a terminal block;

[0019] Figure 7 is an exemplary perspective view of a terminal portion and an electronic portion of a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 8 is an exemplary perspective view of a third embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Fig. 9 According to the present invention, Figure 8 An exemplary perspective view of the assembly of the terminal parts into a modular terminal unit and its installation on the terminal block; and

[0022] Fig.10 are exemplary perspective views of various electrical terminal pins used in a terminal portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] These figures (discussed below) and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present invention in this patent document are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present invention can be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

[0024] Figure 1 An exemplary industrial process control and automation system 100 according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 As shown, system 100 includes various components that facilitate the production or processing of at least one product or other material. For example, system 100 is used herein to facilitate the control of components in one or more plant buildings 101a to 101n. Each plant building 101a to 101n represents one or more processing facilities (or one or more parts thereof), such as one or more manufacturing facilities for producing at least one product or other material. Generally speaking, each plant building 101a to 101n can implement one or more processes and can be referred to as a process system individually or collectively. A process system generally represents any system or part thereof that is configured to process one or more products or other materials in some manner.

[0025] exist Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, system 100 is implemented using the Purdue model of process control. In the Purdue model, "level 0" may include one or more sensors 102a and one or more actuators 102b. Sensors 102a and actuators 102b represent components in a process system that can perform any of a variety of functions. For example, sensor 102a may measure a variety of characteristics in a process system, such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, or voltage transmitted through a cable. In addition, actuator 102b may change a variety of characteristics in a process system. Sensors 102a and actuators 102b may represent any other or additional components in any suitable process system. Each sensor in sensor 102a includes any suitable structure for measuring one or more characteristics in a process system. Each actuator in actuator 102b includes any suitable structure for operating or affecting one or more conditions in a process system.

[0026] At least one network 104 is coupled to the sensor 102a and the actuator 102b. The network 104 facilitates interaction with the sensor 102a and the actuator 102b. For example, the network 104 may transmit measurement data from the sensor 102a and provide control signals to the actuator 102b. The network 104 may represent any suitable network or combination of networks. As a specific example, the network 104 may represent an Ethernet network, an electrical signal network (such as a HART or Foundation Fieldbus (FF) network), a pneumatic control signal network, or any other or one or more additional types of one or more networks.

[0027] In the Purdue model, "Level 1" may include one or more controllers 106 coupled to the network 104. Among other things, each controller 106 may use measurements from one or more sensors 102a to control the operation of one or more actuators 102b. For example, the controller 106 may receive measurement data from one or more sensors 102a and use the measurement data to generate control signals for one or more actuators 102b. Multiple controllers 106 may also operate in a redundant configuration, such as when one controller 106 operates as a primary controller and another controller 106 operates as a backup controller (which is synchronized with the primary controller and can take over the primary controller in the event of a failure of the primary controller). Each controller 106 includes any suitable structure for interacting with one or more sensors 102a and controlling one or more actuators 102b. Each controller 106 may, for example, represent a multivariable controller, such as a robust multivariable predictive control technology (RMPCT) controller or other types of controllers that implement model predictive control (MPC) or other advanced predictive control (APC). As a specific example, each controller 106 may represent a computing device running a real-time operating system.

[0028] Two networks 108 are coupled to the controller 106. The networks 108 facilitate interaction with the controller 106, such as by transmitting data to and from the controller 106. The networks 108 may represent any suitable network or combination of networks. As a specific example, the networks 108 may represent a pair of Ethernet networks or a pair of redundant Ethernet networks, such as a Fault Tolerant Ethernet (FTE) network from HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.

[0029] At least one switch / firewall 110 couples network 108 to two networks 112. Switch / firewall 110 can transfer traffic from one network to another network. Switch / firewall 110 can also prevent traffic on one network from reaching another network. Switch / firewall 110 includes any suitable structure for providing communication between networks, such as a HONEYWELL CONTROL FIREWALL (CF9) device. Network 112 can represent any suitable network, such as a pair of Ethernet networks or an FTE network.

[0030] In the Purdue model, "Level 2" may include one or more machine-level controllers 114 coupled to the network 112. The machine-level controllers 114 perform various functions to support the operation and control of the controllers 106, sensors 102a, and actuators 102b that may be associated with a particular industrial device (such as a boiler or other machine). For example, the machine-level controllers 114 may record information collected or generated by the controllers 106, such as measurement data from the sensors 102a or control signals for the actuators 102b. The machine-level controllers 114 may also execute applications that control the operation of the controllers 106, thereby controlling the operation of the actuators 102b. In addition, the machine-level controllers 114 may provide secure access to the controllers 106. Each of the machine-level controllers 114 includes any suitable structure for providing access to, control of, or operations related to a machine or other individual device. Each of the machine-level controllers 114 may, for example, represent a server computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system. Although not shown, different machine-level controllers 114 may be used to control different equipment in the process system (where each piece of equipment is associated with one or more controllers 106 , sensors 102a , and actuators 102b ).

[0031] One or more operator stations 116 are coupled to the network 112. The operator stations 116 represent computing devices or communication devices that provide user access to the machine-level controller 114, which in turn may provide user access to the controller 106 (and possibly the sensor 102a and actuator 102b). As a specific example, the operator station 116 may allow a user to view the operation history of the sensor 102a and actuator 102b using information collected by the controller 106 and / or the machine-level controller 114. The operator station 116 may also allow a user to adjust the operation of the sensor 102a, actuator 102b, controller 106, or machine-level controller 114. In addition, the operator station 116 may receive and display warnings, alerts, or other messages or displays generated by the controller 106 or the machine-level controller 114. Each of the operator stations 116 includes any suitable structure for supporting user access and control of one or more components in the system 100. Each of the operator stations 116 may, for example, represent a computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.

[0032] At least one router / firewall 118 couples network 112 to two networks 120. Router / firewall 118 includes any suitable structure for providing communication between networks, such as a security router or a combination router / firewall. Network 120 may represent any suitable network, such as a pair of Ethernet networks or an FTE network.

[0033] In the Purdue model, "Level 3" may include one or more unit-level controllers 122 coupled to a network 120. Each unit-level controller 122 is typically associated with a unit in a process system, which represents a collection of different machines that operate together to implement at least a portion of a process. The unit-level controller 122 performs various functions to support the operation and control of components in lower levels. For example, the unit-level controller 122 may record information collected or generated by components in lower levels, execute applications that control components in lower levels, and provide secure access to components in lower levels. Each of the unit-level controllers 122 includes any suitable structure for providing access to, control of, or operations related to one or more machines or other devices in a processing unit. Each of the unit-level controllers 122 may, for example, represent a server computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system. Although not shown, different unit-level controllers 122 may be used to control different units in a process system (where each unit is associated with one or more machine-level controllers 114, controllers 106, sensors 102a, and actuators 102b).

[0034] Access to the unit-level controller 122 may be provided by one or more operator stations 124. Each of the operator stations 124 includes any suitable structure for supporting user access and control of one or more components in the system 100. Each of the operator stations 124 may represent, for example, a computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.

[0035] At least one router / firewall 126 couples network 120 to two networks 128. The router / firewall 126 includes any suitable structure for providing communication between networks, such as a security router or a combined router / firewall. Network 128 may represent any suitable network, such as a pair of Ethernet networks or an FTE network.

[0036] In the Purdue model, "Level 4" may include one or more plant-level controllers 130 coupled to the network 128. Each plant-level controller 130 is typically associated with one of the plants 101a to 101n, which may include one or more processing units that implement the same, similar, or different processes. The plant-level controller 130 performs various functions to support the operation and control of components in the lower levels. As a specific example, the plant-level controller 130 may execute one or more manufacturing execution system (MES) applications, scheduling applications, or other or additional plant or process control applications. Each of the plant-level controllers 130 includes any suitable structure for providing access to, control of, or operations related to one or more processing units in a processing plant. Each of the plant-level controllers 130 may, for example, represent a server computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.

[0037] Access to the plant-level controller 130 may be provided by one or more operator stations 132. Each of the operator stations 132 includes any suitable structure for supporting user access and control of one or more components in the system 100. Each of the operator stations 132 may represent, for example, a computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.

[0038] At least one router / firewall 134 couples the network 128 to one or more networks 136. The router / firewall 134 includes any suitable structure for providing communication between networks, such as a security router or a combination router / firewall. The network 136 can represent any suitable network, such as a full enterprise Ethernet or other network, or all or a portion of a larger network (such as the Internet).

[0039] In the Purdue model, "Level 5" may include one or more enterprise-level controllers 138 coupled to the network 136. Each enterprise-level controller 138 is typically capable of performing planning operations for multiple plants 101a to 101n and controlling various aspects of the plants 101a to 101n. The enterprise-level controller 138 may also perform various functions to support the operation and control of components in the plants 101a to 101n. As a specific example, the enterprise-level controller 138 may execute one or more order processing applications, enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications, advanced planning and scheduling (APS) applications, or any other or additional enterprise control applications. Each of the enterprise-level controllers 138 includes any suitable structure for providing access to, control of, or control-related operations on one or more plants. Each of the enterprise-level controllers 138 may, for example, represent a server computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system. In this document, the term "enterprise" refers to an organization with one or more plants or other processing facilities to be managed. It should be noted that if a single plant 101a is to be managed, the functionality of the enterprise-level controller 138 can be incorporated into the plant-level controller 130.

[0040] Access to the enterprise level controller 138 may be provided by one or more operator stations 140. Each of the operator stations 140 includes any suitable structure for supporting user access and control of one or more components in the system 100. Each of the operator stations 140 may represent, for example, a computing device running a MICROSOFT WINDOWS operating system.

[0041] Each level of the Purdue model may include other components, such as one or more databases. The database associated with each level may store any suitable information associated with that level or one or more other levels of the system 100. For example, a historical database 141 may be coupled to the network 136. The historical database 141 may represent a component that stores various information about the system 100. The historical database 141 may, for example, store information used during production scheduling and optimization. The historical database 141 represents any suitable structure for storing information and facilitating information retrieval. Although shown as a single centralized component coupled to the network 136, the historical database 141 may be located elsewhere in the system 100, or multiple historical databases may be distributed at different locations in the system 100.

[0042] In certain embodiments, Figure 1The various controllers and operator stations in may represent computing devices. For example, each of the controllers may include one or more processing devices 142 and one or more memories 144 for storing instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the one or more processing devices 142. Each of the controllers may also include at least one network interface 146, such as one or more Ethernet interfaces or wireless transceivers. In addition, each of the operator stations may include one or more processing devices 148 and one or more memories 150 for storing instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the one or more processing devices 148. Each of the operator stations may also include at least one network interface 152, such as one or more Ethernet interfaces or wireless transceivers.

[0043] According to the present disclosure, various components of system 100 support a process for automatic loop checking in system 100. For example, controllers 104A-104B may represent field device controllers, and processing elements 102A-102B may represent field devices. Additional details regarding this functionality are provided below.

[0044] Although Figure 1 One example of an industrial process control and automation system 100 is shown, but may be used for Figure 1 Various changes may be made. For example, the control system may include any number of sensors, actuators, controllers, servers, operator stations, and networks. In addition, Figure 1 The composition and arrangement of the system 100 in FIG. 1 are for illustration only. Components may be added, omitted, combined, or placed in any other suitable configuration according to specific needs. In addition, specific functions have been described as being performed by specific components of the system 100. This is for illustration only. In general, process control systems are highly configurable and may be configured in any suitable manner according to specific needs.

[0045] Figure 2 An example of a marshaling cabinet 200 according to the present disclosure is shown. For ease of explanation, the marshaling cabinet 200 is described as being used in Figure 1 For example, the marshaling cabinet 200 may be located in the system cabinet 205, the housing controller 106, the processing elements 102a and 102b, and other hardware (e.g., the switch / firewall 110), or Figure 1 However, the marshaling cabinet 200 may also be used in any other suitable system.

[0046] The marshaling cabinet 200 includes a field terminal block 212 and field terminal relay hardware 215. For ease of description, Figure 2Only one field terminal block 212 is shown in the figure, however, it is well known to those skilled in the art that the marshaling cabinet can include multiple terminal blocks 212 housed in the cabinet 200. The field terminal block 212 connects the cables between the cabinet 200 and the processing elements (such as actuators, sensors, and other processing instruments installed in the automation system). The system cabinet 205 is connected to the marshaling cabinet 200 via the field terminal relay hardware 215 and the wiring cables 220a and 220b. The marshaling cabinet 200 is also connected to a plurality of junction boxes 210 and a plurality of processing instruments 230a-230d.

[0047] The marshalling cabinet 200 receives a signal transmitted from one of the processing instruments 230a-230d through the junction box 210 and the cable bundle 225. Each processing instrument 230a-230d is coupled to the corresponding junction box 210 via a cable 231. The cables 231 are bundled at the junction box 210 to form a cable bundle 225 upstream of the junction box 210. The junction box 211 can also be used to combine multiple cable bundles 225 into a single cable bundle 228, as shown between the junction box 211 and the marshalling cabinet 200.

[0048] although Figure 2 One example of a junction box 210, 211 is shown, but other examples may be used. Figure 2 Make various changes. For example, Figure 2 The number and type of components shown and Figure 2 The functional division of the junction boxes 210, 211, the marshaling cabinet 200, the system cabinet 205 and the hardware included therein is for illustration only. Figure 2 The various components in the system can be used, and additional components can be added according to specific needs.

[0049] The automatic loop check system of the present disclosure employs an intelligent device in the form of a protector 250 that is arranged to be connected to a terminal block of the cabinet 200, such as the terminal block 212, and simulates a signal based on input / output information provided to the protector 250 from the operating software 240 operating in the remote mobile handheld device 260. The protector 250 can also be installed to a terminal block in the terminal box 210 in the same manner as will be explained for the terminal block 212 of the marshaling cabinet 200.

[0050] The operating software 240 is installed on a handheld mobile device 260 operating at a remote location. The mobile device can be any wireless device, such as a cellular phone, data disk, tablet computer, or handheld portable computer operating on an IOS and Android or WINDOWS operating system. The operating software 240 controls the order of test execution through the protector 250 based on the personality information of each processing instrument connected to the terminal block 212. The operating software 240 automatically generates an I / O loop check file using predefined library functions based on project engineering database input. The I / O loop check file is downloaded to the protector 250 for execution and testing of the I / O loop connected to the protector 250.

[0051] The handheld device 260 is connected to the protector 250 via a wireless WI-FI or Bluetooth connection. In addition, the handheld device 250 is further connected to the engineering workstation 270 via a wireless WI-FI connection, and is connected to the cloud 290 through the WAP 285 installed on the L2 switch 286, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 The cloud connection is achieved through the Integrity Policy Enforcement (IPE) security measure, which hosts functions within the industrial process control and automation system design such as the Smart Plant Instrumentation (SPI) database, and also defines the overall wiring connections between the sensors, actuators, controllers, servers, operator stations, and networks of the industrial process control and automation system.

[0052] Now go to Figure 3 , which shows a first embodiment of the device of the present disclosure. The protector 350 is composed of an electronic device portion 355 and a separate terminal portion 360. The electronic device portion 355 of the protector 350 is schematically shown in Figure 5 Electronics portion 500 includes at least one processor 502, at least one storage device 504, at least one communication unit 506, and at least one input / output (I / O) unit 508. Processor 502 can execute instructions, such as those that can be loaded into memory 504. Processor 502 represents any suitable processing device, such as one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or discrete circuits.

[0053] Memory 510 and persistent storage 512 are examples of storage devices, which represent any structure capable of storing information (such as data, program code, and / or other suitable information, whether temporary or permanent) and facilitating retrieval of the information. Memory 510 may represent RAM or any other suitable volatile storage device or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage 512 may include one or more components or devices that support long-term data storage, such as ROM and flash memory. Memory 510 may be used to store, for example, intermediate results of the operation of processor 502 and test files to be executed by protector 350 and the results of the loop test performed. Persistent storage may be used, for example, to store a processor operating system and software for performing self-testing and calibration of protector 350.

[0054] The communication unit 506 supports communication with other systems or devices. For example, the communication unit 506 may include at least one network interface that facilitates communication via a wireless communication protocol such as WI-FI or Bluetooth.

[0055] The I / O unit 508 allows input and output of data and is electrically connected to the terminal portion 360 of the protector 350 through a connector (not shown). For example, the I / O unit 408 can provide a connection through the terminal portion 360 for providing simulated I / O commands to the processing instrument. The I / O unit 408 supports 8 channels of any I / O type with a functional 5-point analog test carrier. The I / O unit 408 drives the signal to the I / O loop under test through the 8-channel terminal portion 360 through the terminal block 212. The I / O unit 508 supports I / O configurations downloaded from the I / O loop operation software 240, such as analog input (AI), digital input (DI), digital output (DO), analog output (AO), thermocouple / RTD, low level multiplexing / low level analog input line end (LLMux / LLAIEOL) monitoring (short circuit / open circuit) and burnout detection.

[0056] Back to Figure 3 , the terminal portion 360 provides a snap-fit ​​structure for the terminal pin 365. For example, in Figure 3In the terminal portion 360 shown, the 8-channel snap-on terminal portion 360 has 16 terminal pins 365. Each terminal pin is adapted to engage with and establish an electrical connection with the terminal socket present in the terminal block 212. The various snap-on terminal pins 365 shown in the figure can be installed in the terminal portion 360. For example, the terminal pin can have a rod that can be configured to be installed in a complementary socket on the terminal portion 360. For example, the rod can include a ridge that snaps into a complementary recess in the socket, or these ridges can be used to produce a friction fit with the side wall of the socket. The rod can also be, for example, threaded, whereby the rod is threadedly connected to a complementary thread on the inner side wall of the terminal portion socket. The pin 365 is adapted to be inserted into a specific electrical socket on the front of the terminal block 212. The terminal portion 360 also includes an electrical connector (not shown) that engages a similar connector on the electronic device portion 355, which transmits electrical signals between the terminal pin 365 and the electronic device portion 355 of the protector 350.

[0057] like Figure 4 As best shown, the protector 350 also includes a clamp / retainer mechanism 460 for securely retaining the protector 350 to the terminal block 212. The clamp / retainer 460 is mounted to the protector 350 in a manner that allows the clamp arms 461 of the retainer mechanism 460 to be subsequently moved away from the terminal block. Applying pressure to the arms 461 causes the members 462 and hooks 463 to subsequently move away from the terminal block 212. The protector is installed by inserting the pins 365 into complementary electrical receptacles in the terminal block 212. The hooks 463' are connected to engage the edge 213 of the terminal block 212. Releasing the clamp arms 461 allows the hooks 463 to grasp the edge 214 of the terminal block 212 and retain the protector 350 on the terminal block 212, as shown. Figure 4 Lateral movement of the clamp / holder may be achieved, for example, by using a spring (not shown) that would allow the clamp arm 461 to move laterally by physical manipulation or by using a living hinge made from a thinner cross-section of the material forming the housing of the protector 350 .

[0058] Go to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , which illustrate a second embodiment of the device disclosed herein. The protector 650 is composed of an electronic device portion 655 and a separate terminal portion 660. The electronic device portion 655 includes Figure 5 The electronic components shown are similar to those for Figure 3 The protector 350 is as described in Figure 2The electronics portion 655 of the protector 650 may include a set of indicator lights 657 on the front of the electronics portion. The indicator lights 657 may be used, for example, to visually display the operating status of the protector 650. The electronics portion 655 may also have a switch 659 on its front for turning the protector 650 on or off.

[0059] The terminal portion 660 provides a snap-fit ​​configuration for the terminal pin 665. For example, in Figure 6 In the terminal portion 660 shown, the 8-channel snap-on terminal portion 660 has 16 terminal pins 665. Each terminal pin is adapted to engage with and establish an electrical connection with a terminal receptacle 615 present on the side of the terminal block 612. The terminal block (e.g., terminal block 612) includes a terminal receptacle for receiving a wire or other form of electrical connection on the side 615 of the terminal block 612. The protector 650 of the second embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to connect the terminal portion 660 to the terminal block 612 using these side terminal receptacles 615. For example, the terminal pin 665 may have a rod that may be configured to be mounted in a complementary receptacle on the terminal portion 660. For example, the rod may include a ridge that snaps into a complementary recess in the receptacle, or the ridges may be used to produce a friction fit with the side wall of the receptacle. The rod may also be, for example, threaded, whereby the rod is threadedly connected to a complementary thread on the inner side wall of the terminal portion receptacle.

[0060] The terminal portion 660 also includes an electrical connector 770 (at Figure 7 ), the electrical connector 770 engages a similar connector 775 on the electronics portion 655. The electrical connector transmits electrical signals between the terminal pins 665 and the I / O unit 508 of the electrical device portion 655.

[0061] As in Figure 7 As best seen in the figure, the latch mechanism 730 is used to retain the terminal portion 660 to the electronic device portion 655. The latch 730 is mounted in a recessed area 740 on the side of the electronic device portion 655. Applying pressure to the rear portion 731 of the latch 730 causes the latch to move outward from the side of the electronic device portion, causing the latch 730 to unlock. The terminal portion 660 also has a complementary recessed area 780 on its side, which includes a receiving member 785. With the latch 730 unlocked, the terminal portion 660 is installed on the electronic device portion 655 by connecting the connector 770 to the connector 775, and the latch 730 is snapped onto the receiving member 785 by applying pressure to the front portion 732 of the latch 730 until the latch 730 engages the member 785. The latch 730 mechanically retains the terminal portion 660 to the electrical device portion 655. As shown in Figure 6As best seen in FIG. 6 , the protector 650 is mounted to the terminal block 612 by inserting the pins 665 into the complementary electrical receptacles 615 .

[0062] Go to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , which illustrate a third embodiment of the device of the present disclosure. The protector 850 is composed of an electronic device portion 855 and a separate modular terminal portion 860. The electronic device portion 855 includes Figure 5 The electronic components shown are similar to those for Figure 3 The protector 350 is as described in Figure 2 The electronic device portion 855 of the protector 850 may include a set of indicator lights, such as indicator lights 857, located on the front of the electronic device portion 855. The indicator lights 857 are used to display the operating status of the protector 850, for example.

[0063] The terminal portion 860 provides a snap-fit ​​structure for the terminal pin 865. For example, in Fig. 9 In the terminal portion 860 shown, the 2-channel snap-on terminal portion 860 has 4 terminal pins 865. Each terminal pin is adapted to engage with and establish an electrical connection with a terminal socket present on the side of the terminal block 912. The terminal block (e.g., terminal block 912) includes a terminal socket for receiving a wire or other form of electrical connection on the side of the terminal block. The protector 850 of the third embodiment is configured to connect the terminal portion 860 to the terminal block 912 using these side terminal sockets. For example, the terminal pin 865 can have a rod that can be configured to be mounted in a complementary socket on the terminal portion 860. For example, the rod can include a ridge that snaps into a complementary recess in the socket, or these ridges can be used to produce a friction fit with the side wall of the socket. The rod can also be, for example, threaded, whereby the rod is threadedly connected to a complementary thread on the inner side wall of the socket of the terminal portion 860.

[0064] The terminal portion of the third embodiment is configured to be modular, thereby allowing multiple terminal portions 860 to be connected together in a stacked configuration. Each modular terminal portion 860 includes an electrical connector 866 on the top surface of the terminal portion and an electrical connector 877 on the bottom surface of the terminal portion 860. Fig. 9 As can be seen in the figure, two modular terminal sections 860 can be plugged together to form a stacked terminal unit 960, or three terminal sections can be plugged together to form a stacked terminal unit 965. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that multiple modular terminal sections 860 can be connected together in this modular manner to electrically connect the protector 850 to multiple terminal blocks 912. Any number of terminal sections 860 can be connected together to form multiple connections to multiple terminal blocks.

[0065] Each of the modular terminal sections 860 also includes a third electrical connector 880 located on the front face of the modular terminal section. The third electrical connector 880 engages a similar connector (not shown) on the electronics section 855, which transmits electrical and communication signals between all terminal pins 865 of each of the modular terminal sections of the unit assemblies 960, 965 and the electrical section 855. After all modular sections are mounted on the terminal block 912, the electronics section 855 is installed in any one of the modular terminal sections 860 by engaging the electronics section connector (not shown) to the third electrical connector 880 of a single terminal section 860 or to the third electrical connector 880 of any terminal section 860 of the stacked terminal units 960, 965.

[0066] Fig.10 Interchangeable terminal pins that can be mounted on the terminal portions 360, 660, 860 of various embodiments of the present invention are shown. As shown, each terminal pin 1000 is constructed to have a pin body composed of a conductive material, such as metal, copper or aluminum, or other electroplated alloys, which are good electrical conductors. The pin body can have a cylindrical shape such as pin body 1015 or a rectangular shape such as pin bodies 1020, 1021, 1022. Each pin body extends longitudinally between a base portion and a head portion (such as base portion 1040 and head portion 1050 of pin body 1015).

[0067] For ease of explanation, only the connection structure of the pin body 1015 will be explained. However, it should be understood that the base portions of the other pin bodies 1020, 1021, and 1022 have the same structure and function as the base portion of the pin body 1015.

[0068] The base portion 1040 includes a rod 1045 and a ridge 1047. The rod 1045 is configured to be received in an electrical socket on the terminal portion 360, 660 and 860 of the protectors 350, 650 and 860, respectively. The ridge 1047 defines the outermost limit of the rod 1045 inserted into the terminal portion electrical socket, thereby preventing the pin body 1015 from being further inserted into the socket. The rod 1045 is configured to form an electrical connection and a mechanical connection with the terminal portion electrical socket. For example, the rod may include a ridge that snaps into a complementary recess in the socket, or these ridges may be used to produce a friction fit with the side wall of the socket. The rod may also be, for example, threaded, whereby the rod is threadedly connected to a complementary thread on the inner side wall of the terminal portion electrical socket.

[0069] On the head end 1050 of each pin body 1015, 1020, 1021 and 1022, various connection structures can be formed, which are suitable for insertion into the complementary terminal receptacles of various terminal blocks. The pin body 1020 includes, for example, a straight pin structure 1051, and the pin body 1015 has a square contact portion with a flat contact surface 1052. The pin body 1021 includes a single wiping contact 1053, and the pin body 1022 includes a bifurcated wiping structure 1054. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, any form of contact structure can be formed on the head end 1050 of each pin body, which can effectively form a good electrical contact with the terminal receptacle of the terminal block in which the various protectors of the present invention are installed.

[0070] In some embodiments, the various functions described in this patent document are implemented or supported by a computer program, which is formed by a computer-readable program code and is embodied in a computer-readable medium. The phrase "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium that can be accessed by a computer, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD) or any other type of memory. "Non-transient" computer-readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical or other communication links that transmit instantaneous electrical signals or other signals. Non-transient computer-readable medium includes a medium that can permanently store data and a medium that can store and rewrite data afterwards, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

[0071] The description in this patent document should not be construed as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, none of the claims is intended to invoke 35 USC § 112(f) with respect to any of the appended claims or claim elements, unless the exact words "means for" or "step for" followed by a participle phrase identifying the function are expressly used in a particular claim. The use of terms such as (but not limited to) "mechanism", "module", "device", "unit", "component", "element", "member", "device", "machine", "system", "processor", "processing device", or "controller" within the claims is understood and intended to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art, as further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and is not intended to invoke 35 USC § 112(f).

[0072] It may be advantageous to set forth the definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, processes, functions, objects, classes, instances, related data or a portion thereof that are suitable for implementation with suitable computer code (including source code, object code or executable code). The terms "include" and "comprise" and their derivatives are meant to include but are not limited to this. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and / or. The phrase "associated with..." and its derivatives may mean including, included within, interconnected with, containing, contained within, connected to or connected with, coupled to or coupled with, communicable with, collaborate with, interlaced, juxtaposed, close to, coupled to or coupled with, having, having the property of, having a relationship with, or having a relationship with. When used with a list of items, the phrase "at least one of..." means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes any combination of A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C.

[0073] Although the present disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, changes and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description of the exemplary embodiments does not limit or restrict the present disclosure. Other changes, substitutions and variations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A device for automatic loop checking, the device being configured to be mounted on a terminal block (612) and to establish an electrical connection with at least one I / O loop, the device comprising: a terminal portion (660) having a first electrical connector (770) and at least one pair of terminal pins (665) arranged to connect to the terminal block and the at least one I / O loop; an electronics portion (655) having a second electrical connector connected to the first electrical connector of the terminal portion, the second electrical connector being arranged to communicate with the I / O loop through the terminal portion; and A latch (730) is configured to fit into a recessed area (740) on a side of the electronics portion to retain the terminal portion to the electronics portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device portion comprises: a wireless communication unit configured to receive an I / O loop check file from operating software located at a remote location, and a processor configured to execute the I / O loop check file to test the at least one I / O loop by applying a test signal via the at least one pair of terminal pins connected to the terminal block; an I / O cell configurable to drive a signal to emulate a specific I / O type of the I / O loop being tested; and The test signal is applied to the at least one pair of terminal pins according to the I / O type.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the latch (730) is configured to be manually operated to unlock and separate the terminal portion from the electronics portion.

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