Configurable safety grounding terminal for industrial applications

Abstract

A safety grounding terminal device can include a grounding terminal operable to switch between a common grounding connection or an isolated grounding connection, where the grounding terminal includes a hinge point connectable to a base of a housing via a rail in an arrangement that allows disconnection from the common grounding connection when an isolated grounding connection is required and does not compromise electrical contact. The grounding terminal can provide a waterproof grounding connection regardless of the type of grounding connection required. The common grounding connection or isolated grounding connection can be achieved without assembling any additional parts.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to temporary applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 042,149, filed June 22, 2020, entitled “Configurable Safety Ground Terminals for Industrial Applications,” pursuant to 35 U.S. SC §119(e), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The implementation plan relates to industrial control and safety systems. It also includes hub cabinets and racks for housing the electronic hardware and other components of these systems. Furthermore, it addresses configurable safety grounding terminals used in industrial control and safety systems. Background Technology

[0004] Industrial control and safety systems typically involve using hub cabinets to connect wires and / or cables from field devices with input / output (I / O) devices. All I / O can be grouped within a hub board associated with the hub cabinet. Examples of I / O include analog inputs, analog outputs, digital inputs, digital outputs, and pulse I / O. I / O signals can be transmitted from the hub board to the CPU / controller via insulation / signal conditioners.

[0005] In a hub cabinet, I / O is easily identifiable, with inputs coming from the back of the hub and outputs reaching the CPU from the front. For each of these I / O signals within a single cabinet, there are various devices, third-party components, termination assemblies, wire and cable markers that need to be considered during the engineering and design of the cabinet (including issues related to grounding termination).

[0006] Industrial organizations spend millions of dollars annually manually wiring or reconfiguring hub cabinets according to customer requirements. Grounding termination is an integral part of these cabinet components, and their grounding methods are critical and labor-intensive. Different methods exist for providing grounding, depending on the use case. One challenge is providing a suitable secure grounding option without violating any existing compliance / certifications. It is nearly impossible to meet secure grounding requirements using only one grounding method without compromising product aesthetics, cost, and availability.

[0007] In some default situations, a safety ground can be connected through a DIN rail on which hardware will be mounted. This technique for connecting a safety ground is acceptable in some switchgear installations because it can be implemented with limited complexity and relatively low labor requirements. However, in certain other types of installations (e.g., depending on geographic location, customer, and other third-party hardware as part of the switchgear installation), passing a safety ground through a DIN rail is not an acceptable approach because such a connection can defeat some isolation between the field side and control hardware. SUMMARY

[0008] The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some features of the embodiments disclosed herein and is not intended to be a comprehensive description of aspects of embodiments disclosed herein. A full appreciation of various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be gained by taking the description, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

[0009] Accordingly, one aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide improved industrial control and safety equipment, systems, and methods.

[0010] Another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide methods and systems for improved grounding connections for switchgear and equipment racks used to hold electronic hardware and other components of industrial control and safety systems.

[0011] Yet another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide configurable safety ground terminals for use in industrial control and safety systems and industrial applications.

[0012] The above aspects and other objects can now be achieved in one embodiment by a safety ground terminal device that can include a ground terminal operable to switch between a common ground connection or an isolated ground connection, where the ground terminal includes a hinge point connectable to a base of an enclosure via a rail in an arrangement that allows for disconnection from the common ground connection when an isolated ground connection is required and without compromising electrical contact.

[0013] In one embodiment of the safety ground terminal device, the rail can include a DIN rail.

[0014] In one embodiment of the safety ground terminal device, the ground terminal can provide a waterproof ground connection regardless of the type of ground connection required.

[0015] In one embodiment of the safety ground terminal device, the enclosure can include a cabinet, such as a switchgear used to hold electrical equipment.

[0016] In one embodiment of the safety ground terminal device, the enclosure can include a base.

[0017] In one embodiment of a safety ground terminal device, a separate ground wire can be provided with lugs that can be connected to the printed wire assembly via a clamping fastener arrangement in a printed circuit board held by the housing.

[0018] In one embodiment of a safety ground terminal device, the base can comprise a FTA (field termination assembly) base.

[0019] In one embodiment of a safety ground terminal device, switching between a common ground connection or an isolated ground connection can be achieved without assembling any further parts.

[0020] In one embodiment of a safety ground terminal device, the switchable ground bar can provide a visual indication as to which ground is connected, including a common ground connection or an isolated ground connection.

[0021] In another embodiment, a system can comprise: a ground arrangement comprising a plurality of ground connections; and a ground terminal operable to switch between at least one common ground connection or at least one isolated ground connection of the plurality of ground connections, wherein the ground terminal comprises a hinge point connectable in the arrangement via a rail to a base of a housing, which arrangement allows for disconnection from the at least one common ground connection and does not impair electrical contact when the at least one isolated ground connection is required.

[0022] In one embodiment of a system, the ground arrangement can be fixed to avoid accidental switching of the ground connection in the plurality of ground connections while the system is in operation.

[0023] In one embodiment of a system, the ground terminal can provide a water-proof ground connection regardless of the type of ground connection required.

[0024] In one embodiment of a system, a separate ground wire can be provided with lugs that can be connected to the printed wire assembly via a clamping fastener arrangement in a printed circuit board held by the housing.

[0025] In one embodiment of a system, the base can comprise a FTA (field termination assembly) base and the rail can comprise a DIN rail.

[0026] In one embodiment of a system, switching between a common ground connection or an isolated ground connection can be achieved without assembling any further parts.

[0027] In one embodiment of a system, the switchable ground bar can provide a visual indication as to which ground is connected, including a common ground connection or an isolated ground connection.

[0028] In another embodiment, a method of operating a safety grounding terminal device can involve switching a grounding terminal between a common ground connection or an isolated ground connection, where the grounding terminal includes a hinge point that is connectable to a base of an enclosure via a rail in an arrangement that allows for disconnection from the common ground connection when an isolated ground connection is required and does not compromise electrical contact.

[0029] In one embodiment of the method, the switching between the common ground connection or the isolated ground connection can be achieved without assembling any additional parts.

[0030] One embodiment of the method can further involve the use of a switchable grounding strip that is a visual indication as to which ground is connected, including the common ground connection or the isolated ground connection.

[0031] In one embodiment of the method, the grounding terminal can provide a waterproof ground connection regardless of the type of ground connection required. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present application and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the application and enable a person skilled in the pertinent art(s) to make and use the application.

[0033] Figure 1 An exploded view of a safety grounding terminal device including a rail, a grounding terminal, and a base according to one embodiment is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 A perspective view of a base of a safety grounding terminal device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0035] Figure 3A A perspective view of a hinge point according to one embodiment is shown, where the grounding terminal is in a first position;

[0036] Figure 3B An image of a grounding terminal according to one embodiment is shown, where the hinge point is in a second position Figure 3A

[0037] Figure 4A An image of a grounding terminal assembled to a base according to one embodiment is shown;

[0038] Figure 4B An image of a base according to one embodiment is shown, where the grounding terminal is connected to a common ground;

[0039] Figure 4C An image of a base according to one embodiment is shown, where the grounding terminal is disconnected from the common ground;​

[0040] Figure 5 A perspective schematic of a configurable safety grounding terminal system is shown, according to one embodiment, with the base arranged in a manner that the grounding terminals are connected to a common ground;

[0041] Figure 6 A perspective schematic of a configurable safety grounding terminal system is shown, according to one embodiment, with the base arranged in a manner that the grounding terminals are now connected from a common ground;

[0042] Figure 7 An image of a grounding connection of a configurable safety grounding terminal system using lugs and wiring devices is shown, according to one embodiment;

[0043] Figure 8 A method of operating a safety grounding terminal device is shown, according to one embodiment; and

[0044] Figure 9 An exemplary industrial process control and automation system is shown, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The specific values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can vary and are cited by way of example only to illustrate one or more embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter.

[0046] The subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. The subject matter may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, the subject matter is not limited to any specific example embodiment set forth herein; this specification is intended to be illustrative only. Likewise, the subject matter is not limited to the specific implementations described herein. Rather, the subject matter is intended to encompass all implementations that would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following specification and which are within the scope of the subject matter. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not intended to limit the subject matter as defined in the appended claims.

[0047] Throughout the specification and claims, unless otherwise specified, all terms, whether they be technical or scientific, have their ordinary meaning in the art. The phrase, "in one embodiment" or "in an exemplary embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Likewise, the phrase "in another embodiment" or "in another exemplary embodiment" as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment although it can. Thus, the subject matter is not intended to be limited to a single embodiment, but rather is intended to encompass numerous embodiments, including variations from the particular disclosure illustrated herein. Furthermore, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0048] Generally, terms can be understood at least in part from their usage in the context. For example, terms such as “and,” “or,” or “and / or” as used herein can have a variety of meanings that can depend at least in part on the context in which such terms are used. Generally, “or,” when used in an associative list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to indicate A, B, and C used herein in an inclusive sense, and A, B, or C used herein in an exclusive sense. Furthermore, the term “one or more,” as used herein, depends at least in part on the context and can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense, or to describe a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms such as “a,” “an,” or “the” also depend at least in part on the context and can be understood to convey a singular usage or to express a plural usage. Moreover, the term “based on” can be understood not necessarily to convey a set of exclusive factors, but can depend at least in part on the context, allowing for additional factors that are not necessarily explicitly described again.

[0049] As mentioned above, industrial process control and automation systems typically have hardware components involved in various control and input / output (I / O) functions. Hub cabinets, for example, can be used to collect various components that communicate via I / O channels into a single location. These components may include equipment for various functions such as field cable descrambling for field devices, signal conditioning, protection and disconnection hardware, and energy limiting barriers. Typically, various components can be arranged in series, with different equipment rows performing different functions and components in different rows connected by cabling.

[0050] Such hub schemes used in industrial process control and automation systems may require different types of grounding connections. The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a configurable safety grounding terminal assembly for industrial applications. As will be discussed in more detail, the configurable safety grounding terminal assembly provides technicians with the flexibility to easily switch between common grounding and isolated grounding connections. As will be discussed in more detail below, the grounding terminal can be operated via a hinged method that allows the operator to connect to, for example, a base / cabinet grounding via a rail (e.g., a DIN rail) without damaging electrical contacts, while also allowing disconnection from the common grounding when an isolated grounding connection is required. A separate ground wire with lugs can be connected to the printed line assembly via a clamping nut arrangement in the printed circuit board.

[0051] Figure 1 An exploded view of a safety grounding terminal device 100, which may include a guide rail 101, a grounding terminal 102, and a base 104, is shown according to one embodiment. The safety grounding terminal device 100 can be used in industrial process control and automation systems such as... Figure 9This is implemented in the case of the industrial process control and automation system 400 shown.

[0052] The grounding terminal 102 of the safety grounding terminal assembly 100 is operable to switch between a common ground connection and an isolated ground connection. The grounding terminal 102 may include a hinge point 116 that can be connected to a base 104 via a rail 101 in an arrangement that allows disconnection from the common ground connection when an isolated ground connection is required without compromising electrical contacts. The hinge point 116 allows movement of a circular protrusion 115 that holds a screw 114. The grounding terminal 102 may be configured to provide a waterproof ground connection, regardless of the type of ground connection requirement.

[0053] Base 104 can be the base of a housing (e.g., rack, base / cabinet, hub cabinet, control cabinet, etc.). An example that can serve as the base of base 104 is an FTA (Field Termination Assembly) base, which can be mounted on rails 101 of the housing and can be used to connect, for example, various actuators or sensors in a field area to corresponding I / O modules. It should be noted that base 104 can include any suitable structure configured to engage with a support and receive and hold the field termination assembly housing. Base 104 can be formed from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, reinforced plastics. Base 104 can also be formed in any suitable manner, such as by injection molding, machining, or additive manufacturing. Furthermore, base 104 can have any suitable size, shape, and dimensions. In some embodiments, base 104 can be formed from metal, but this may require additional metal components when connecting base 104 to, for example,... Figure 5 An insulator is added between the PWA 210 shown.

[0054] Guide rail 101 may be provided as a metal guide rail for mounting circuit breakers and industrial equipment in a rack (or racks) and also provides a base grounding connection. An example of a guide rail that may be used as guide rail 101 is DIN (German Institute for Standardization). The term DIN originates from the original specification published by the German Institute for Standardization, which has since been used as a European (EN) and international (IEC) standard. Guide rail 101 may be constructed from cold-rolled carbon steel sheet with a galvanized or chrome-plated bright finish. Although guide rail 101 is metallic, it is intended for mechanical support rather than as a busbar for conducting current and provides a base grounding connection as described above. It should be understood that the above references to DIN rails and FTA are not intended to be limiting features of the embodiments disclosed in this invention, but are presented herein for illustrative and editorial purposes.

[0055] Therefore, the safety grounding terminal block 100 operates as a grounding connector via a hinged method, which allows the operator to connect the safety grounding terminal block 100 to the housing (e.g., base / rack) ground via the guide rail 101. As will be discussed in more detail herein, this arrangement can be disconnected from the ground when an isolated grounding connection is required, and a separate ground wire can be connected via a clamping nut configuration (e.g., as...). Figure 5 and Figure 6 (as shown in the image).

[0056] Figure 2 An embodiment is shown. Figure 1 A perspective view of the base 104 of the safety grounding terminal device 100 shown. Note that in the accompanying drawings shown and discussed herein, the same or similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals. Figure 2 The view of the base 104 shown indicates that the base 104 can also be configured to have tab portions 107 that facilitate the connection of the base 104 to other components.

[0057] Figure 3A A perspective view of a grounding terminal 102 according to one embodiment is shown, wherein a circular protrusion 115 is in a first position relative to a hinge point 116. Figure 3B A perspective view of a grounding terminal 102 according to one embodiment is shown, wherein a circular protrusion 115 is in a second position relative to a hinge point 116.

[0058] Figure 4A An image is shown of a grounding terminal 102 assembled to a base 104 according to one embodiment. Figure 4B An image of a base 104 according to one embodiment is shown, wherein grounding terminal 102 is connected to the common ground. Figure 4C An image of the base 104 according to one embodiment is shown, wherein the grounding terminal 102 is disconnected from the common ground. Note that in... Figure 4B and Figure 4C In the diagram, guide rail 101 is shown relative to grounding terminal 102, but it is not shown in the diagram. Figure 4A As shown in the image.

[0059] Figure 5 A perspective view of a configurable safety grounding terminal system 200 according to one embodiment is shown, wherein a base 104 is arranged such that a grounding terminal 102 is connected to a common ground. Figure 5 As shown, the PWA (Printed Wiring Assembly) 201 engages with a screw 202, which in turn connects to a clamping nut 203 on the PWA 201. Figure 5As shown, the circular protrusion 115 is in a first position relative to the hinge point 116. As previously described, the hinge point 116 allows the circular protrusion 115 (which also holds the screw 114) to move.

[0060] Figure 6 A perspective view of a configurable safety grounding terminal system 200 according to one embodiment is shown, wherein the base 104 is arranged such that the grounding terminal 102 is now connected from the common ground. That is, as Figure 6 As shown, the circular protrusion 115 has now been removed from its... Figure 5 The previous position shown has been moved. Therefore, Figure 6 The base 104, where the grounding terminal 102 is disconnected from the common ground, is depicted. Note that this document references... Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The configurable safety grounding terminal system 200 discussed can be used in industrial process control and automation systems such as Figure 9 This is implemented in the case of the industrial process control and automation system 400 shown.

[0061] Figure 7 An image is shown illustrating the grounding connection of a configurable safety grounding terminal system 200 using lugs and wiring device 206 according to one embodiment. Figure 7 Depicting Figure 5 and Figure 6 A close-up view of a portion of the configurable safety grounding terminal system 200 shown. Figure 7 As shown, the lug and wiring device 206 can be connected to the screw 202, which facilitates grounding. It should be understood that, with reference to... Figure 1 The component shown in Figure 7 and described above provides an integrated waterproof grounding connection, which also allows for easy switching between a common grounding connection and an isolated grounding connection within the mechanical housing of an FTA, for example, designed for a hub scheme.

[0062] Figure 8 A method 300 for operating a safety grounding terminal device 100 according to one embodiment is shown. It should be noted that method 300 can be used in industrial process control and automation systems such as... Figure 9 This is implemented in the case of the industrial process control and automation system 400 shown. As depicted in block 302, steps or operations can be performed whereby the grounding terminal 102 is provided with a hinge point 116, which can be connected via a guide rail 101 to the base 104 of a housing (e.g., a base / cabinet, rack, etc.). Next, as shown in block 304, a common ground connection and / or an isolated ground connection can be provided. Subsequently, as shown in block 306, steps or operations can be performed to switch the grounding terminal 102 between the aforementioned common ground connection and isolated ground connection.

[0063] As previously described, the grounding terminal 102 and hinge point 116 can be connected to the base 104 of the housing via rail 101 in an arrangement that allows disconnection from the common grounding connection when an isolated grounding connection is required without compromising electrical contacts. Switching between a common grounding connection and an isolated grounding connection can be achieved without assembling any additional parts. Furthermore, the use of method 300 facilitates waterproof grounding connections, regardless of any grounding connection requirements.

[0064] Figure 9 An exemplary industrial process control and automation system 400 according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 9 As shown, the industrial process control and automation system 400 may include various components that facilitate the production or processing of at least one product or other material. For example, the industrial process control and automation system 400 may be used to facilitate the control or monitoring of components in one or more industrial plants. Each plant represents one or more processing facilities (or one or more portions thereof), such as one or more manufacturing facilities for producing at least one product or other material. Generally, each plant may implement one or more industrial processes and may be referred to individually or collectively as a process system. A process system typically refers to any system or part of a system configured to process one or more products or other materials or energy in a certain way and in different forms.

[0065] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, the industrial process control and automation system 400 may include one or more sensors 402a and one or more actuators 402b. Sensors 402a and actuators 402b represent components in the process system capable of performing any of a wide variety of functions. For example, sensor 402a may measure a wide variety of characteristics in the process system, such as temperature, pressure, or flow rate. Additionally, actuators 402b may alter a wide variety of characteristics in the process system. Each sensor in sensor 402a may include any suitable structure for measuring one or more characteristics in the process system. Each actuator in actuator 402b may include any suitable structure for operating or influencing one or more conditions in the process system.

[0066] At least one I / O module 1404 may be coupled to sensor 402a and actuator 402b. I / O module 1404 facilitates interaction with sensor 402a, actuator 402b, or other field devices. For example, I / O module 404 may be used to receive one or more analog inputs (AI), digital inputs (DI), digital input event sequences (DISOE), pulse accumulator inputs (PI), or other inputs from one or more field devices. I / O module 1404 may also be used to provide one or more analog outputs (AO), digital outputs (DO), or other outputs to one or more field devices. As described below, interaction with one or more field devices may occur through at least one (or more) field termination components (FTA) 414. Each I / O module 404 may include any suitable structure for receiving one or more input signals from one or more field devices or providing one or more output signals to one or more field devices.

[0067] The industrial process control and automation system 400 may also include various controllers 406. Controllers 406 can be used in the industrial process control and automation system 400 to perform various functions to control one or more industrial processes. For example, a first set of controllers 406 may use measurements from one or more sensors 402a to control the operation of one or more actuators 402b. These controllers 406 may interact with sensors 402a, actuators 402b, and other field devices via I / O modules 404. A second set of controllers 406 may be used to optimize the control logic or other operations performed by the first set of controllers. A third set of controllers 406 may be used to perform additional functions. It is also possible that a set of controllers may be in standby or load-sharing mode to improve the overall availability of the system.

[0068] Controllers 406 can be hierarchically arranged in the system. For example, different controllers 406 can be used to control individual actuators, sets of actuators forming machines, sets of machines forming units, sets of units forming plants, and sets of plants forming enterprises. Controllers 406 at different hierarchical levels can communicate via one or more networks 408 and associated switches, firewalls, and other components.

[0069] Each controller 406 may include any suitable structure for controlling one or more aspects of an industrial process. For example, at least some of the controllers in 406 may represent proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers or multivariable controllers, such as robust multivariable predictive control technology (RMPCT) controllers or other types of controllers that implement model predictive control (MPC) or other advanced predictive control. As a specific example, each controller 406 may represent a computing device running a real-time operating system, a Windows operating system, or another operating system.

[0070] One or more networks 408 can connect controllers 406 and other devices in an industrial process control and automation system 400. Network 408 can facilitate information transfer between components. Network 408 can represent any suitable network or combination of networks. As a specific example, network 408 can represent at least one Ethernet network. In other scenarios, network 408 can be implemented as a wireless communication network (e.g., cellular communication network, WiFi network, HART (Addressable Remote Sensor High-Speed ​​Channel Protocol), etc.).

[0071] Operator access to and interaction with the controller 406 and other components of the industrial process control and automation system 400 can be performed via various operator stations 410. Each operator station 410 can be used to provide information to and receive information from the operator. For example, each operator station 410 can provide the operator with information identifying the current state of the industrial process, such as the values ​​of various process variables and warnings, alarms, or other states associated with the industrial process. Each operator station 410 can also receive information that affects how the industrial process can be controlled, such as by receiving setpoints for process variables controlled by the controller 406 or receiving other information that can change or affect how the controller 406 can control the industrial process. Each operator station 410 may include any suitable structure for displaying information to and interacting with the operator.

[0072] Multiple operator stations 410 may be grouped together and used in one or more control rooms 412. Each control room 412 may include any number of operator stations 410 arranged in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, multiple control rooms 412 may be used to control an industrial plant, such as when each control room 412 contains operator stations 410 for managing separate sections of the industrial plant.

[0073] This represents a brief description of an industrial process control and automation system of one type that can be used to manufacture or process one or more materials and in which one or more embodiments can be implemented. Additional details regarding the industrial process control and automation system are well known in the art and are not necessary for understanding this disclosure. Furthermore, the industrial process control and automation system is highly configurable and can be configured in any suitable manner to meet specific needs.

[0074] In some implementation schemes, Figure 9The various controllers 406 and operator stations 410 shown may represent computing devices. For example, each of the controllers and operator stations may include one or more processing devices, such as one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or discrete circuits. Each of the controllers 406 and operator stations 410 may also include one or more memories for storing instructions and data used, generated, or collected by the processing devices, such as random access memory, read-only memory, flash memory, optical disks, hard disks, or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage devices. Each of the controllers 406 and operator stations 410 may also include at least one network interface, such as one or more Ethernet interfaces or a wireless transceiver.

[0075] In process control and automation systems such as process control and automation system 400, I / O channels can be used to connect controllers (such as controller 406) and field devices (such as sensors 402a and actuators 402b). Typically, I / O module 404 or other devices can support various types of I / O channels, including AI, DI, DISOE, PI, AO, or DO. Different I / O channel types are characterized by different inputs, outputs, voltages, currents, and configurations. General purpose I / O (UIO) channels can be dedicated I / O channels that can be reconfigured to operate as any of the various I / O channel types.

[0076] As detailed below, at least one field termination component 414 may be used in the industrial process control and automation system 400 or other systems. Each field termination component 414 may include one or more slots configured to receive one or more adapter modules for one or more I / O channels, such as sixteen adapter modules for sixteen I / O channels (but other numbers of adapter modules and I / O channels may also be supported). Each adapter module may perform one or more functions associated with the I / O signal, such as signal conditioning, power limiting, current isolation, or protection (or any combination thereof). The adapter modules may operate independently, meaning that each adapter module may perform its function for its I / O channel regardless of the presence of other adapter modules or what those other adapter modules are doing.

[0077] In some implementations, the slots of the field termination assembly 414 can be generic; this means that different types of adapter modules can be inserted into the slots of the field termination assembly 414. This allows, for example, different adapter modules to be designed for different types of I / O channels, such as different adapter modules for AI, DI, DISOE, PI, AO, and DO. This also allows for the design of different adapter modules that support different types of signal conditioning, intrinsic security, current isolation, protection, or other hardware functions. Generally, any suitable adapter module can be used in the field termination assembly 414, and the field termination assembly 414 may include one or more types of adapter modules. It should be noted that non-limiting examples of FTAs ​​that can be used to implement the field termination assembly 414 are shown and discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20200127411, entitled “Field Termination Assembly Supporting Use of Mistake-Proof Keys,” published April 23, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20200127411 is owned by Honeywell International Inc.

[0078] The implementation schemes discussed herein offer numerous solutions. For example, the method disclosed in this invention provides technicians with flexibility to easily and quickly switch between common grounding terminals or isolated grounding connections. Furthermore, waterproof grounding connections can be achieved regardless of the type of grounding connection requirement. This method also meets all necessary verification and compliance requirements while reducing lengthy assembly times. The method may also not affect the rest of the design, tooling, and product aesthetics. It may also not require changes to standard cabling practices currently followed by many project teams.

[0079] It should be understood that variations of the embodiments and examples disclosed above, as well as other features and functions or alternatives thereof, can be advantageously combined into many other different systems or applications. It should also be understood that various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements that are not currently foreseen or anticipated can subsequently be made by those skilled in the art, and these alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements are also intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. A safety grounding terminal device, comprising: guide; The base of the outer shell; A grounding terminal operable to switch between a common ground connection and an isolated ground connection, wherein the grounding terminal includes a hinge point that can be connected to the base of the housing via a guide rail in an arrangement that allows disconnection from the common ground connection when the isolated ground connection is required without compromising electrical contacts. The base is arranged such that the hinge point allows movement of the circular protrusion used to hold the screw in order to connect the grounding terminal to the common grounding connection, and wherein, when the isolated grounding connection is required, a separate ground wire is connected via a clamping nut configuration.

2. The safety grounding terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the guide rail includes a DIN guide rail.

3. The safety grounding terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the grounding terminal provides a waterproof grounding connection regardless of the type of grounding connection requirement.

4. The safety grounding terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a cabinet for holding electrical equipment.

5. The safety grounding terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a base.

6. The safety grounding terminal device of claim 1 further includes a separate ground wire with lugs, the separate ground wire being connectable to a printed line assembly via a clamping fastener arrangement in a printed circuit board held by the housing.

7. A system comprising: A grounding arrangement structure, wherein the grounding arrangement structure includes multiple grounding connections; and A grounding terminal operable to switch between at least one common grounding connection or at least one isolated grounding connection among a plurality of grounding connections, wherein the grounding terminal includes a hinge point capable of being connected via a rail to the base of the housing in an arrangement that allows disconnection from the at least one common grounding connection when the at least one isolated grounding connection is required without compromising electrical contact. The base is arranged such that the hinge point allows movement of the circular protrusion used to hold the screw, so as to connect the grounding terminal to the at least one common grounding connection, and When the isolation grounding connection is required, a separate ground wire is connected via a clamping nut configuration.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the grounding arrangement is fixed to prevent accidental switching of at least one grounding connection among the plurality of grounding connections during system operation.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the grounding terminal provides a waterproof grounding connection regardless of the type of grounding connection requirement.

10. A method of operating a safety grounding terminal device, comprising: The grounding terminal is switched between a common ground connection and an isolated ground connection, wherein the grounding terminal includes a hinge point that can be connected to the base of the housing via a guide rail in an arrangement that allows disconnection from the common ground connection when the isolated ground connection is required without compromising electrical contacts. The base is arranged such that the hinge point allows movement of the circular protrusion used to hold the screw in order to connect the grounding terminal to the common grounding connection, and wherein, when the isolated grounding connection is required, a separate ground wire is connected via a clamping nut configuration.

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