Automation component keying system and method

A keying system for an automation device, comprising:

• a base configured to perform an automation operation;
• a modular automation device mountable on the base and that, in operation, exchanges signals with the base, the modular automation device comprising a key;
• a locking assembly on the base and comprising:
• a housing having parallel slots,
• a plurality of lock pins movable in the slots between a first, biased position and a second position and each having a locking structure,
• a blocking member that, in operation, is actuated to interface with the locking structures to block each of the lock pins in the respective first or second position;
• and
• a maintaining member that, in operation, contacts the blocking member to maintain the blocking member in a blocking position in which each of the lock pins is blocked in the respective first or second position;
• wherein each lock pins can be displaced between the respective first and second positions by a key having engaging surfaces that contact the lock pins to define keyed positions of the lock pins, and wherein the blocking member blocks the lock pins in their keyed positions and the maintaining member maintains the blocking member in blocking position and thereby blocking mounting of other modular automation devices not having the key.

A keying method for an automation device, comprising:

• in a system that comprises an input/output (I/O) terminal base and an I/O module mountable on the terminal base and that, in operation, exchanges I/O signals with external devices via the terminal base, the I/O module comprising a key, biasing a plurality of lock pins each movable between a first, biased position and a second position;
• actuating a blocking member to interface with locking structures of the lock pins to block each of the lock pins in the respective first or second position;
• and
• contacting the blocking member with a maintaining member to maintain the blocking member in a blocking position in which each of the lock pins is blocked in the respective first or second position;
• wherein each lock pins can be displaced between the respective first and second positions by a key having engaging surfaces that contact the lock pins to define keyed positions of the lock pins, and wherein the blocking member blocks the lock pins in their keyed positions and the maintaining member maintains the blocking member in blocking position and thereby blocking mounting of other I/O modules not having the key.