Modular plc programmable logic controller
The modular design of the clamping plate and spring assembly enables rapid positioning of the PLC controller, solving the problem of cumbersome disassembly and assembly of the control module, and improving maintenance convenience and equipment stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUZHOU TIANYE MECHANICAL IND
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
The lack of a quick-positioning structure inside the existing PLC controller cabinet makes the disassembly and assembly of control modules cumbersome, affecting rapid maintenance and replacement, prolonging equipment downtime, and potentially causing thread wear.
The modular design utilizes clamping plates and spring assemblies to achieve automatic centering and clamping, combined with barrier and bottom support mechanisms to enable rapid positioning and stable installation of the control module.
It significantly improves the efficiency of disassembling and assembling control modules, reduces operation time, lowers the difficulty of manual adjustment, is compatible with modules of different sizes, and extends the service life of equipment.
Smart Images

Figure CN224436795U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of industrial automation control technology, and in particular to modular PLC programmable controllers. Background Technology
[0002] A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a computer component whose creation dates back to the 1960s. It mainly consists of a microprocessor (CPU), memory (including ROM and RAM), input / output units (I / O), a programmer, and a power supply. The working principle of a PLC is based on infinite loop scanning. In this way, it can continuously monitor input signals and execute corresponding output operations according to preset program logic. This type of controller is widely used in the field of industrial automation to control and manage various mechanical equipment and production processes.
[0003] Existing PLC controllers have certain limitations in use. Their cabinets lack a quick-positioning structure for control modules. Currently, the installation of control modules mainly relies on mechanical fixing with screws and pre-drilled holes in the cabinet. This assembly method not only requires special tools, but also involves cumbersome and time-consuming steps during disassembly and assembly. Especially in emergency situations requiring rapid maintenance or module replacement, this traditional fixing method significantly reduces maintenance efficiency, prolongs equipment downtime, and is not conducive to the rapid resumption of industrial production lines. In addition, repeated tightening of screws can easily cause thread wear, affecting the long-term stability of the equipment.
[0004] Therefore, to address the problem that existing PLC controllers lack a quick-positioning structure for control modules within their cabinets, making disassembly and assembly cumbersome and hindering rapid maintenance and replacement, a modular PLC programmable controller can be designed. Utility Model Content
[0005] To overcome the problem that existing PLC controllers lack a quick-positioning structure for control modules inside the cabinet, making disassembly and assembly cumbersome and hindering rapid maintenance and replacement.
[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: a modular PLC programmable controller, including a control cabinet; it also includes multiple positioning plates installed inside the control cabinet and control modules installed on the positioning plates. Fixing bolts are connected to the four corners of the front side of each positioning plate, and the positioning plates are fixed to the control cabinet by the fixing bolts. Two mounting slots are opened on the front side of the positioning plates, and positioning rods are installed inside each of the two mounting slots. Two springs are sleeved on the outer side of the positioning rods. One end of each spring is fixed to the mounting slot, and a slider is installed on the other end of the spring. The slider is slidably connected to the positioning rod. Connecting plates are installed on the front side of the corresponding two sliders by screws. Clamping plates are provided on the front side of the connecting plates, and blocking mechanisms are provided on the two clamping plates. A bottom-supporting mechanism is provided on the front side of the positioning plates.
[0007] Preferably, by setting clamping plates, after the control module is placed between the two clamping plates, the clamping plates drive the slider to slide along the outer surface of the positioning rod through the connecting plate. When the slider slides, it compresses the spring, and the elastic restoring force of the spring acts in the opposite direction on the slider, so that the clamping plates can clamp the control module. In conjunction with the blocking mechanism and the bottom support mechanism, it provides auxiliary limit for the control module, thereby realizing the quick assembly and disassembly of the control module. This solves the problem that the existing PLC controller does not have a quick positioning structure for the control module inside the cabinet, which makes the assembly and disassembly cumbersome and not conducive to quick maintenance and replacement.
[0008] Preferably, the barrier mechanism includes a heat dissipation component and a limiting component. The heat dissipation component is used to reduce the contact area between the clamp and the control module, and the limiting component is used to limit the front end of the control module.
[0009] Preferably, the heat dissipation component includes through slots; multiple equally spaced through slots are provided on both clamps.
[0010] Preferably, the limiting component includes an insert plate; the insert plate is inserted between two corresponding through slots, and a positioning strip is fitted on the left end of the insert plate.
[0011] Preferably, the support mechanism includes a fixing component and a supporting component, wherein the fixing component is used to install the supporting component and the supporting component is used to support the control module.
[0012] Preferably, the fixing component includes a fixing seat and a fixing plate; two fixing seats are installed on the front side of the positioning plate, and a fixing plate is installed on the front side of each of the two fixing seats.
[0013] Preferably, the support assembly includes a tray and a slot; the tray is installed between two fixed plates, and slots are provided on both clamps, with the tray and slots slidably connected.
[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0015] By incorporating two automatically aligning clamping plates, the efficiency of disassembly and assembly, as well as the convenience of maintenance, are significantly improved. The self-aligning function of the clamping plates is compatible with modules of different sizes, achieving precise positioning and avoiding the tedious manual adjustment. The rapid clamping mechanism greatly shortens disassembly and assembly time, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring frequent maintenance. The modular design also reduces operational difficulty, allowing even non-professionals to easily complete positioning, while reducing the risk of component wear due to positioning deviations and extending the equipment's service life. This design provides an efficient and reliable solution for the daily maintenance of industrial equipment. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of this utility model;
[0017] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the positioning plate of this utility model.
[0018] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the mounting groove of this utility model.
[0019] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the clamping plate of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional structural schematic of the bottom support mechanism of this utility model.
[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Control cabinet; 2. Positioning plate; 3. Control module; 4. Fixing bolt; 5. Mounting slot; 6. Positioning rod; 7. Spring; 8. Slider; 9. Connecting plate; 10. Clamping plate; 111. Through slot; 112. Insert plate; 121. Fixing base; 122. Fixing plate; 123. Support plate; 124. Slot. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0023] Please see Figures 1-5This utility model provides an embodiment of a modular PLC programmable controller, including a control cabinet 1; it also includes multiple positioning plates 2 installed inside the control cabinet 1 and control modules 3 installed on the positioning plates 2. Each of the four corners of the front side of the positioning plate 2 is connected to a fixing bolt 4, and the positioning plate 2 is fixed to the control cabinet 1 by the fixing bolts 4. Two mounting slots 5 are formed on the front side of the positioning plate 2, and positioning rods 6 are installed inside each of the two mounting slots 5. Two springs 7 are sleeved on the outer side of the positioning rods 6. One end of each spring 7 is fixed to the mounting slot 5, and the other end of each spring 7 is fitted with a slider 8. The slider 8 is slidably connected to the positioning rod 6. The front sides of the corresponding two sliders 8... A connecting plate 9 is installed with screws. A clamping plate 10 is provided on the front side of the connecting plate 9. A blocking mechanism is provided on the two clamping plates 10. A bottom support mechanism is provided on the front side of the positioning plate 2. After the control module 3 is placed between the two clamping plates 10, the connecting plate 9 drives the slider 8 to slide along the outer surface of the positioning rod 6. During this process, the slider 8 compresses the spring 7. The elastic restoring force generated by the spring 7 acts in the opposite direction on the slider 8, so that the clamping plate 10 generates a clamping force to fasten the control module 3. At the same time, the device implements auxiliary limiting on the control module 3 through the coordinated action of the blocking mechanism and the bottom support mechanism, thereby ensuring the stable fixation of the control module 3.
[0024] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the blocking mechanism includes a heat dissipation component and a limiting component. The heat dissipation component is used to reduce the contact area between the clamping plate 10 and the control module 3, and the limiting component is used to limit the front end of the control module 3. The heat dissipation component includes a through slot 111. Multiple through slots 111 are evenly distributed on both clamping plates 10. By opening the through slots 111, the contact area between the clamping plate 10 and the control module 3 can be reduced, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect. The limiting component includes an insert plate 112. An insert plate 112 is inserted between two corresponding through slots 111. A positioning strip is fitted on the left end of the insert plate 112. By setting the insert plate 112, the operator can select a suitable through slot 111 according to the size of the control module 3 to insert the insert plate 112 and fit the positioning strip on the left end of the insert plate 112 to position it.
[0025] Please see Figures 1-5In this embodiment, the bottom support mechanism includes a fixing component and a supporting component. The fixing component is used to install the supporting component, and the supporting component is used to support the control module 3. The fixing component includes a fixing seat 121 and a fixing plate 122. Two fixing seats 121 are installed on the front side of the positioning plate 2, and a fixing plate 122 is installed on the front side of each of the two fixing seats 121. The fixing seats 121 are used to install the fixing plates 122. The supporting component includes a support plate 123 and a slot 124. A support plate 123 is installed between the two fixing plates 122. A slot 124 is opened on each of the two clamping plates 10. The support plate 123 is slidably connected to the slot 124. By setting the support plate 123, the bottom of the control module 3 can be supported, and the stability of the clamping of the clamping plates 10 can be improved.
[0026] When installing the control module 3, it is placed between the two clamping plates 10 and on the support plate 123. The placement of the control module 3 will push the clamping plates 10. The clamping plates 10, through the connecting plate 9, drive the slider 8 to slide along the positioning rod 6 and compress the spring 7 on the outside of the positioning rod 6. The elastic restoring force generated by the spring 7 acts in the opposite direction on the slider 8, pushing the clamping plates 10 and the connecting plate 9 to reset, thereby clamping and fixing the control module 3 with the two clamping plates 10. At the same time, the operator selects the appropriate clamping plate 10 through slot 111 according to the size of the control module 3 and inserts it into the insert plate 112. The positioning rubber strip is used to limit the left end of the insert plate 112 to prevent the control module 3 from moving forward. The through slot 111 on the clamping plate 10 reduces the contact area with the control module 3, which helps with heat dissipation. The support plate 123 is inserted into the slot 124 on the clamping plate 10 to provide stable support for the bottom of the control module 3. The entire positioning plate 2 is fixed inside the control cabinet 1 by the fixing bolts 4. When disassembling, the insert plate 112 is pulled out, and the clamping plates 10 are separated by overcoming the elastic force of the spring 7 to remove the control module 3.
[0027] Through the above steps, by setting the clamping plate 10, when the control module 3 is placed between the two clamping plates 10, the connecting plate 9 drives the slider 8 to slide along the outer surface of the positioning rod 6 and compress the spring 7. The elastic restoring force of the spring 7 pushes the slider 8 in the opposite direction, so that the clamping plate 10 generates clamping force to firmly fix the control module 3. At the same time, the blocking mechanism provides lateral constraint to prevent displacement, and the bottom support mechanism supports from the bottom to enhance stability. This structure, through the combination of elastic clamping and mechanical limiting, ensures that the control module 3 is installed stably while taking into account the convenience of operation. This solves the problem that the existing PLC controller does not have a quick positioning structure for the control module 3 inside the cabinet, which makes disassembly and assembly cumbersome and not conducive to quick maintenance and replacement.
Claims
1. A modular PLC programmable controller, comprising a control cabinet (1); characterized in that: It also includes multiple positioning plates (2) installed inside the control cabinet (1) and control modules (3) installed on the positioning plates (2). The four corners of the front side of the positioning plates (2) are connected with fixing bolts (4). The positioning plates (2) are fixed to the control cabinet (1) by fixing bolts (4). Two mounting slots (5) are opened on the front side of the positioning plates (2). Positioning rods (6) are installed inside the two mounting slots (5). Two springs (7) are sleeved on the outside of the positioning rods (6). One end of the springs (7) is fixed to the mounting slots (5). The other end of the springs (7) is installed with sliders (8). The sliders (8) are slidably connected to the positioning rods (6). Connecting plates (9) are installed on the front side of the corresponding two sliders (8) by screws. Clamping plates (10) are set on the front side of the connecting plates (9). Blocking mechanisms are set on the two clamping plates (10). A bottom support mechanism is set on the front side of the positioning plates (2).
2. The modular PLC programmable controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The barrier mechanism includes a heat dissipation component and a limiting component. The heat dissipation component is used to reduce the contact area between the clamp (10) and the control module (3), and the limiting component is used to limit the front end of the control module (3).
3. The modular PLC programmable controller according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat dissipation assembly includes a through slot (111); multiple through slots (111) are provided on both clamping plates (10) at equal intervals.
4. The modular PLC programmable controller according to claim 3, characterized in that: The limiting component includes a insert plate (112); the insert plate (112) is inserted between two corresponding through slots (111), and a positioning strip is fitted on the left end of the insert plate (112).
5. The modular PLC programmable controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support mechanism includes a fixing component and a supporting component. The fixing component is used to install the supporting component, and the supporting component is used to support the control module (3).
6. The modular PLC programmable controller according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixing assembly includes a fixing seat (121) and a fixing plate (122); two fixing seats (121) are installed on the front side of the positioning plate (2), and a fixing plate (122) is installed on the front side of both fixing seats (121).
7. The modular PLC programmable controller according to claim 6, characterized in that: The support assembly includes a support plate (123) and a slot (124); the support plate (123) is installed between two fixed plates (122), and slots (124) are provided on both clamping plates (10), and the support plate (123) and the slots (124) are slidably connected.