FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of mechanical engineering. In particular, the present disclosure relates to DIN rail channels. BACKGROUND

A DIN rail is an elongate channel that is typically fastened or mounted to a surface such as a wall of switchgear housing. Devices such as control transformers, as well as other devices, are mounted on the DIN rail. A DIN rail allows a user to displace a mounted device along the length of the DIN rail. Conventionally, the devices that are to be mounted onto the DIN rail are configured to include DIN rail adapters on their bodies. For example, if a control transformer is to be mounted on a DIN rail, then the housing of the control transformer includes a DIN rail adapter configured thereon, which facilitates the mounting of the control transformer on the DIN rail. Devices like control transformers are heavy and low in cost. It is often not economically feasible to configure DIN rail adapters of plastic material or DIN rail adapters with spring acting clamps on the body of the control transformer.

In order to overcome the above mentioned drawback, mounting brackets have been developed in the art that facilitate the mounting of devices on the DIN rail without the use of DIN rail adapters configured on the body of the devices. However, many of these conventional brackets have complicated configurations, which directly affect the manufacturing cost of these mounting brackets. The complicated configurations of the mounting brackets also make it difficult to assemble these mounting brackets on the DIN rail. Hence, in order to overcome the above mentioned drawbacks, there is need for a DIN rail mounting bracket that has a simple configuration such that the DIN rail mounting bracket is easy to assemble. Furthermore, there is need of a DIN rail mounting bracket that is cheap.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a DIN rail mounting bracket for a DIN rail having a top-hat configuration.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a DIN rail mounting bracket that has a simple configuration. Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a DIN rail mounting bracket that can be retro-fitted in existing installations.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a DIN rail mounting bracket that is easy to assemble.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure envisages a DIN rail mounting bracket for a DIN rail having a top-hat configuration, wherein the top-hat configuration of the DIN rail is defined by a first flange portion and a second flange portion extending from the ends of a U-shaped portion. The DIN rail mounting bracket has a baseplate and, a first engaging portion extending angularly from the baseplate, wherein the first engaging portion is configured to engage with the second flange portion of the DIN rail. The DIN rail mounting bracket also has a second engaging portion formed at a first operative end of the baseplate, wherein the second engaging portion has a hook-like configuration configured to engage with the first flange portion of the DIN rail.

Typically, a plurality of openings is configured on the baseplate to facilitate the fastening of components thereon. In an embodiment, the first engaging portion is a first tab extending in an inclined manner from the baseplate, wherein the first tab is configured to engage with the second flange portion of the DIN rail.

In another embodiment, the second engaging portion is configured to be press- fitted onto the first flange portion of the DIN rail. In yet another embodiment, the DIN rail mounting bracket has a flange portion extending orthogonally from the baseplate wherein the flange portion has a protrusion extending orthogonally along the length of the flange portion.

In still another embodiment, the flange portion has a plurality of second tabs configured thereon, wherein the plurality of second tabs has a protrusion extending therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

The DIN rail mounting bracket of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the non-limiting accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1A illustrates an isometric view of a DIN rail system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. IB illustrates isometric views of the DIN rail system of Fig. 1A, depicting different mounting methods of mounting a component onto the DIN rail;

Fig. 2A illustrates an isometric view of a DIN rail mounting bracket used in the system of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 2B, Fig. 2C, and Fig. 2D illustrate schematic views of a DIN rail mounting bracket of Fig. 1, being engaged with a DIN rail;

Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B illustrate different views of a DIN rail mounting bracket, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B illustrate sectional views of a DIN rail mounting bracket, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a DIN rail mounting bracket, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Fig. 1A illustrates an isometric view of a DIN rail system 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. IB illustrates isometric views of the DIN rail system 10, depicting different mounting methods of mounting a component onto the DIN rail. As seen in Fig. 1A and Fig. IB, the DIN rail system 10 (also referred to as system 10) comprises a DIN rail mounting bracket 100 (also referred to as mounting bracket 100) that is mounted on a DIN rail 102. The system 10 also comprises an auxiliary bracket 104 that is fastened to the mounting bracket 100. The component 106 that is to be supported on the DIN rail 102 is mounted on the auxiliary bracket 104. Thus, the component 106 is coupled with the DIN rail 102 by means of the mounting bracket 100 and the auxiliary bracket 104. As such, it is not required to configure the component 106 with an additional DIN rail adapter, to mount the component 106 on the DIN rail 102. Thus, the mounting bracket 100 of the present disclosure reduces the extra cost associated with configuring the component 106 to include the DIN rail adapter. The DIN rail mounting bracket 100 is now described with reference to Fig. 2A through Fig. 2D. The mounting bracket 100 is adapted to be mounted on the DIN rail 102. The DIN rail 102 has a top-hat configuration defined by a first flange portion 102 A and a second flange portion 102B extending from the ends of the U-shaped portion 102C. The mounting bracket 100 has a baseplate 108 having a first operative end 108A and a second operative end 108B. The mounting bracket 100 has a first engaging portion 112 extending angularly from the baseplate 108, wherein the first engaging portion 112 is configured to engage the second flange portion 102B of the DIN rail 102. A second engaging portion 110 is formed at the first operative end 108A of the baseplate 108. The second engaging portion 110 has a hook-like configuration that is configured to engage with the first flange portion 102A. In the present embodiment, the first engaging portion 112 is a first tab extending angularly from the baseplate 108 and is configured to engage with the second flange portion 102B. In the present embodiment, the first engaging portion 112, which is a first tab, is inclined with respect to the baseplate 108 at an angle of 16°. The first engaging portion 112 is formed in the baseplate 108 by performing a pressing operation thereon via a precise press tool. The angle that the first engaging portion 112 makes with respect to the baseplate 108 is not limited to 16° and can be configured to achieve desired engagement with the DIN rails of different configurations. The preferable range of angle that the first engaging portion 112 makes with respect to the baseplate 108 is from 15° to 24°. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 100 has a plurality of openings 114 configured on the baseplate 108 to facilitate the fastening of components thereon. One of the openings of the plurality of openings 114 is configured to receive a locking screw 116. The locking screw 116 is configured to press the bracket 100 against the DIN rail 102 to lock the displacement of the mounting bracket 100 along the length of the DIN rail 102.

Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3B illustrate different views of a DIN rail mounting bracket 150, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The construction of the mounting bracket 150 is similar to that of mounting bracket 100. As such, for the brevity of the present disclosure, the entire construction is not described again, and like elements of the mounting brackets 100, 150 are denoted by like numerals for the sake of clarity and simplicity. As seen in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, the mounting bracket 150 has a nipple formation 113 configured on the baseplate 108. The nipple formation 113 is configured to receive a locking fastener, such as a locking screw 116, to press the bracket 150 against the DIN rail 102 to lock the displacement of the mounting bracket 150 along the length of the DIN rail 102. The advantage of the nipple formation 113 is that it prevents the protrusion of the head of the locking screw 116 beyond the outer surface of the baseplate 108. The method of installation of the mounting brackets 100 onto the DIN rail 102 is now described with reference to Fig. 2B, Fig. 2C, and Fig. 2D. For mounting the mounting bracket 100 onto the DIN rail 102, the first engaging portion 112 is made to engage with the second flange portion 102B while holding the mounting bracket 100 in an inclined position, as seen in Fig. 2B. Subsequent to that, the mounting bracket 100 is brought to an operative upright position, and the second engaging portion 110 is then made to engage with first flange portion 102A. The engagement of the first flange portion 102 A with the second engaging portion 110, and the engagement of the second flange portion 102B with the first engaging portion 112 ensure that the mounting bracket 100 is mounted on the DIN rail 102 and makes a two-point contact with the DIN rail 102. The locking screw 116 is then tightened to lock the displacement of the mounting bracket 100 along the length of the DIN rail 102.

Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B illustrates sectional views of a DIN rail mounting bracket 200 (also referred to as mounting bracket 200), in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The construction of the mounting bracket 200 is similar to that of mounting bracket 100, only in that, the configuration of a second engaging portion 210 of the mounting bracket 200 is different. As such, for the brevity of the present document, the entire construction is not described again, and like elements of the mounting brackets 100, 200 are denoted by like numerals for the sake of clarity and simplicity. The configuration and working of the second engaging portion 210 is described in the subsequent sections.

As seen in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, the second engaging portion 210 has an inverted U-shaped portion 212 extending from a hook- like portion 214 of the second engaging portion 210. Such a configuration provides resilience to the second engaging portion 210. The resilience of the second engaging portion 210 provides a press-fit configuration to the second engaging portion 210. Subsequent to the engagement of the first engaging portion 112 with the second flange portion 102B, the second engaging portion 210 is pressed against the first flange portion 102A to engage the second engaging portion 210 with the first flange portion 102A. The engagement of the first flange portion 102A with the second engaging portion 210, and the engagement of the second flange portion 102B with the first engaging portion 112 ensure that the mounting bracket 200 is mounted on the DIN rail 102 and makes a two-point contact with the DIN rail 102. Fig. 5 illustrates an isometric view of a DIN rail mounting bracket 300, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The construction of the mounting bracket 300 is similar to that of mounting bracket 100, only in that the configuration of second engaging portions 312 of the mounting bracket 300 is different. As such, for the brevity of the present document, the entire construction is not described again, and like elements of the mounting brackets 100, 300 are denoted by like numerals for the sake of clarity and simplicity. The configuration of the second engaging portions 312 is described in the subsequent sections.

Unlike the mounting brackets 100, 200 wherein the first engaging portion extended angularly from the baseplate, the mounting bracket 300 has second engaging portions 312 configured on a flange portion 314 that extends orthogonally from the baseplate 108 at the second operative end 108B of the baseplate 108. During installation, a first engaging portion 310 of the mounting bracket 300 is first engaged with the first flange portion of the DIN rail, and the second engaging portion 312 is then pressed against the second flange portion, thereby securing the mounting bracket 300 onto the DIN rail. The second engaging portions 312 of the present embodiment is a plurality of second tabs configured on the flange portion 314. The plurality of second tabs has a protrusion extending orthogonally therefrom for engaging with the second flange portion of the DIN rail.

In another embodiment, the flange portion 314 itself is the second engaging portion that has a protrusion extending orthogonally along the length of the flange portion 314 and configured for engagement with the second flange portion of the DIN rail. In an embodiment, the mounting brackets 100, 200, 300 are of metallic material or non-metallic material. In an embodiment, the metallic materials are selected from, but not limited to, CR steel or stainless steel. In another embodiment, the non-metallic materials are selected from, but not limited to, plastics, thermoplastics, polymeric materials, and the like.

The DIN rail mounting brackets of the present disclosure have a simple configuration that is easy to assemble on the DIN rail. Furthermore, with the use of the mounting brackets 100, 200, 300, one does not need to configure DIN rail adapters on the bodies of the components that are to be mounted on the DIN rails. As such, the extra cost associated with the specialized manufacturing of the components to be mounted on the DIN rails is avoided by use of the mounting brackets of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The DIN rail mounting bracket of the present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including but not limited to the realization of a DIN rail mounting bracket:

- for a DIN rail having a top-hat configuration;

- that has a simple configuration; and

- that is easy to assemble. Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application. The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.