DIN guide rail and wall-mounted housing assembly and method of use thereof

Abstract

The mounting housing assembly is configured to mount the electronic component to a German Standardization Institute (DIN). The mounting housing includes a mounting bracket including a body having a slot configured to receive the DIN rail therein. A locking mechanism is operably connected to the body of the mounting bracket to selectively engage and disengage the mounting housing assembly with and from the DIN rail. There is also a location for mounting the mounting bracket to a flat surface, such as where no DIN rail is provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of electronics and, more particularly, to assemblies and methods for securing and removing electronic components to and from rail systems, such as the Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) rail system. Background Art

[0002] Current DIN-mounted devices are designed with a single DIN clamp or multiple DIN clamps, requiring tools and both hands to install or remove the device from a standard 35 mm DIN rail. Installing or removing these larger devices can be very difficult, especially for devices of a size that requires two or more DIN clamps. For example, when attempting to remove a larger device, it is often necessary to push down on one DIN clamp with a tool to disengage the device from the DIN rail. While holding up that portion of the device with one hand to prevent reattachment, the other DIN clamp must be loosened with a tool using the other hand. For users, this removal can prove to be very difficult, time-consuming, and counterintuitive. Furthermore, traditional devices configured for mounting to a DIN rail do not offer the option of mounting on a flat surface such as a wall or ceiling. Existing flat surface mounting options are either weak, such as having only two mounting holes, or difficult to install, such as requiring screws on the back of the housing, or requiring the use of a template or other similar devices.

[0003] Conventional technologies are believed to have met their intended purposes. However, there continues to be a need for improved systems and methods for rail or surface mounting electronic enclosures. The present disclosure provides a solution to this need. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The mounting housing assembly is configured to mount an electronic component to a DIN rail. The mounting housing includes a mounting bracket having a body having a slot configured to receive a DIN rail therein, wherein the slot extends along a longitudinal axis. A locking mechanism is operably connected to the body of the mounting bracket to selectively engage and disengage the mounting housing assembly with the DIN rail. The locking mechanism includes a release handle, a protrusion located adjacent to the slot and configured to releasably engage a first flange of the DIN rail, and an articulated armature operably connected to the release handle and the protrusion to disengage the first flange of the DIN rail from the release handle when in a released position and to engage the first flange of the DIN rail with the release handle when in a locked position to lock the first flange of the DIN rail between the protrusion and the slot. The release handle is configured to slide back and forth in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between a released position and a locked position.

[0005] The hinged armature can include a flexible hinge member connected between an axial beam and an angled beam. The axial beam can be aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis. The angled beam can be aligned oblique to the longitudinal axis. The mounting bracket can include a ramp proximate the flexible hinge member that is held stationary relative to the release handle. In the release position, the ramp can engage the angled beam of the hinged armature, biasing the angled beam in a direction away from the slot, wherein the protrusion is operatively connected to the angled beam such that the protrusion is retracted in the direction away from the slot to clear the first flange of the DIN rail. In the locked position, the bias of the ramp against the flexible hinge is less than the bias of the ramp against the flexible hinge in the release position. In the locked position, the ramp can be spaced apart from the angled beam of the hinged armature.

[0006] A link can be operatively connected between the protrusion and the axial beam to cooperate with the flexible hinge member to maintain the orientation of the protrusion relative to the longitudinal axis in both the release position and the locked position. The link and the flexible hinge member can be configured to maintain the orientation of the protrusion relative to the longitudinal axis in the release position and the locked position, and throughout an entire range of motion between the release position and the locked position. The flexible hinge member and the link can bias the protrusion toward the slot in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0007] The locking mechanism can include a mounting plate operatively connected to the release handle. The mounting plate can protrude beyond the first end of the mounting bracket, exposing a mounting hole of the mounting plate when the release handle is in the locked position of the handle. The mounting plate can be configured to retract the mounting hole inside the first end of the mounting bracket with the release handle in the release position.

[0008] A release stop can be fixed relative to the mounting plate and the release handle, wherein the release stop is configured to abut a first stop surface of the first end of the mounting bracket in the release position to limit movement of the mounting plate and the release handle beyond the release position. The mounting bracket can include a guide track including a first track surface and an opposing second track surface, each track surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. The locking mechanism can include a first track slider in sliding engagement with the first track surface and a second track slider in sliding engagement with the second track surface. The first and second track sliders can be fixed relative to the handle and the mounting plate. The first and second track sliders can be configured to guide movement of the locking mechanism parallel to the longitudinal axis between the locked position and the release position.

[0009] The protrusion can extend through a track opening through the first track surface. The track opening extends parallel to the longitudinal axis. The protrusion can be configured to slide along the track opening between the locked position and the release position. The track opening can include a protrusion stop surface at an end of the track opening closest to the transverse end of the mounting bracket. In the locked position, the protrusion can engage the protrusion stop surface to limit movement of the mounting plate and the release handle beyond the locked position.

[0010] The second locking mechanism can be operably connected to the body of the mounting bracket to selectively engage and disengage the mounting enclosure assembly to the DIN rail. The second locking mechanism can include a second release handle, a second protrusion positioned proximate, and a second hinged armature, as described above with reference to the first locking mechanism. The second locking mechanism can be symmetrical to the first locking mechanism in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In the release position, the first and second handles can be closer to each other than in the locked position, so actuating the first and second handles toward each other can release the mounting bracket from the DIN rail, and actuating the first and second handles away from each other can lock the mounting bracket to the DIN rail.

[0011] A method of securing and releasing a mounting enclosure assembly to a DIN rail includes manually actuating a first handle of a first locking mechanism and a second handle of a second locking mechanism toward each other in a direction along a longitudinal axis of a mounting bracket of the mounting enclosure assembly engaged by the first and second locking mechanisms. The method includes engaging a channel of the mounting bracket to the DIN rail. The method includes manually actuating the first and second handles away from each other in the direction along the longitudinal axis, thereby engaging a first protrusion of the first locking mechanism and a second protrusion of the second locking mechanism with a first flange of the DIN rail, wherein the first flange is captured between the channel and the first and second protrusions.

[0012] The method can include manually actuating the first and second handles toward each other in the direction along the longitudinal axis, thereby retracting the first and second protrusions from engagement with the first flange of the DIN rail. The method can include removing the mounting bracket from the DIN rail.

[0013] A method of securing a mounting enclosure assembly to a surface includes manually actuating a first handle of a first locking mechanism and a second handle of a second locking mechanism away from each other in a direction along a longitudinal axis of a mounting bracket engaged by the first and second locking mechanisms, thereby extending a first mounting plate of the first locking mechanism and a second mounting plate of the second locking mechanism beyond respective first and second transverse ends of the mounting bracket with respect to the longitudinal axis. The method includes securing the mounting bracket to a planar surface with fasteners through the first and second mounting plates and into the planar surface. Securing the mounting bracket to the planar surface can include driving at least two fasteners through respective openings in each of the first and second mounting plates.

[0014] These and other features of the subject disclosure of systems and methods will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] In order that those skilled in the art will be readily able to practice the devices and methods of the present subject disclosure without undue experimentation, preferred embodiments thereof will be described in detail in this disclosure by referring to certain drawings which are provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as an limitation on the scope of the disclosure. In this disclosure, reference is made to certain drawings which form a part of this disclosure, and in which are shown by way of illustration and example embodiments in which the principles of the present subject disclosure can be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements can be utilized and structural and functional modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present subject disclosure. Where certain elements of the present subject disclosure can be highly technical, the drawings are acutely simplified for purposes of explanation only and are indicative of some of the myriad of possible embodiments potentially utilized. The detailed description especially, in connection with the drawings, describes embodiments in the subject disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting enclosure assembly constructed in accordance with the present application, showing the mounting plate retracted;

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the assembly of Figure 1 , showing the front plate removed to show the locking mechanism in the released position;

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the assembly of Figure 2 , showing the locking mechanism in the locked position with the mounting plate retracted;

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the assembly of Figure 2 , showing the protrusion of the locking mechanism in the locked position with the mounting plate extended for mounting onto a flat surface;

[0020] Figure 5 is a rear view of a portion of the assembly of Figure 3 , showing the mounting plate retracted and the protrusion of the locking mechanism in the locked position engaged with the DIN rail; and

[0021] Figure 6 is a rear view of a portion of the assembly of Figure 1 , showing the release handle stopped on the end face of the lateral end of the mounting bracket, the protrusion in the released position retracted from the DIN rail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like components throughout the several figures, which depict preferred embodiments of the mounting enclosure assembly according to the present subject disclosure. For the purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, a partial view of one embodiment of a mounting enclosure assembly according to the present disclosure is shown in Figure 1 and is generally designated by the reference numeral 100. Other embodiments of systems according to the present disclosure, or aspects thereof, are provided in Figures 2-6 as will be described. The systems and methods described herein can be used to facilitate mounting of a module onto a Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Normung (DIN) rail or a flat surface, such as a wall, ceiling, interior cabinet surface, etc.

[0023] The mounting housing assembly 100 is configured to mount electronic components to a DIN rail 102. The electronic components may include a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), a room controller, a circuit breaker, etc., housed within the mounting housing assembly 100. Cables and / or wires 103 pass through the mounting housing assembly 100 to connect to the electronic components. The DIN rail 102 provides mechanical support for the mounting housing assembly 100 and the cables and / or wires connected thereto. As discussed further below, the mounting housing assembly 100 is also configured to be mounted to any suitable flat surface, rather than to the DIN rail 102. The mounting housing assembly 100 includes a mounting bracket 104 having a body having a slot 106 configured to receive the DIN rail 102 therein. The slot 106 extends along a longitudinal axis A.

[0024] Now refer to Figure 2 , which shows Figure 1 With the front cover 105 of the mounting housing assembly 100 removed, a pair of locking mechanisms 108, 110 are operably connected to the body of the mounting bracket 104 to selectively engage and disengage the mounting housing assembly to and from the DIN rail 102. Each locking mechanism 108, 110 includes a release handle 112, a handle proximate to the slot 106 (at Figure 1 102 and a protrusion 114 positioned and configured to releasably engage the first flange 116 of the DIN rail 102, and a hinged armature 118 operably connected to the release handle 112 and the protrusion 114. The hinged armature 118 is operable to align the first flange 116 of the DIN rail 102 with the first flange 116 of the DIN rail 102. Figure 2 The release handle 112 is disengaged in the release position shown and allows the first flange 116 of the DIN rail 102 to be aligned with the first flange 116 of the DIN rail 102. Figure 3 and 5 The release handle 112 is shown in the locked position engaged to lock or capture the first flange 116 of the DIN rail 102 between the protrusion 114 and the groove 106. The release handle 112 is configured to move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A. Figure 2 Release position shown and Figure 3 and Figure 5 Slide back and forth between the locked positions shown, as shown Figure 2 As shown by the direction arrow in the figure.

[0025] The hinge armature 118 includes a flexible hinge member 120 connected between an axial beam 122 and an inclined beam 124. The axial beam 122 is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis A in all positions of its corresponding locking mechanism 108, 110. The inclined beam 124 is aligned obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis A. The mounting bracket 104 includes an inclined surface 126 adjacent each flexible hinge member 120, which is fixed relative to the release handle 112. Figure 2The ramp 126 engages the ramped beam 124 of the hinged armature 118 in the released position, biasing the ramped beam 124 in a direction away from the slot 106, for example, downward in Figure 2 , 3 and 5. The protrusion 114 is operatively connected to the ramped beam 124, so that the protrusion 114 retracts in a direction away from the slot 106, for example, downward in Figure 2 , 3 and 5, to clear the first flange 116 of the DIN rail 102. This released position can be used to install the assembly 100 onto the DIN rail 102 and remove it therefrom. In the locked position, shown in Figure 3 and 5 , if the ramp 126 biases the flexible hinge in the locked position, the bias of the ramp 126 against the flexible hinge member 120 is less than its bias in the released position. In the locked position, the ramp 126 can be spaced apart from the ramped beam 124 of the hinged armature 118.

[0026] The link 128 is operatively connected between the protrusion 114 and the axial beam 122 to cooperate with the flexible hinge member 120 to maintain the orientation of the protrusion 114 relative to the longitudinal axis A in both the released position of Figure 2 and the locked position of Figure 3 and 5 . The link 128 is compressed in the locked position, shown in Figure 2 . The flexible hinge member 120 and the link 128 are configured to at least approximately maintain the orientation of the protrusion 114 relative to the longitudinal axis A in both the released position of Figure 2 and the locked position of Figures 3-5 , and throughout the range of motion between the released position and the locked position. The flexible hinge member 120 and the link 128 bias the protrusion 114 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A toward the slot 106 (labeled in Figure 1 ). The flexible hinge member 120 and the link 128 are flexible, compliant mechanisms, however those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that equivalent structures of rigid links, hinges, and springs or other biasing members can also be used.

[0027] Each locking mechanism 108, 110 includes a mounting plate 130 operatively connected to the release handle 112. In the mounted position of the locking mechanism 110, the mounting plate 130 projects beyond the first end 132 of the mounting bracket 104, as shown in Figure 4 . This exposes the mounting hole 136 of the mounting plate 130 with the release handle in the mounted position. Figure 4 The mounted position of the locking mechanism 110 can be considered a sub-position or extension of the locked position of the handle 112, for example, once the handle 112 is in the locked position of Figure 3 and Figure 5 , as shown in Figure 4Continued movement to the right in the middle direction extends the mounting plate 130 while simultaneously moving the protrusion 114 relative to the Figure 1 The slot 106 marked in FIG remains in its locked position. Although not shown, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that Figure 2 As shown, the locking mechanism 108 on the opposite end of the mounting bracket 104 similarly has an installed position in which its plate 130 is exposed outside the end 134 of the mounting bracket 104. The mounting plate 130 is configured to be in a position to release the handle 112 when the mounting plate 130 is in the installed position. Figure 2 Release position shown and in Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the locked but retracted initial position of the mounting plate shown, the mounting holes 136 are retracted inwardly of the first end 132 of the mounting bracket 104. The retracted position of the mounting plate 130 allows multiple modules (e.g., mounting housing assembly 100) to be mounted flush side by side with each other. Figure 1 DIN rail 102, and reduce the amount of space required for packaging, transportation and handling. Figure 4 In the extended position shown for mounting plate 130 , mounting holes 136 are exposed near the housing of assembly 100 , and assembly 100 can be mounted directly to a flat surface, such as a wall, ceiling, cabinet interior, etc., using fasteners 138 without the need for a template to locate fasteners 138 .

[0028] Now refer to Figures 5-6 , the release stop 140 is fixed relative to the mounting plate 130 and the release handle 112, wherein the release stop 140 is configured to Figure 6 The release position shown abuts the first stop surface 142 of the first end 132 of the mounting bracket 104 to limit movement of the mounting plate 130 and the release handle 112 beyond the release position, e.g., preventing the mounting plate 130 from moving further to the right, as shown. Figure 6 shown.

[0029] Reference again Figure 2 , the mounting bracket 104 includes a guide rail 144, which is Figure 1 14. The guide rail 144 includes a first rail surface 146 and an opposing second rail surface 148, each of which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A. Each locking mechanism 108, 110 includes a first rail block 152 that is slidably engaged with the first rail surface 146 and a second rail block 150 that is slidably engaged with the second rail surface 148. The first and second rail blocks 150, 152 are fixed relative to the handle 112 and the mounting plate 130. The first and second rail blocks 150, 152 are configured to guide the locking mechanisms 108, 110 in Figure 3 and 5 The locked position and Figure 2Movement parallel to the longitudinal axis A between the release positions.

[0030] Reference again Figure 5 and 6 , the protrusion 114 extends through a track opening 154 through the first track surface. The track opening 154 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The protrusion 114 is configured to extend along the track opening 154 at Figure 5 The locked position and Figure 6 The track opening 154 includes a lateral end 132 (or 134 in the case of the locking mechanism 110) located closest to the mounting bracket 104 at the track opening 154. Figure 1 The protruding stop surface 156 at one end of the locking position is marked. Figure 4 As shown, the protrusion 114 engages the protrusion stop surface 156 to limit the movement of the mounting plate 130 and the release handle 112 beyond the locked position, for example, beyond the extended locked position, referred to herein as the installed position. The track opening 154 is sufficiently long and the ramp 126 (at Figures 2-3 ) are spaced far enough from the respective ends 132, 134 of the mounting bracket 104 so that the protrusion 114 can remain locked to the DIN rail 102 while the mounting plate 130 is fully retracted into the mounting bracket 104 before the respective ramps 126 engage the locking mechanisms 108, 110 in the released position.

[0031] Continue to refer to Figures 5-6 , with fixed protrusion 158 ( Figure 2 Six are labeled in FIG, but any suitable number may be used), which extend along the top side of the slot 106, as shown Figures 5-6 These protrusions 158 can first be hooked onto the top flange 116 of the DIN rail 102, and then the device can be rotated downward as a clamshell mechanism to engage the protrusions 114 to the bottom flange 116 of the DIN rail 102, as shown. Figures 5-6 As shown. The protrusion 114 also has a chamfer (at Figure 2 102 ), the chamfer allows the protrusion 114 to move downward when it is pressed against the bottom flange 116, and then, once the protrusion 114 passes over the bottom edge of the bottom flange 116, the protrusion can return to a locked position securing the mounting bracket 104 to the DIN rail 102, without the need for the handle 112 due to the bias of the hinged armature 118. This allows the mounting bracket 104 to be operated with or without the handle 112 when it is pushed onto the DIN rail 102. The handle 112 can be used to unlock the mounting bracket 104 from the DIN rail 102 to slide it into the mounting bracket 104. Figure 4the wall mounting position. Again, the flexible hinge member 120 and the tilt beam 124 can act like a spring, for example, if the handle 112 is slid into the unlocked position and then the handle 112 is released, the protrusion 114 can automatically spring back into the locked position. In this case, when the protrusion 114 hits the stop surface 156, the protrusion 114 can act like an end stop, which limits how far the mounting plate 130 can extend out of the mounting enclosure, as Figure 4 illustrated.

[0032] Referring again to Figure 2 , the second locking mechanism 110 is symmetrical to the first locking mechanism 108 about a plane P that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. In Figure 2 the release position, the first and second handles 112 are closer to each other than in the locked position of Figure 3 and 5 , so actuating the first and second handles 112 toward each other releases the mounting bracket 104 from the DIN rail 102, and actuating the first and second handles 112 away from each other locks the mounting bracket 108 to the DIN rail 102. Since the handles 112 are actuated in opposite directions from each other, the manual actuation forces cancel each other out to help keep the mounting bracket 104 in place while being actuated.

[0033] To mount the enclosure assembly 100 onto a DIN rail 102 as Figure 1 illustrated, a user can actuate the handles 112 toward each other into the release position as Figure 2 indicated by the directional arrows. Then, the user can rest the slot 106 of the mounting bracket 104 on the DIN rail 102 as Figure 1 illustrated. Finally, the user can actuate the handles 112 away from each other into the locked position as Figures 3-5 illustrated, for example, without having to actuate the handles 112 far enough in the locked position to expose the mounting plate 130 past the ends 132, 134 of the mounting bracket 104. This locks the protrusion 114 on the first flange 116 of the DIN rail 102. Actuating the handles 112 back toward each other into the release position as Figure 2 illustrated releases the DIN rail 102 from the protrusion 114 to remove the enclosure assembly 100 from the DIN rail 102.

[0034] Conversely, if it is desired to mount the enclosure assembly 100 onto a flat surface such as a wall, ceiling, or interior surface of a cabinet, the handles 112 can be actuated in the opposite direction from the direction indicated by the directional arrows in Figure 2 , for example, away from each other until the mounting plate 130 is fully exposed as Figure 4The four fasteners 138 can then be driven into the four corresponding mounting holes 136 and into the flat surface to secure the assembly 100 to the flat surface.

[0035] If the operator wants to prevent tampering / removal of the mounting bracket 104 without tools, even when mounted on the DIN rail 102, the mounting plate 130 can be slid into the surface mounting position (as shown in Figure 4 Once the fasteners 138 are installed, the mounting plate 130 cannot be moved, which keeps the protrusion 114 in the locked position on the DIN rail 102.

[0036] The systems and methods disclosed herein provide potential benefits, including the following. The operator can utilize a simpler method to secure the device to or release it from the DIN rail strip without the need for additional tools. The device can also be mounted to a flat surface with retractable mounting plates and fasteners. Furthermore, when mounted to a DIN rail strip inside a cabinet, the mounting tabs can retract inside the device while still complying with DIN 43880 standards. Having retractable mounting tabs also has the benefit that they free up space inside the enclosure, providing more area on the printed circuit board (PCB) for circuit development, as mounting holes incorporated in, for example, polymer materials, would require more space to accommodate. The systems and methods disclosed herein can be operated without tools. They provide multiple ways to mount the controller inside and outside a cabinet that complies with DIN standards. The locking mechanism does not take up valuable space inside the enclosure for electronics or block ventilation, among other things.

[0037] As described above and shown in the drawings, the methods and systems of the present disclosure provide for mounting modules to DIN rails or flat surfaces, such as walls, ceilings, interior cabinet surfaces, and the like. While the devices and methods of the present subject disclosure have been shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and / or modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present subject disclosure.

Claims

1. A mounting enclosure assembly configured to mount an electronic component to a Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN) rail, the assembly comprising: a mounting bracket including a main body having a slot configured to receive the DIN rail therein, wherein the slot extends along a longitudinal axis; and a locking mechanism operably connected to the main body of the mounting bracket to selectively engage and disengage the mounting enclosure assembly to the DIN rail, the locking mechanism including: a release handle, a protrusion positioned proximate the slot and configured to releasably engage a first flange of the DIN rail, a hinged arm operably connected to the release handle and the protrusion to disengage the first flange of the DIN rail from the release handle in a release position and to engage the first flange of the DIN rail with the release handle in a locked position to lock the first flange of the DIN rail between the protrusion and the slot, wherein the release handle is configured to slide back and forth between the release position and the locked position in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, the hinged arm includes a flexible hinge member connected between an axial beam and an angled beam, wherein the axial beam is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the angled beam is aligned oblique to the longitudinal axis.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein, the mounting bracket includes a ramp proximate the flexible hinge member that remains fixed relative to the release handle, wherein, in the release position, the ramp engages the angled beam of the hinged arm to bias the angled beam in a direction away from the slot, wherein the protrusion is operably connected to the angled beam such that the protrusion retracts in the direction away from the slot to clear the first flange of the DIN rail.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein, in the locked position, the bias of the ramp against the flexible hinge is less than the bias of the ramp against the flexible hinge in the release position.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein, in the locked position, the ramp is spaced apart from the angled beam of the hinged arm.

6. The assembly of claim 2, wherein, further comprising a link operably connected between the protrusion and the axial beam to cooperate with the flexible hinge member to maintain an orientation of the protrusion relative to the longitudinal axis in the release position and the locked position.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein, the link and the flexible hinge member are configured to maintain the orientation of the protrusion relative to the longitudinal axis in the release position and the locked position, and throughout a range of motion between the release position and the locked position.

8. The assembly of claim 6, wherein, the flexible hinge member and the link bias the protrusion toward the slot in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, the locking mechanism includes a mounting plate operably connected to the release handle, wherein the mounting plate protrudes beyond a first end of the mounting bracket to expose a mounting hole of the mounting plate with the release handle in the locked position of the handle.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein, the mounting plate is configured to retract the mounting hole inside the first end of the mounting bracket with the release handle in the release position.

11. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising a release stop fixed relative to the mounting plate and the release handle, wherein the release stop is configured to abut a first stop surface of the first end of the mounting bracket in a release position to limit movement of the mounting plate and release handle beyond the release position.

12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein, the mounting bracket comprises a guide track comprising a first track surface and an opposing second track surface, each track surface extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first track slider in sliding engagement with the first track surface and a second track slider in sliding engagement with the second track surface, wherein the first and second track sliders are fixed relative to the handle and the mounting plate and are configured to guide movement of the locking mechanism parallel to the longitudinal axis between the locked position and the release position.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein, the protrusion extends through a track opening that passes through the first track surface, wherein the track opening extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the protrusion is configured to slide along the track opening between the locked position and the release position.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein, the track opening comprises a protrusion stop surface at an end of the track opening closest to the mounting bracket transverse end, wherein, in the locked position, the protrusion engages the protrusion stop surface to limit movement of the mounting plate and release handle beyond the locked position.

15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, the locking mechanism is a first locking mechanism, wherein the release handle is a first release handle, the protrusion is a first protrusion, and the hinged armature is a first hinged armature, further comprising: a second locking mechanism operably connected to the body of the mounting bracket to selectively engage and disengage the mounting enclosure assembly to the DIN rail, the second locking mechanism comprising: a second release handle, a second protrusion located adjacent the slot and configured to releasably engage the first flange of the DIN rail, and a second hinged armature operably connected to the second release handle and the second protrusion to disengage the first flange of the DIN rail from the second release handle in the release position and to engage the first flange of the DIN rail with the second release handle in the locked device to lock the first flange of the DIN rail between the second protrusion and the slot, wherein the second release handle is configured to slide back and forth in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis between the release position and the locked position.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein, in the release position, the first and second handles are closer to each other than in the locked position, so actuating the first and second handles toward each other releases the mounting bracket from the DIN rail and actuating the first and second handles away from each other locks the mounting bracket to the DIN rail.

17. A method of securing and releasing a mounting enclosure assembly to a DIN rail, the method comprising: manually actuating a first handle of a first locking mechanism and a second handle of a second locking mechanism toward each other in a direction along a longitudinal axis of a mounting bracket of the mounting enclosure assembly, the first and second locking mechanisms engaged to the mounting bracket of the mounting enclosure assembly; engaging a slot of the mounting bracket to the DIN rail; and and manually actuating the first and second handles away from each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis, thereby causing the first protrusion of the first locking mechanism and the second protrusion of the second locking mechanism to engage the first flange of the DIN rail, wherein the first flange is captured between the slot and the first and second protrusions.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: manually actuating the first and second handles toward each other in a direction along the longitudinal axis, thereby causing the first and second protrusions to retract from engagement with the first flange of the DIN rail; and removing the mounting bracket from the DIN rail.

19. A method of securing a mounting enclosure assembly to a planar surface, the method comprising: manually actuating a first handle of a first locking mechanism and a second handle of a second locking mechanism away from each other in a direction along a longitudinal axis of a mounting bracket to which the first and second locking mechanisms engage, thereby causing a first mounting plate of the first locking mechanism and a second mounting plate of the second locking mechanism to extend beyond respective first and second lateral ends of the mounting bracket relative to the longitudinal axis; and securing the mounting bracket to the planar surface with fasteners that pass through the first and second mounting plates and into the planar surface.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: wherein securing the mounting bracket to the planar surface comprises driving at least two fasteners through respective openings of each of the first and second mounting plates.

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