# US 7,609,528 B2 · Modular installation device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,609,528 B2 - Document ID: US7609528B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 10/542,004 - Filed: 2003-11-10 - Published: 2006-11-02 - Granted: 2009-10-27 - Earliest claimed: 2003-01-13 - Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft - Inventors: Michael Freimuth; Fritz Royer - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7609528B2 ## CPC - H01R 13/514: composed as a modular blocks or assembly, i.e. composed of co-operating parts provided with contact members or holding contact members between them - H01R 9/2616: {End clamping members} - H05K 7/1468: {Mechanical features of input/output (I/O) modules} - H01R 4/4816: {the spring shape preventing insertion of the conductor end when the spring is unbiased} - H01R 4/4842: {the spring housing being provided with a single opening for insertion of a spring-activating tool} - H01R 13/112: {forked sockets having two legs} - H01R 13/64: Means for preventing incorrect coupling - H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS - H05K: PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ## Abstract An installation device includes connecting modules which, are easy to replace under aggravated conditions of access, while requiring little space. The device is provided with a retaining device for a supporting structure to be coupled thereto and additionally with a housing with integrated module slots for the connecting modules. In order to specifically assign the connecting modules to the module slots, the device is provided with one coding device for each module slot and one mating coding device for each connecting module. The device is also provided with one snap-in device on at least one of the module slots and one mating snap-in device on at least one of the connecting modules to lock and unlock the connecting modules in the corresponding module slots. One contact element each having a long side is provided for each module slot and one connecting module each is provided with one mating contact element, the contact elements being contacted with the mating contact element at an angle to its long side. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A modular device, comprising: a retaining device for a bearing device, coupleable thereto; a housing including a plurality of predetermined module locations; connection modules, arrangeable at the module locations and each provided with a connection device for connecting a line thereto; coding means and opposing coding means, for providing module location-specific assignment; latching means at at least one of the module locations, and opposing latching means on at least one of the connection modules, for respectively providing module location-specific locking and unlocking; and contact means, having a longitudinal side for making contact with opposing contact means, transversely with respect to the longitudinal side. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The modular device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one of an electrical, electromagnetic and electronic device unit. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The modular device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining device includes at least one spring-loaded and self-ringing latching element. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The modular device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the connection modules is of a multi-pole design. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The modular device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each respective connection device includes at least one of a screw terminal, a spring-loaded terminal and an insulation displacement contact. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The modular device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coding means includes, individually per module location, a recess formed by housing sections, and the opposing coding means includes a bracket element. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The modular device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the latching means includes an elastic lock having a barb, and the opposing latching means includes a latch accommodating the barb. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The modular device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact means includes at least one of a contact lug and a contact pin, and the opposing contact means includes a fork-shaped contact element. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The modular device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: insulating means, arranged at least one of on an end and on a longitudinal side of the contact means, for covering the contact means. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The modular device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the insulating means includes an insulating bracket. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The modular device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the insulating means includes a plug-in element integrated in the housing. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The modular device as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: insulating means, arranged at least one of on an end and on a longitudinal side of the contact means, for covering the contact means. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The modular device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the insulating means includes an insulating bracket. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The modular device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the insulating means includes a plug-in element integrated in the housing.