Electronic component with a latching system for fixing to a din rail
By designing a multi-fixed point latch system, the problem that the prior art is difficult to fix the electronic components with larger weights to the DIN rail is solved, and the effect of maintaining firm attachment in a vibrating environment is achieved, and the stability and reliability of the electronic components are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411528473.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-31
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-02
AI Technical Summary
The prior art is difficult to effectively fix electronic components with a weight of 2 kg or more to the DIN rail, especially in a vibrating environment, which can easily cause electronic components to fall off the rail, resulting in damage and shutdown.
A latch system is designed that extends a plurality of upper and lower fins at the rear end of the electronic component, including a recess, notch and a central latch member, to match the flange of the DIN rail by a plurality of fixing points, providing a firmer attachment.
The latch system can effectively fix electronic components with larger weights, maintain a firm attachment even in a vibrating environment, reduce the risk of falling, and improve the stability and reliability of electronic components.
Smart Images
Figure CN119922848A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of providing a latching system for securing an electrical component to a DIN rail. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a latching system for securing an electrical component to a DIN rail, wherein the latching system can allow for heat dissipation and can be integrally formed with the electrical component. Background Art
[0002] Electrical components and housings are typically secured to DIN rails located on instrument racks in control stations or cabinets. DIN is the abbreviation for Deutsches Institut für Normung (or German Institute for Standardization in English). Mounting rail sizes and specifications were first standardized by DIN, and have since been accepted as EN and IEC standards applicable worldwide. DIN rails are essentially standards for metal rails inside equipment racks, on which control components (such as controllers and other types of modules) are mounted. DIN rails are often configured as a "top hat" geometry, in which the DIN rail has a flat upper surface with two legs extending downwardly and perpendicular to the flat upper surface. Flanges extend outwardly and vertically from each leg coplanar with the flat upper surface. In other embodiments, the flanges extend from the legs at an angle so that they are not coplanar with the flat upper surface.
[0003] DIN rails are typically made of steel, but other materials such as copper and aluminum may also be used. To dissipate heat, DIN rails may be made of a highly conductive material.
[0004] Furthermore, prior art latch systems for connecting electronic components to a DIN rail typically include a pair of latches mounted to the rear side of the electronic component and possibly a third latch positioned between the pair of latches.
[0005] Some electronic components, such as power supply units (PSUs), including those ranging from 960W and up, weigh more than 2 kg. When electronic components having a large weight of 2 kg or more are secured to a DIN rail using the prior art latch system described above, the weight can present a problem when the electronic components are subjected to vibrations (often encountered in hazardous environments) that may cause the electronic components to fall from the DIN rail. Such a fall may cause undesirable damage to the electronic components, as well as undesirable equipment downtime.
[0006] In view of the above, it would be desirable to provide a latch system on an electronic component that is suitable for securing an electronic component having a large weight of 2 kg or more to a DIN rail. Summary of the invention
[0007] This embodiment advantageously provides a latching system positioned on the end of the electronic component for securing the electronic component to the DIN rail. The latching system provides a secure attachment of the electronic component to the DIN rail, wherein the electronic component has a large weight of 2 kg or more.
[0008] In one aspect, a device is provided, comprising: an electronic component; a latch system positioned on a rear end of the electronic component and adapted to be attached to a DIN rail; wherein the DIN rail has a flat upper surface, wherein a first leg and a second leg extend downwardly from and perpendicular to the flat upper surface, and a first flange extends outwardly from the first leg, and a second flange extends outwardly from the second leg; wherein the latch system comprises: three or more upper fins and three or more lower fins extending from the rear end of the electronic component; a recess positioned between the three or more upper fins and the three or more lower fins and adapted to receive the DIN rail; a notch positioned in a lower surface of each of the three or more upper fins and adapted to receive an outer end of a first flange of the DIN rail; and an upper surface on the three or more lower fins adapted to position the outer end of the second flange of the DIN rail thereon.
[0009] On the other hand, a system is provided, the system having: a DIN rail, which is fixed to a wall with a fastener; an electronic component, which is fixed to the DIN rail; a latch system, which is positioned on the rear end of the electronic component and attached to the DIN rail; wherein the DIN rail has a flat upper surface, wherein a first leg and a second leg extend downwardly from the flat upper surface and perpendicular to the flat upper surface, and a first flange extends outwardly from the first leg, and a second flange extends outwardly from the second leg; wherein the latch system includes: three or more upper fins and lower fins extending from the rear end of the electronic component; wherein a recess is positioned between the three or more upper fins and the three or more lower fins, and the DIN rail is positioned in the recess; a notch, which is positioned in the lower surface of the three or more upper fins, the notch positioning the outer end of the first flange of the DIN rail therein; and an upper surface in the three or more lower fins, which positions the outer end of the second flange of the DIN rail thereon.
[0010] In yet another aspect, a device is provided, the device having: an electronic component; a latch system positioned on a rear end of the electronic component and adapted to be attached to a DIN rail; wherein the DIN rail has a flat upper surface, wherein a first leg and a second leg extend downwardly from and perpendicular to the flat upper surface, and a first flange extends outwardly from the first leg, and a second flange extends outwardly from the second leg; wherein the latch system comprises: a central latch member secured to the rear end of the electronic component; a first plurality of upper fins extending outwardly from a first side of the central latch member; a first plurality of lower fins extending outwardly from a first side of the central latch member; A first side of the central latch member extends outwardly; a second plurality of upper fins extending outwardly from a second side of the central latch member, the second side being opposite to the first side; a second plurality of lower fins extending outwardly from the second side of the central latch member; a recess positioned between the plurality of upper fins and the plurality of lower fins, adapted to receive a DIN rail; a notch positioned in a lower surface of each of the first and second plurality of upper fins, adapted to receive an outer end of a first flange of the DIN rail; and an upper surface in the first and second plurality of lower fins, below the recess, adapted to position an outer end of a second flange of the DIN rail thereover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an electronic component 100 having a latch system.
[0012] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A rear view of an electronic component 100 with a latching system is shown in FIG.
[0013] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A and 1B A side view of an electronic component 100 with a latching system is shown in FIG.
[0014] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an electronic component 200 having a latch system.
[0015] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A rear view of an electronic component 200 with a latch system is shown in FIG.
[0016] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A and 2B A side view of an electronic component 200 with a latch system is shown in FIG.
[0017] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an electronic component 300 fixed to a DIN rail 310 .
[0018] Figure 4 is a side view of the DIN rail 310 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a prior art electronic component 100 having a latching system. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A rear view of an electronic component 100 with a latching system is shown in FIG. Figure 1C yes Figure 1A and 1B A side view of an electronic component 100 with a latching system is shown in FIG.
[0020] The electronic component 100 includes a back end 120 . Figures 1A-1C 1. A latching system for latching an electronic component 100 to a DIN rail is shown in FIG. The latching system includes latching members 102, 132 extending outwardly from opposite sides of a rear end 120. The latching system also includes a latching member 110 positioned centrally between the latching members 102, 132.
[0021] The latch member 102 is removably fixed to the left end 108 of the rear end 120, and the latch member 132 is removably fixed to the right end 138 of the rear end 120. The notch 106 is positioned in the upper end of the latch member 102. The notch 106 is adapted to receive the upper flange of the DIN rail. In addition, the latch member 102 also includes a lower end having an upper surface on which the lower end of the DIN rail is positioned. Similarly, the notch 136 is positioned in the upper end of the latch member 132. The notch 136 is adapted to receive the upper flange of the DIN rail. In addition, the latch member 132 also includes a lower end having an upper surface on which the lower end of the DIN is positioned.
[0022] In addition, the central latch member 110 is removably secured to the rear end 120. The central latch member 110 includes a lower section 114 having a ramp 112 having a notch 116 positioned between a vertical surface at the end of the ramp 112 and a rear wall of the central latch member 110. The notch 116 is configured to receive a lower flange of a DIN rail to help secure the electronic component 100 to the DIN rail. Importantly, the latch member 110 does not include an upper notch or other geometry to accommodate or secure an upper flange of a DIN rail.
[0023] The prior art electronic component 100 includes a latching system having latching members 102, 132 on opposite ends of the rear end 120, and a centrally located latching member 110. This latching system includes only two fixing points for fixing the upper flange of the DIN rail in the notches 106 and 136 of the latching members 102 and 132. Therefore, if the electronic component 100 has a large weight, such as 2 kilograms or more, the electronic component 100 may be disengaged from the DIN rail and fall off the DIN rail when the electronic component 100 is subjected to vibration. Unexpected disengagement and falling off the DIN rail may damage the electronic component 100, causing an accident, or may even cause injury to any items or individuals that come into contact during the fall.
[0024] Figure 3 , an alternative prior art electronic component 300 is shown attached to a DIN rail 310. The electronic component 300 also includes only two upper fixing points, for the upper or first flange 314 of the DIN rail 310, and the electronic component 300 may also become detached from and fall off the DIN rail 310 when subjected to vibrations (common in hazardous environments).
[0025] In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide a latch system that provides better securing of electronic components having a large weight (eg, 2 kg or more) when vibrations persist.
[0026] Figure 3 and Figure 4 310 is shown having a "top hat" geometry, wherein the DIN rail 310 has a flat upper surface 312 with two legs 318, 320 extending downwardly and perpendicularly to the flat upper surface 312. An upper or first flange 314 having an outer end 315 extends outwardly and perpendicularly from the leg 318 coplanar with the flat upper surface 312, and a lower or second flange 316 having an outer end 317 extends outwardly and perpendicularly from the leg 320 coplanar with the flat upper surface 312. In other embodiments, the flanges 314, 316 may extend from the legs 318, 320 at an angle such that they are not coplanar with the flat upper surface 312. The DIN rail may have a thin thickness of 1 mm, or a thick thickness of 1.5 mm, or something in between. The TS35 DIN Rail has a "top hat" geometry and is available in a thin thickness of 1 mm, or a thick thickness of 1.5 mm. Other thicknesses of DIN Rail components are also possible.
[0027] DIN rail 310 may be secured to the wall of an electrical control panel or box using holes positioned in planar upper surface 312 .
[0028] Once DIN rail 310 is secured to the wall, an electrical component, such as electrical component 100 or 200 , may be secured to DIN rail 310 .
[0029] Figure 2A-2C The electrical component 200 shown in FIG. 1 is designed to remain secured to the DIN rail 310 even when subjected to vibrations. The electrical component 200 also includes many other desirable features.
[0030] The electronic component 200 includes a plurality of fins 230, 260 extending outwardly from the rear end 220. The fins 230, 260 each include an upper section 232, 262 having a notch 234, 264 positioned therein, the notch 234, 264 being configured to receive a first flange 314 of a DIN rail 310. The fins 230, 260 also include a lower section 242, 272 configured to be positioned below a second flange 316 of the DIN rail 310.
[0031] The configuration of the fins 230, 260 each having notches 234, 264 in the upper sections 234, 264 provides multiple fixing points for the first flange 314 of the DIN rail 310. Using multiple fixing points for the first flange 314 of the DIN rail 310 provides an increase in the "gripping strength" of the latching system used in the electronic component 200. Figure 2A-2C In the embodiment of the present invention, eight fixing points in the fins 230, 260 are disclosed. However, a greater or lesser number of fixing points may also be used.
[0032] The outermost fins are secured to the rear end 220 of the electronic component 200 as part of the latching members 240, 270, similar to the system used in the electronic component 100. However, the latching system of the electronic component 200 advantageously includes additional fins with notches 234, 264 to provide additional securing points for the first flange 314 of the DIN rail 310.
[0033] The fins 230, 260 may each be secured to the rear end 220 using fasteners, as shown in FIG. Figure 2A-2C 20. Alternatively, each of the fins 230, 260 may be integrally formed with the rear end 220. A combination of fins integrally formed with the rear end 220 and fins secured to the rear end 220 using fasteners may also be used.
[0034] In addition, the fins 230, 260 may be made of a conductive metal material, such as aluminum, copper, etc., and provide dissipation of heat generated from the electronic component 200. The electronic component 200 includes upper fins 230, 260 and lower fins 250, 280 with a spacing therebetween to accommodate the DIN rail 310. The DIN rail 310 may also be made of a conductive metal material, and the fasteners used to connect the DIN rail 310 may also be made of a conductive material to provide dissipation of heat from the electronic component 200 through the fins 230, 250, 260, 280, through the DIN rail 310, and the fasteners that secure the DIN rail 310 to the electrical panel wall or box.
[0035] Similar to the electronic component 100, the electronic component 200 may include a central latch member 210 having a lower section 214 with a ramp 212 positioned on an upper surface of the lower section 214. A notch 216 is positioned between a vertical surface at the end of the ramp 212 and a rear wall of the latch member 210. The notch 216 is configured to receive a lower flange or second flange 316 of a DIN rail 310 to help secure the electronic component 200 to the DIN rail 310. Figure 2A-2C 2 and 270. However, any latch member positioned between latch members 240 and 270 constitutes a "central latch member" as long as it is positioned between latch members 240 and 270, regardless of whether it is positioned equidistantly between latch members 240 and 270.
[0036] As mentioned above, the electronic component may be positioned in a harsh environment that may be susceptible to vibration. The latching system provided in the electronic component 200 provides a secure attachment to the DIN rail 310 using multiple fixing points even when subjected to vibration. The latching system of the electronic component 310 also advantageously includes a plurality of fins 230, 250, 260, 280 that provide for the dissipation of heat generated from the electronic component 200. In addition, the latching system used in the electronic component 200 may be provided on a variety of different electronic components, such as the electronic component 200, a power supply unit (PSU), and any other electronic component that may be fixed to a DIN rail.
Claims
1. A device comprising: Electronic components; a latch system positioned on a rear end of the electronic component adapted to be attached to a DIN rail; wherein the DIN rail has a flat upper surface, wherein a first leg and a second leg extend downwardly from and perpendicular to the flat upper surface, and a first flange extends outwardly from the first leg, and a second flange extends outwardly from the second leg; Wherein, the latch system comprises: three or more upper fins and three or more lower fins extending from the rear end of the electronic component; a recess positioned between the three or more upper fins and the three or more lower fins, adapted to receive the DIN rail; a notch positioned in a lower surface of each of the three or more upper fins adapted to receive an outer end of the first flange of the DIN rail; and An upper surface on the three or more lower fins, the upper surface being adapted to position an outer end of the second flange of the DIN rail thereon.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein Each of the three or more upper fins and the three or more lower fins is composed of a metal material. 3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , the metal material having high thermal conductivity such that each of the three or more upper fins and the three or more lower fins comprises a heat dissipation fin.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: A central latch member is secured to a rear end of the electronic component between the three or more upper fins and the three or more lower fins.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The central latch member includes a lower section extending outwardly from a rear end of the electronic component, the lower section including an upper surface adapted to position an outer end of a second flange of the DIN rail thereon.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: the upper surface of the lower section of the central latch member includes a slope angled upward toward a rear wall of the central latch member; wherein a notch is positioned between the ramp and the rear wall of the central latch member; and Wherein, the notch is configured to receive the outer end of the second flange of the DIN rail.
7. The device according to claim 6, wherein: The ramp is configured to allow the outer end of the second flange of the DIN rail to ride up the ramp toward the rear wall of the central latch member until the second flange of the DIN rail falls into the slot and the second flange is secured between the rear wall of the central latch member and the inner surface of the ramp.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: At least some of the three or more upper fins and the three or more lower fins are integrally formed with the rear end of the electronic component.
9. A system comprising: DIN rail fixed to the wall using fasteners; electronic components fixed to the DIN rail; a latch system positioned on a rear end of the electronic component, attached to the DIN rail; wherein the DIN rail has a flat upper surface, wherein a first leg and a second leg extend downwardly from and perpendicular to the flat upper surface, and a first flange extends outwardly from the first leg, and a second flange extends outwardly from the second leg; Wherein, the latch system comprises: three or more upper fins and three or more lower fins extending from the rear end of the electronic component; wherein a recess is positioned between the three or more upper fins and the three or more lower fins, and the DIN rail is positioned in the recess; a notch positioned in a lower surface of the three or more upper fins, the notch positioning an outer end of the first flange of the DIN rail therein; and An upper surface of the three or more lower fins, the upper surface positioning the outer end of the second flange of the DIN rail thereon.
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The three or more upper fins and the three or more lower fins are formed of a metal material.
11. The system according to claim 10, wherein: The metal material has high thermal conductivity, so that the three or more upper fins and the three or more lower fins comprise heat dissipation fins.
12. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The central latch member is secured to the rear end of the electronic component.
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The central latch member includes a lower section extending outwardly from the rear end of the electronic component, the lower section including an upper surface that positions an outer end of the second flange of the DIN rail thereon.
14. The device according to claim 13, wherein: the upper surface of the lower section of the central latch member includes a slope angled upward toward a rear wall of the central latch member; wherein a notch is positioned between the ramp and the rear wall of the central latch member; and Wherein, the outer end of the second flange of the DIN rail is positioned in the slot.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The ramp is configured to allow the outer end of the second flange of the DIN rail to ride up the ramp toward the rear wall of the central latch member until the second flange of the DIN rail falls into the slot and the second flange is secured between the rear wall of the central latch member and the inner surface of the ramp.
16. The system of claim 9, wherein: At least some of the three or more upper fins and the three or more lower fins are integrally formed with the rear end of the electronic component.
17. A device comprising: Electronic components; a latch system positioned on a rear end of the electronic component adapted to be attached to a DIN rail; wherein the DIN rail has a flat upper surface, wherein a first leg and a second leg extend downwardly from and perpendicular to the flat upper surface, and a first flange extends outwardly from the first leg, and a second flange extends outwardly from the second leg; Wherein, the latch system comprises: a central latch member secured to the rear end of the electronic component; a first plurality of upper fins extending outwardly from a first side of the central latch member; a first plurality of lower fins extending outwardly from said first side of said central latch member; a second plurality of upper fins extending outwardly from a second side of the central latch member, the second side being opposite the first side; a second plurality of lower fins extending outwardly from said second side of said central latch member; a recess positioned between the plurality of upper fins and the plurality of lower fins and adapted to receive the DIN rail; a notch positioned in a lower surface of each of the first plurality of upper fins and the second plurality of upper fins adapted to receive an outer end of the first flange of the DIN rail; and In the first plurality of lower fins and the second plurality of lower fins, at the upper surface below the recess, the upper surface is adapted to position the outer end of the second flange of the DIN rail thereon.
18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein: the central latch member comprising a lower section extending outwardly from the rear end of the electronic component, the lower section comprising an upper surface adapted to position the outer end of the second flange of the DIN rail thereon; wherein the upper surface of the lower section of the central latch member includes a slope angled upward toward a rear wall of the central latch member; wherein a notch is positioned between the ramp and the rear wall of the central latch member; and Wherein, the notch is configured to receive the outer end of the second flange of the DIN rail.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: The ramp is configured to allow the outer end of the second flange of the DIN rail to ride up the ramp toward the rear wall of the central latch member until the second flange of the DIN rail falls into the slot and the second flange is secured between the rear wall of the central latch member and the inner surface of the ramp.
20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: At least some of the first plurality of upper and lower fins and the second plurality of upper and lower fins are integrally formed with the rear end of the electronic component.