U.S. patent application number 16/264945 was filed with the patent office on 2020-08-06 for adjustable mounting rail latches.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cisco Technology, Inc.. Invention is credited to Arthur K. Farnsworth, Jordon Wahl.
Application Number | 20200253081 16/264945 |
Document ID | 20200253081 / US20200253081 |
Family ID | 1000004970250 |
Filed Date | 2020-08-06 |
Patent Application | download [pdf] |
United States Patent
Application |
20200253081 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farnsworth; Arthur K. ; et
al. |
August 6, 2020 |
ADJUSTABLE MOUNTING RAIL LATCHES
Abstract
Presented herein are adjustable mounting rail latches that each
comprise first and second latch modules. The latch modules each
have a first side configured to be attached to at least one
equipment unit, and a second side that includes an attachment
system configured to be mechanically coupled to a mounting rail. A
slide-rail system is integrated with each of the first and second
latch modules that is configured to slideably couple the first
latch module with the second latch module. Additionally, the
adjustable mounting rail latches comprise at least one selectively
engageable retention device configured to exert a force on the
mounting rail to prevent movement of the first and second latch
modules along the mounting rail.
Inventors: |
Farnsworth; Arthur K.;
(Austin, TX) ; Wahl; Jordon; (Austin, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cisco Technology, Inc. |
San Jose |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004970250 |
Appl. No.: |
16/264945 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 7/183 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H05K 7/18 20060101
H05K007/18 |
Claims
1. An adjustable mounting rail latch, comprising: first and second
latch modules each comprising a first side and a second side,
wherein each of the first sides is configured to be attached to at
least one equipment unit and each of the second sides includes an
attachment system configured to mechanically couple to a mounting
rail; a slide-rail system integrated with the first and second
latch modules, wherein the slide-rail system is configured to
slideably couple the first latch module with the second latch
module and permit relative longitudinal movement of the first and
second latch modules to a plurality of different relative
locations, wherein each of the different relative locations are
configured for attachment to the mounting rail; and at least one
selectively engageable retention device configured to exert a force
on the mounting rail to prevent movement of the first and second
latch modules along the mounting rail.
2. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 1, wherein the at
least one selectively engageable retention device comprises one or
more spring members.
3. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 2, wherein the one
or more spring members are positioned on the first side of the
first latch module.
4. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 2, wherein the one
or more spring members are positioned on the first side of the
second latch module.
5. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 2, wherein the one
or more spring members comprise a first spring member positioned on
the first side of the first latch module and a second spring member
positioned on the first side of the second latch module.
6. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 1, wherein the first
and second latch modules each comprise at least one attachment
aperture for attachment to the at least one equipment unit.
7. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 1, wherein the
slide-rail system includes a plurality of slide members and a
plurality of rails, wherein the plurality of slide members are
configured to slideably move along the plurality of rails.
8. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 1, wherein the at
least one selectively engageable retention device is configured to
be selectively engaged by an arm of the mounting rail.
9. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 1, wherein the
attachment system includes respective latch ends configured to
receive at least a portion of a lip of the mounting rail.
10-13. (canceled)
14. An adjustable mounting rail latch, comprising: first and second
latch modules each comprising a first side and a second side,
wherein each of the first sides is configured to be attached to at
least one equipment unit and each of the second sides includes an
attachment system configured to mechanically couple to a mounting
rail; and a slide-rail system integrated with the first and second
latch modules and configured to permit relative longitudinal
movement of the first and second latch modules to a plurality of
different relative locations, wherein each of the different
relative locations are configured for attachment to the mounting
rail, wherein the slide-rail system comprises at least one slide
member and at least one rail, wherein the at least one rail is
configured to slideably accommodate the at least one slide member
in such a way that the first and second latch modules are slideably
coupled to one another.
15. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 14, further
comprising at least one selectively engageable retention device
configured to exert a force on the mounting rail to prevent
movement of the first and second latch modules along the mounting
rail.
16. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 15, wherein the at
least one selectively engageable retention device comprises one or
more spring members.
17. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 16, wherein the one
or more spring members are positioned on the first side of the
first latch module.
18. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 16, wherein the one
or more spring members are positioned on the first side of the
second latch module.
19. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 16, wherein the one
or more spring members comprise a first spring member positioned on
the first side of the first latch module and a second spring member
positioned on the first side of the second latch module.
20. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 14, wherein the
first and second latch modules each comprise at least one
attachment aperture for attachment to the at least one equipment
unit.
21. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 1, wherein the
first and second latch modules have opposing ends, wherein the
plurality of different relative locations of the first and second
latch modules include a first position and a second position,
wherein in the first position the opposing ends of the first and
second latch modules are positioned a first distance apart from
each other so as to accommodate attachment to at least one first
equipment unit and in the second position the opposing ends of the
first and second latch modules are positioned a second distance
apart from each other so as to accommodate attachment to at least
one second equipment unit, and wherein the first distance is
greater than the second distance.
22. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 14, wherein the
first and second latch modules have opposing ends, wherein the
plurality of different relative locations of the first and second
latch modules include a first position and a second position,
wherein in the first position the opposing ends of the first and
second latch modules are positioned a first distance apart from
each other so as to accommodate attachment to at least one first
equipment unit and in the second position the opposing ends of the
first and second latch modules are positioned a second distance
apart from each other so as to accommodate attachment to at least
one second equipment unit, and wherein the first distance is
greater than the second distance.
23. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 1, wherein the
first and second latch modules have opposing ends, and wherein the
opposing ends of the first and second latch modules have different
physical separations in each of the different relative locations of
the first and second latch modules.
24. The adjustable mounting rail latch of claim 14, wherein the
first and second latch modules have opposing ends, and wherein the
opposing ends of the first and second latch modules have different
physical separations in each of the different relative locations of
the first and second latch modules.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to adjustable
latches for use with mounting rails.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It is common for various electronic systems, such as
equipment units, to be mounted onto equipment racks via mounting
rails (DIN rails) and latches/brackets. In general, the term "DIN"
originates from the original specifications published by Deutsches
Institut fur Normung (DIN) in Germany, which have since been
adopted as European (EN) and international (IEC) standards. In
typical arrangements, a DIN mounting latch/bracket is used to
mechanically couple an electronic system to a DIN rail.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an adjustable mounting rail
latch, according to an example embodiment, shown in a closed
configuration and mechanically coupled to a mounting rail and to a
first equipment unit.
[0004] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the adjustable mounting
rail latch of FIG. 1A shown in an open configuration and
mechanically coupled to the mounting rail and to the first
equipment unit.
[0005] FIG. 2A is a rear perspective view of the adjustable
mounting rail latch of FIG. 1A shown in a closed configuration and
separate from the mounting rail and the first equipment unit.
[0006] FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the adjustable mounting rail
latch of FIG. 1A shown separate from the mounting rail and the
first equipment unit.
[0007] FIG. 2C is another rear perspective view of a section of the
adjustable mounting rail latch of FIG. 1A shown separate from the
mounting rail and the first equipment unit.
[0008] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the adjustable mounting
rail latch of FIG. 1A shown in a closed configuration and
mechanically coupled to the mounting rail, but separate from the
first equipment unit.
[0009] FIG. 3B is a side view of the adjustable mounting rail latch
of FIG. 1A shown mechanically coupled to the mounting rail, but
separate from the first equipment unit.
[0010] FIG. 4A is a front view of the adjustable mounting rail
latch of FIG. 1A, shown in a closed configuration and separate from
the mounting rail and the first equipment unit.
[0011] FIG. 4B is a front view of the adjustable mounting rail
latch of FIG. 1A, shown in an open configuration and separate from
the mounting rail and the first equipment unit.
[0012] FIG. 5A is a front view of another adjustable mounting rail
latch, according to an example embodiment, shown in a closed
configuration.
[0013] FIG. 5B is a front view of the adjustable mounting rail
latch of FIG. 5A, shown in an open configuration.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method, according to an example
embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
Overview
[0015] Presented herein are adjustable mounting (DIN) rail latches.
An adjustable mounting rail latch comprises first and second latch
modules that each have a first side and a second side. The first
sides are configured to be attached to at least one equipment unit
and each of the second sides includes an attachment system
configured to mechanically couple to a mounting rail. A slide-rail
system is integrated with each of the first and second latch
modules that is configured to slideably couple the first latch
module with the second latch module. Additionally, the adjustable
mounting rail latch comprises at least one selectively engageable
retention device configured to exert a force on the mounting rail
to prevent movement of the first and second latch modules along the
mounting rail.
Example Embodiments
[0016] Today, various customizable options are available for
installation of electronic systems, such as network equipment units
or other types of equipment units. For example, a first equipment
unit (e.g., a base unit) that provides one or more features may be
initially deployed by a user. At a later time, one or more
additional equipment units (e.g., expansion units) may be deployed
with the base unit in order to provide additional and/or
supplementary features. In certain arrangements, users may have the
flexibility to select different expansion units for use with the
base unit (e.g., for a particular use/application). However, as a
result of this flexibility, the form factor of the equipment may
change. For example, the form factor (e.g., width and weight) of
the deployed equipment may increase in different manners for
different types of expansion units.
[0017] Electronic systems, such as equipment units, are often
attached to equipment racks, for example, inside a cabinet via
mounting rails, generally referred to herein as DIN rails, for
example, and mounting (DIN) rail latches/brackets. Conventional
mounting rail latches used to mount base units onto mounting rails
may be inadequate, for example, in size and/or retention ability,
for mounting both the base unit and any additional expansion units
attached to the base unit. One solution to such a problem is to use
multiple latches or a single, wider latch on the now wider product
assembly. However, this solutions is inefficient as it takes
considerable time to install/configure and the additional latches
need to be ordered by the customer. It is also not cost affective
for the mounting rail latch provider in terms of managing multiple
latch accessory options to accommodate different customer
configurations.
[0018] As such, presented herein are adjustable (sliding) mounting
(DIN) rail latches for use in attaching one or more equipment units
to a mounting rail. More specifically, an adjustable mounting rail
latch in accordance with examples presented herein has a first
(closed) configuration that enables the mounting rail latch to be
used for attachment of a first equipment unit (e.g., a base unit)
to a mounting rail. If the customer adds one or more additional
equipment units (e.g., expansion units) in the future, the same
mounting rail latch can be subsequently adjusted to a second (open)
configuration that enables the mounting rail latch to also be used
for attachment of the expansion unit(s) to the mounting rail.
[0019] The adjustable/sliding mounting rail latch in accordance
with examples presented herein is comprised of first and second
latch modules coupled to one another via an integrated slide-rail
system. The slide-rail system enables the first and second latch
modules to be positioned adjacent one another in the first (closed)
configuration for use in mounting the base unit to a mounting rail.
When an expansion unit is added to the configuration, growing the
form factor of the product, the slide-rail system enables the first
and second latch modules to be separated from one another to form
the second (open) configuration. In other words, the integrated
slide-rail system allows the adjustable mounting rail latch to
become wider so as to also accommodate the expansion unit. This
slide-rail system is configured to have different widths in the
open configuration.
[0020] The adjustable mounting rail latches presented herein enable
the end users to quickly and easily adjust the dimensions of the
latch to conform to a product's changing form factor (e.g., as
equipment units are added, removed, replaced, etc.). That is,
instead of un-installing and re-installing new latch designs each
time the product form factor changes, at least a part of the
adjustable mounting rail latch may remain attached and may be
adjusted depending on the configuration change. As such, use of the
adjustable mounting rail latch simplifies customer product
upgrades.
[0021] For ease of description, adjustable (sliding) mounting rail
latches in accordance with embodiments presented herein are
described with reference to DIN rails and DIN rail latches.
However, this is not intended to be limiting. It is to be
understood that adjustable mounting rail latches in accordance with
embodiments presented herein may be configured for use with any
suitable type(s) of mounting rail(s).
[0022] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an adjustable DIN
rail latch 100 in accordance with embodiments presented herein. The
adjustable DIN rail latch 100 may be formed from aluminum, a rigid
polymer, and/or any other suitable materials. In FIG. 1A, the
adjustable DIN rail latch 100 is shown in a closed configuration,
where the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 is mechanically
coupled/attached to both a DIN rail 101 and to a first equipment
unit 125.
[0023] As shown, the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 includes a first
latch module 102 and a second latch module 104. As described
further below, the first latch module 102 includes a first side 114
(e.g., a back side) and a second side 116 (e.g., a front side). The
second latch module 104 includes a first side 118 (e.g., a back
side) and a second side 120 (e.g., a front side). Each of the first
sides 114, 118 is configured to be attached to at least one
equipment unit. Each of the second sides 116, 120 is configured to
be attached to a DIN rail. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, each of
the first sides 114, 118 is attached to the first equipment unit
125 and each of the second sides 116, 120 is attached to the DIN
rail 101. The first latch module 102 and a second latch module 104
are attached to one another via an integrated slide-rail system
(not shown in FIG. 1A).
[0024] As noted, FIG. 1A illustrates the adjustable DIN rail latch
100 in a closed configuration. When the adjustable DIN rail latch
100 is in a closed configuration, the first latch module 102 and
the second latch module 104 are positioned immediately adjacent one
another (i.e., the adjustable DIN rail latch is configured at its
minimum form factor width). In this arrangement, the adjustable DIN
rail latch 100 is attached to the first equipment unit 125.
[0025] Referring next to FIG. 1B, shown is a perspective view of
the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 in an open configuration. In an
open configuration, the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 is
mechanically coupled to the DIN rail 101, the first equipment unit
125, and a second equipment unit 127, according to an example
embodiment. More specifically, in FIG. 1B, the first latch module
102 and the second latch module 104 are shown separated from one
another (e.g., non-adjacent to one another), where one or both of
the latch modules 102, 104 have been moved (slid) along the
integrated slide-rail system 106. As such, in FIG. 1B, the
adjustable DIN rail latch 100 has a different form factor width
than in the closed configuration of FIG. 1A. Due to this different
form factor width, the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 is able to be
attached to both the first equipment unit 125 and the second
equipment unit 127.
[0026] As shown, the first latch module 102 has a first end 108 and
a second end 109, while the second latch module 104 has a first end
110 and a second end 111. In the closed configuration of FIG. 1A,
second ends 109 and 111 of the first and second latch modules 102,
104, respectively, are immediately adjacent one another (e.g.,
abutting one another). In an open configuration, the second ends
109 and 111 of the first and second latch modules 102, 104,
respectively, are separated from one another. The form factor width
of the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 is defined as the distance
between ends 108, 110 of the adjustable DIN rail latch 100.
[0027] As described further below, the first latch module 102 and
the second latch module 104 are each configured to be mechanically
coupled to the DIN rail 101. Additionally, while in the closed
configuration, the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 (FIG. 1A) is used
to attach the first equipment unit 125 to the DIN rail 101. At a
subsequent point in time, the second equipment unit 127 may be
provided to for example, upgrade the first equipment unit 125,
provide supplemental functionality, etc. To install the second
equipment unit 127, the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 is adjusted
to the open configuration (e.g., the first latch module 102 and the
second latch module 104 are separated from one another). The
adjustable DIN rail latch 100 may be adjusted from the first
configuration to the second configuration based on the wider form
factor of the first and second equipment units 125, 127 as compared
to the first equipment unit 125. The adjustable DIN rail latch 100
may be adjusted between/to different form factor widths based on
the particular equipment unit(s) being attached (e.g., added or
removed) to the adjustable DIN rail latch 100.
[0028] Once opened, the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 remains
attached to the first equipment unit 125, and can then be attached
to the second equipment unit 127. The first and second equipment
units 125, 127 may or may not be connected to each other.
[0029] Referring next to FIG. 2A, shown is a rear perspective view
of the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 in a closed configuration.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable DIN rail latch
100, taken along line "2-2," while FIG. 2C is another rear
perspective view of a section of the adjustable DIN rail latch 100.
For ease of description, FIGS. 2A-2C will be described together.
Additionally, in FIGS. 2A-2C, the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 is
shown separate from the DIN rail 101 and separate from the first
and second equipment units 125, 127.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the adjustable DIN rail latch 100
includes a slide-rail system 106 integrated with the first and
second latch modules 102, 104. The slide-rail system 106 is
configured to slideably couple the first latch module 102 with the
second latch module 104. In other words, the slide-rail system 106
enables the first and second latch modules 102, 104 to be slideably
moveable relative to one another in a direction along an axis "A"
(FIG. 2A). This relative movement of the first and second latch
modules 102, 104 enables the width of the adjustable DIN rail latch
100 to change (e.g., the distance between ends 108, 110 decreases
or increases).
[0031] In the specific example shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the slide-rail
system 106 includes a plurality of slide members 122 and a
plurality of rails 124. The plurality of rails 124 are configured
to slideably accommodate the plurality of slide members 122 in such
a way that the first and second latch modules 102, 104 are
slideably coupled. That is, the plurality of slide members 122 are
configured to slideably move along the plurality of rails 124. For
example, as the first and second latch modules 102, 104 are moved
from the closed configuration shown in FIG. 2A, to an open
position, the slide members 122a and 122c may be configured to move
along the rails 124a and 124c, respectively, and the slide member
122b may be configured to move along its corresponding rail (not
shown). FIG. 2B illustrates that the plurality of slide members 122
may be received by the plurality of rails 124.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the slide members 122 and rails 124
may form a dovetail-type connection. This, however, is only
exemplary and any suitable connection type may be utilized.
[0033] FIGS. 2A and 2C also illustrate that the adjustable DIN rail
latch 100 includes a plurality of attachment apertures 112. A user
may use these attachment apertures 112 to attach one or more
equipment units to the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 via insertion
of fasteners through the plurality of attachment apertures 112. The
fasteners may include, for example, screws, bolts, and/or any
suitable fastening mechanisms.
[0034] The plurality of attachment apertures 112 may correspond to
one or more attachment apertures of one or more equipment units
(e.g., the first and second equipment units 125, 127). When the
adjustable DIN rail latch 100 is in a closed configuration, for
example, the plurality of attachment apertures 112, may be
configured to be aligned with respective attachment apertures of
the first equipment unit 125. When the adjustable DIN rail latch
100 is in an open configuration, for example, the attachment
apertures 112b and 112c may be configured to be aligned with
respective attachment apertures of the first equipment unit 125 and
the attachment aperture 112a may be configured to be aligned with
an attachment aperture of the second equipment unit 127. It is to
be understood that not all of the attachment apertures may be used
to facilitate attachment of one or more equipment units to the DIN
rail latch 100. For example, to attach the DIN rail latch 100 in
the closed configuration to the equipment unit 125, fasteners may
be disposed through the attachment apertures 112a and 112c but not
the attachment aperture 112b. Whether some or all of the attachment
apertures are used to facilitate attachment of one or more
equipment units may depend on, for example, the size and/or weight
of the one or more equipment units, the type(s) of fastener(s), the
position of the attachment apertures of the DIN rail latch 100 with
respect to the attachment apertures of the one or more equipment
units, conditions of the environment the DIN rail latch 100 and the
equipment units are to be deployed, and/or any other suitable
considerations.
[0035] It is to be appreciated that, although the adjustable DIN
rail latch 100 is shown as including three attachment apertures
112, this is for exemplary purposes only and not intended to be
limiting. Therefore, adjustable DIN rail latches in accordance with
embodiments presented herein may include any suitable number of
attachment apertures.
[0036] Referring next to FIG. 3A, shown is a perspective view of
the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 of FIG. 1A shown in a closed
configuration. In FIG. 3A, the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 is
shown mechanically coupled to the DIN rail 101, but separate from
the first equipment unit 125. FIG. 3B is a side view of the
adjustable DIN rail latch 100. For ease of description, FIGS. 3A
and 3B will be described together.
[0037] As noted above, the first latch module 102 includes the
second side 116, and the second latch module 104 may include the
second side 120. The second side 116 of first latch module 102
includes an attachment system 126, while the second side 120 of
second latch module 104 includes an attachment system 128. Each of
the attachment systems 126, 128 may be configured to mechanically
couple to a DIN rail, such as, for example, the DIN rail 101. In
particular, the attachment system 126 includes a first latch end
130 (e.g., a bottom latch end) and a second latch end 132 (e.g., a
top latch end). The attachment system 128 includes a first latch
end 134 (e.g., a bottom latch end) and a second latch end 136
(e.g., a top latch end). Each of the first latch ends 130, 134 may
be configured to receive at least a portion of a first lip 103
(e.g., a bottom lip) of the DIN rail 101. Each of the second latch
ends 132, 136 may be configured to receive at least a portion of a
second lip 105 (e.g., a top lip) of the DIN rail 101. In this way,
the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 can be attached to the DIN rail
101 (i.e., a second side of each of the latch modules is
mechanically coupled to the DIN rail).
[0038] The adjustable DIN rail latch 100 further includes at least
one retention device 138 configured to be selectively engaged to
create a force on the DIN rail 101 to prevent unintended movement
of the first and second latch modules 102, 104 along the DIN rail.
The retention device 138 may comprise, for example, one or more
spring members 140. In certain examples, one or more retention
devices 138 may be positioned on each of the first latch module 102
and/or the second latch module 104. For example, the one or more
retention devices 138 (e.g., one or more spring members 140) may be
mechanically coupled (e.g., pinned) to the first and/or second
latch modules 102, 104. For example, at least one retention device
138 (e.g., at least one spring members 140) may be pinned by a pin
(e.g., a press fit retention pin) to the first or second latch
modules 102, 104 in such a way that allows the retention device 138
to move/rotate at least partially with respect to/around the pin.
It is to be appreciated that the at least one retention device 138
being pinned to the first and/or second latch modules 102, 104 is
only exemplary and that the at least one retention device 138 may
be mechanically coupled to the first and/or second latch modules
102, 104 by any suitable mechanism(s). Further, it is to be
appreciated that if a retention device 138 is pinned to the first
or second latch module 102, 104, any suitable type(s) of pin(s) may
be used, as a press fit retention pin is only exemplary.
[0039] The DIN rail 101 comprises a base member 113, a first lip
103, and a second lip 105. The lips 103 and 105 are coupled to the
base member 113 via arms 107. To secure the adjustable DIN rail
latch 100 to the DIN rail 101, the adjustable DIN rail latch 100
may be positioned such that a force is exerted on the retention
device 138 by the arm 107 of the DIN rail 101.
[0040] Referring next to FIGS. 4A and 4B, shown are front views of
the adjustable DIN rail latch 100. In particular, FIG. 4A
illustrates the adjustable DIN rail latch 100 in a closed
configuration, while FIG. 4B illustrates the adjustable DIN rail
latch 100 in an open configuration. As noted above, the DIN rail
latch 100 includes a retention device 138 on each of the first and
second latch modules 102, 104. Such a configuration of the
retention devices 138, where at least one retention device 138 is
positioned on the first latch module 102 (e.g., the first retention
device 138a) and at least one retention device 138 positioned on
the second latch module 104 (e.g., the second retention device
138b) is sometimes referred to herein as a "split"
configuration.
[0041] It is to be appreciated that the split configuration for the
retention devices, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, is illustrative and
that retention devices in accordance with embodiments presented
herein may have different arrangements. For example, FIGS. 5A and
5B are front views of an adjustable DIN rail latch 500, according
to an example embodiment, having a different configuration of
retention devices.
[0042] FIG. 5A illustrates the adjustable DIN rail latch 500 in a
closed configuration, while FIG. 5B illustrates the adjustable DIN
rail latch 500 in an open configuration. The adjustable DIN rail
latch 500 includes first and second latch modules 502, 504. The
adjustable DIN rail latch 500 may be the same as the adjustable DIN
rail latch 100, except the DIN rail latch 500 includes retention
devices only on one of its two latch modules. In particular, the
DIN rail latch 500 includes retention devices 538a, 538b, both of
which are positioned on the first latch module 502.
[0043] Referring next to FIG. 6, shown is a flowchart of a method
600, according to an example embodiment. The method 600 may be
performed with any of the adjustable mounting rail latches
described herein. At 602, a first equipment unit is attached to an
adjustable mounting rail latch, wherein the adjustable mounting
rail latch comprises first and second latch modules mechanically
coupled to one another.
[0044] At 604, the adjustable mounting rail latch is mechanically
attached to a mounting rail, wherein the adjustable mounting rail
latch has a closed configuration in which the first and second
latch modules are positioned adjacent to one another.
[0045] At 606, the adjustable mounting rail is adjusted from the
closed configuration to an open configuration. The adjustable
mounting rail latch may comprise an integrated slide-rail system,
and adjusting the adjustable mounting rail from the closed
configuration to the open configuration may comprise, for example,
separating the second latch module from the first latch module via
the slide-rail system.
[0046] At 608, the adjustable mounting rail latch is attached to a
second equipment unit such that both the first equipment unit and
the second equipment unit are coupled to the mounting rail via the
adjustable mounting rail latch.
[0047] The adjustable mounting rail latch may comprise at least one
selectively engageable retention device, and the method may further
comprise exerting a force on the mounting rail with the selectively
engageable retention device to prevent movement of the first and
second latch modules along the mounting rail. The at least one
selectively engageable retention device may comprise a first
selectively engageable retention device positioned on the first
latch module and a second selectively engageable retention device
positioned on the second latch module.
[0048] In one aspect, an adjustable mounting rail latch is provided
comprising: first and second latch modules each comprising a first
side and a second side, wherein each of the first sides is
configured to be attached to at least one equipment unit and each
of the second sides includes an attachment system configured to
mechanically couple to a mounting rail; a slide-rail system
integrated with the first and second latch modules, wherein the
slide-rail system is configured to slideably couple the first latch
module with the second latch module; and at least one selectively
engageable retention device configured to exert a force on the
mounting rail to prevent movement of the first and second latch
modules along the mounting rail.
[0049] In certain aspects, the at least one selectively engageable
retention device comprises one or more spring members. In certain
aspects, the one or more spring members are positioned on the first
side of the first latch module. In certain aspects, the one or more
spring members are positioned on the first side of the second latch
module. In certain aspects, a first spring member is positioned on
the first side of the first latch module and a second spring member
is positioned on the first side of the second latch module.
[0050] In certain aspects, the first and second latch modules each
comprise at least one attachment aperture for attachment to the at
least one equipment unit.
[0051] In certain aspects, the slide-rail system includes a
plurality of slide members and a plurality of rails. The plurality
of slide members are configured to slideably move along the
plurality of rails.
[0052] In certain aspects, the at least one selectively engageable
retention device is configured to be selectively engaged by an arm
of the mounting rail.
[0053] In certain aspects, the attachment system includes
respective latch ends configured to receive at least a portion of a
lip of the mounting rail.
[0054] In another aspect, a method is provided. The method
comprises: attaching a first equipment unit to an adjustable
mounting rail latch, wherein the adjustable mounting rail latch
comprises first and second latch modules mechanically coupled to
one another; mechanically attaching the adjustable mounting rail
latch to a mounting rail, wherein the adjustable mounting rail
latch has a closed configuration in which the first and second
latch modules are positioned adjacent to one another; adjusting the
adjustable mounting rail latch from the closed configuration to an
open configuration; and attaching the adjustable mounting rail
latch to a second equipment unit such that both the first equipment
unit and the second equipment unit are coupled to the mounting rail
via the adjustable mounting rail latch.
[0055] In yet another aspect, an adjustable mounting rail latch is
provided. The adjustable mounting rail latch comprises: first and
second latch modules each comprising a first side and a second
side, wherein each of the first sides is configured to be attached
to at least one equipment unit and each of the second sides
includes an attachment system configured to mechanically couple to
a mounting rail; and a slide-rail system integrated with the first
and second latch modules, wherein the slide-rail system comprises
at least one slide member and at least one rail, wherein the at
least one rail is configured to slideably accommodate the at least
one slide member in such a way that the first and second latch
modules are slideably coupled to one another.
[0056] The above description is intended by way of example only.
Although the techniques are illustrated and described herein as
embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not
intended to be limited to the details shown, since various
modifications and structural changes may be made within the scope
and range of equivalents of the claims.
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