Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – Electrical device making
Utility Patent
1999-09-30
2001-01-02
Arbes, Carl J. (Department: 3729)
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
Electrical device making
C029S874000, C029S876000
Utility Patent
active
06167617
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to modular I/O electrical assemblies and more particularly to methods and devices for connecting a I/O block to a cabinet containing a plurality of such blocks to provide a blind fit and a sequential connection of the power and signal inputs to the I/O blocks.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The prior art I/O block assemblies depended upon markings on the assemblies to insure a proper assembly of the I/O unit to its matching signal and power source in the block cabinet without regard to any sequential connection of such power and signal inputs. This failure to use proper sequence of signal and power connections caused some units to be damaged when they were connected in an improper sequence. Further, these connections were blind in some I/O modules making this sequencing a matter of guesswork. These blind connections were sometimes impossible when there was nonalignment of the I/O module and the power and signal connectors caused by tolerance buildup during the assembly of the case.
Prior art devices are known which have separate power and control connections and which teach sequential signal connection. Examples of such are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,579,406 and 4,990,099 issued to Laursen and Marin et. Al. Respectively. However, none teach a blind mating connection of such sequenced power and signal connections to an I/O module in the proper power and signal sequence.
Thus a device and method was required which would prevent the application of signal inputs before power was connected as well as providing such a sequential connection using a blind fit into an I/O module. Further, this blind fit must be compensated for tolerance buildup in the assembly of the I/O block assembly.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention solves the problems associated with prior art devices and others by providing a uniquely designed electrical stepped connector for power and signal connections which elevates the power connections above the signal connections to insure that power is first connected to the block I/O unit before any signal connections are made. Also, the connector is made to be loosely fitted in the cabinet wall by snapping in the connector to a wall therein with flexible detent ends fitting into an enlarged opening in the cabinet wall. Two alignment holes are provided along the sides of the connector to allow a smaller diameter alignment pin located on the block I/O to fit into these holes to thus provide a gross alignment of the electrical connector to the block I/O base. The I/O module has stepped power and signal connectors which then mate with the electrical connector power and signal sources whenever the block I/O is properly joined to the electrical connector. The loose fit of the electrical connector in the cabinet wall allows any slight misalignment due to tolerance buildup to be compensated for when the individual units are mated.
In view of the foregoing it will be seen that one aspect of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector which allows the blind mating of a block I/O unit to a cabinet having power and signal connections for the I/O unit.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an electrical connector which allows the block I/O unit to be connected to a cabinet insuring proper sequencing of power and signal connections.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a loose fitting electrical connector in a cabinet which allows the block I/O unit to be blind connected in the cabinet even with tolerance buildups shifting the location of the electrical connector.
These and other aspects of the present invention will be more fully understood after a review of the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5365658 (1994-11-01), Freeman et al.
patent: 5396573 (1995-03-01), Ecker et al.
patent: 5406702 (1995-04-01), Shimirak et al.
Oros Donald L.
Rousmaniere Arthur
Arbes Carl J.
Elsag International N.V.
Matas Vytas R.
LandOfFree
Method of blind connecting an I/O module into a cabinet does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of blind connecting an I/O module into a cabinet, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of blind connecting an I/O module into a cabinet will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2552461