Coded electrical device and method

US6485336B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Weidmüller Interface GmbH & Co. KG and PH · DE

Inventors

• Christoph Zebermann · Beverungen, DE
• Dietmar Dux · Detmold, DE
• Manfred Wilmes · Detmold, DE
• Michael Schnatwinkel · Herford, DE
• Rudolf Steinmeier · Detmold, DE
• Walter Hanning · Detmold, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 24, 2000
• Grant date: Nov 26, 2002
• Expiry date: Jan 24, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H05K7/1455
• WIPO field: Audio-visual technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A coding arrangement is connected between a pair of components that are to be laterally displaced into engagement with each other, thereby to assure that only authorized components may be connected with each other. The coding assembly includes a pair of matching coding elements one of which has at least one projection that carries a pair of angularly arranged coding surfaces which engage a corresponding pair of coding surfaces on the other coding element. According to the method of assembly provided by the invention, the coding elements are mounted on the ends of a synthetic plastic strap by tear strip means, and the strap is deformed to bring the coding elements together into coded engagement with each other, thereby to form a preassembled coding assembly. One coding element of this preassembled coding assembly is initially mounted on one of a pair of components, such as a terminal board to which an authorized printed circuit board or the like, which are to be physically mounted and electrically connected. The components are then brought together to cause the other matched coding element of the preassembled coding assembly to be connected with the other component. The mounting str…