Mounting element for securing an equipment module to a mounting rail of a rack

Abstract

A mounting element (7) for securing an equipment module (4) to a mounting rail (2) of a rack (1), the mounting element (7) being configured to be clipped to a square hole (3) of the mounting rail (2), the mounting element (7) comprising a fastener (8) configured to engage with a mating counterpart fastener, the fastener (8) or the counterpart fastener being configured to extend through the square hole (3), an abutment portion (13) formed to abut against a rear side (18) of the mounting rail ( 2 ), and a spring clip (11) for clipping the fastener (8) to the square hole (3), wherein the spring clip (11) has a hook- shaped end portion (12) configured to extend from the rear side (18) of the mounting rail (2) around an outer edge of the mounting rail (2) to a front side (19) of the mounting rail (2) and to engage into the square hole (3) from the front side (19) of the mounting rail (2), when the spring clip (11) is tensioned.

Description

[0001] Mounting element for securing an equipment module to a mounting rail of a rack

[0002] The invention refers to a mounting element for securing an equipment module to a mounting rail of a rack, the mounting element being configured to be clipped to a square hole of the mounting rail .

[0003] Racks , such as 19-inch racks , are commonly used for mounting and organi zing electronic equipment . Mounting rails with square holes are widely used in the industry for installing various equipment modules in a rack . The traditional mounting elements , such as cage nuts , have been a common choice for securing these modules to the mounting rails . A cage nut typically comprises a nut placed inside a cage or housing, which can be inserted into the square holes of the mounting rail . The cage nut then provides a thread for a screw, allowing the secure installation o f equipment modules to the rack .

[0004] However, there are several challenges and limitations associated with the use of conventional mounting elements like cage nuts . One of the main challenges is their handling . Due to their small si ze and intricate structure , cage nuts are often di f ficult to manipulate , especially in tight spaces or when wearing gloves . This can make the installation and removal process cumbersome and time-consuming, which is not desirable in fast-paced work environments .

[0005] Moreover, the small si ze and construction of traditional mounting elements like cage nuts frequently involve sharp edges . These sharp edges pose a risk of inj ury to the hands of the technicians working with them . Cuts and abrasions caused by these sharp edges can not only af fect the ef ficiency and productivity of the technicians but also have implications on workplace safety .

[0006] Furthermore , the installation of conventional cage nuts often requires the application of signi ficant force . This can cause additional stress and strain on the hands and fingers of the technicians , possibly leading to ergonomic inj uries over time .

[0007] The engagement and disengagement of the cage nuts with the square holes of the mounting rail also tend to be imprecise and unreliable at times . This may cause improper installation, leading to the instability of the mounted equipment modules , which can have severe consequences in terms of damage to the equipment or failure of the entire system .

[0008] There is , therefore , a need for an improved mounting element that addresses the above-discussed challenges associated with the prior art . Ideally, such an element should be easy to handle , reduce the risk of inj ury, and ensure secure and reliable mounting of equipment modules to the mounting rails of a rack .

[0009] To solve this obj ect , the invention provides a mounting element for securing an equipment module to a mounting rail of a rack, the mounting element being configured to be clipped to a square hole of the mounting rail , the mounting element comprising a fastener configured to engage with a mating counterpart fastener, the fastener or the counterpart fastener being configured to extend through the square hole , an abutment portion formed to abut against a rear side of the mounting rail , and a spring clip for clipping the fastener to the square hole , wherein the spring clip has a hook-shaped end portion configured to extend from the rear side of the mounting rail around an outer edge of the mounting rail to a front side of the mounting rail and to engage into the square hole from the front side of the mounting rail , when the spring clip is tensioned .

[0010] The present invention signi ficantly enhances the handling and fastening capabilities of the mounting element through the introduction of a spring clip, while retaining the advantageous features of the prior art . The conventional attributes of the mounting element include a fastener configured to engage with a mating counterpart fastener, with either fastener capable of extending through the square hole of the mounting rail , and an abutment portion formed to abut against the rear side of the mounting rail .

[0011] The novel and inventive feature of this mounting element is the incorporation of a spring clip, which is designed for clipping the fastener to the square hole . Critically, the spring clip includes a hook-shaped end portion, wherein the spring clip is generally arranged on the rear side of the mounting rail and the hook-shaped end portion is configured to extend from the rear side of the mounting rail , around its outer edge , and then to the front side , where it engages into the square hole when the spring clip is tensioned . This feature of fers considerable benefits in terms of easier handling and secure fastening . Firstly, the spring clip enables the technician to conveniently hold the mounting element by the spring clip during installation . This signi ficantly simpli fies the handling process , especially in confined spaces , as the technician does not have to fumble with small components or apply excessive force . The ergonomic design of the spring clip also reduces the risk of inj uries that can be caused by sharp edges or components .

[0012] Secondly, the hook-shaped end portion of the spring clip ensures a reliable and safe fastening to the mounting rail . As it engages around the edge and into the square hole , it provides a secure grip that safeguards against accidental dislodgment or loosening of the mounting element and, consequently, the equipment module .

[0013] In addition to the aforementioned benefits , the spring clip integrated into the mounting element of the present invention greatly simpli fies the demounting process . The design of the spring clip, particularly its hook-shaped end portion, allows for ef fortless removal of the mounting element from the mounting rail with minimal exertion .

[0014] To demount the mounting element , the spring clip can be slightly moved laterally, which causes the hook-shaped end portion to disengage from the square hole . Upon disengagement , the inherent spring force of the spring clip causes it to release its grip and detach from the mounting rail . This process is not only intuitive but also requires signi ficantly less force compared to conventional mounting elements . The ease of demounting of fered by the spring clip is particularly advantageous in scenarios where equipment modules need to be frequently reconfigured or replaced . The ability to quickly and safely remove the mounting element expedites maintenance and modi fication processes , leading to enhanced productivity and reduced downtime .

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment , the spring clip is made of spring steel . Utili zing spring steel for the construction of the spring clip is beneficial to the performance and reliability of the mounting element . Spring steel has a high yield strength and resilience , which enable it to undergo signi ficant flexing or bending without experiencing deformation . This is particularly important for the spring clip, as it must be capable of being tensioned and released repeatedly during the mounting and demounting processes . Furthermore , the material properties of spring steel ensure that the hook-shaped end portion of the spring clip maintains a consistent and secure engagement with the square hole of the mounting rail . This ensures that the mounting element remains firmly attached, even under various environmental conditions or stresses that may be encountered during the operation of the equipment modules .

[0016] A preferred configuration of the spring clip provides that the spring clip comprises a first arm and a second arm, the first arm and the second arm together forming a V-shape , wherein the hook-shaped end portion is formed on the second arm . The first arm serves as a base or anchor, providing stability during the engagement process . The second arm, which extends from the vertex of the V-shape , is equipped with the hook-shaped end portion that is used for securing the mounting element to the mounting rail . The V-shape configuration inherently grants the spring clip the necessary spring action . When the clip is in its relaxed position during the installation process , the second arm with the hook-shaped end portion flexes outward, allowing it to navigate around the edge of the mounting rail . Once positioned correctly, the second arm is tensioned towards the first arm, which results in that the hook-shaped end portion engages securely into the square hole from the front side of the mounting rail . Once positioned correctly, the spring clip' s natural tendency to return to its original position ensures that the hook-shaped end portion remains securely engaged into the square hole .

[0017] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring clip comprises a fastening section, with which the spring clip is fastened to the fastener . The fastening section is designed to facilitate a robust and reliable connection between the spring clip and the fastener, ensuring that they function as a single cohesive unit during the mounting process . Preferably, the fastening section is bent inwardly from the first arm of the spring clip, wherein the inwardly bent fastening section essentially forms an angle with the first arm . The connection between the fastening section and the fastener may be reali zed by welding or by plastic deformation, such as by riveting .

[0018] Preferably, the mounting element further comprises a hookshaped retaining element that is configured to engage into the square hole from the rear side of the mounting rail and to grip an edge of the square hole on the front side of the mounting rail . By engaging from the rear and gripping the edge on the front side , the hook-shaped retaining element acts as a counterbalance to the forces exerted by the spring clip, ensuring a more even distribution of stress and providing an additional layer of retention . This dual-action engagement is highly ef fective in preventing accidental dislodgement or loosening of the mounting element .

[0019] Moreover, the hook-shaped design of the retaining element ensures that it can easily slide into position during installation while providing a firm grip once engaged . This adds little to no additional complexity to the installation process , while signi ficantly bolstering the stability and security of the mounted equipment modules .

[0020] When securing the mounting element to the mounting rail , the retaining element is , in a first step of the mounting process , inserted into the square hole and arranged to grip the edge of the square hole on the front side , which creates a temporary pivot point between the mounting element and the mounting rail , around which the mounting element is pivoted when, in the second step of the mounting process , the hookshaped end portion of the spring clip is laterally tensioned towards the mounting rail and engaged into the square hole . In doing so , the retaining element and the hook-shaped end portion of the spring clip engage opposite edges of the square hole , thereby balancing the clamping forces .

[0021] The invention may be used in a mounting element having either a male fastener or a female fastener . Firstly, the fastener may comprise a male fastening feature , such as an external thread, that is configured to engage in a female fastening feature , such as an internal thread, of the counterpart fastener . This configuration is beneficial for applications where the fastener acts as the primary securing element that extends into the counterpart fastener . Preferably, the fastener is designed as a screw bolt . The counterpart fastener may in this case be a hexagonal nut having an internally threaded aperture , as , e . g . disclosed in WO 2018 / 102838 Al .

[0022] Secondly, as an alternative , the fastener may comprise a female fastening feature , such as an internal thread, that is configured to engage in a male fastening feature , such as an external thread, of the counterpart fastener . In this case , the fastener is preferably designed as a cage nut .

[0023] According to a second aspect , the invention refers to a mounting assembly for securing an equipment module to a mounting rail of a rack, comprising a mounting element according to the first aspect of the invention, and a further mounting element , the further mounting element comprising a counterpart fastener mating with the fastener of the mounting element .

[0024] Furthermore , the invention, according to a third aspect , refers to a rack comprising at least two parallel mounting rails having a plurality of square holes , at least one equipment module having a protruding edge protruding from each side of the equipment module , the protruding edges being mounted to the mounting rails of the rack by means of a mounting assembly according to the second aspect of the invention .

[0025] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings . Therein, Fig . 1 shows a rack with two equipment modules mounted to the rack by means of a prior art mounting assembly, Fig . 2a and Fig . 2b show an exploded perspective view of a mounting assembly according to the invention, Fig . 3a and Fig . 3b show a perspective view of the mounting assembly of Fig . 2 a and Fig . 2b when being mounted to the square holes of a rack, Fig . 4 shows a mounting element according to the invention used in the mounting assembly of Fig . 2 and 3 in a perspective view, Fig . 5 shows the mounting element of Fig . 4 in a cross-sectional view, Fig . 6 shows the mounting element of Fig . 5 in combination with a mounting rail , and Fig . 7 shows an illustration according to Fig . 6 with the mounting element being clipped to the mounting hole of the mounting rail .

[0026] In Fig . l a 19-inch equipment rack is denoted with reference numeral 1 . Rack 1 comprises mounting rails 2 , which are provided with a plurality of square holes 3 . In Fig . l two equipment modules 4 are mounted to the rack 1 by means of prior art mounting assemblies , which each comprise a screw 5 and a cage nut (not shown) .

[0027] Each of the equipment modules 4 has two protruding edges 6 , one on each side . The protruding edges 6 are provided for attaching the equipment modules 4 to the mounting rails 2 of the rack 1 by screwing the standard screw 5 in the cage nut and thereby clamping the protruding edge 6 and the mounting rail 2 between the head of screw 5 and the cage nut .

[0028] Fig . 2a and Fig . 2b show an exploded perspective view of a mounting assembly according to the invention . The mounting assembly comprises a mounting element 7 with a fastener 8 and a further mounting element 9 comprising a counterpart fastener, which is configured to mate with the fastener 8 of the mounting element 7 . The fastener 8 comprises a male thread and the counterpart fastener comprises a female thread .

[0029] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the fastener may comprises a female fastening feature , such as an internal thread, and the counterpart fastener may comprise a male fastening feature , such as an external thread . For example , the fastener may be configured as a cage nut and the counterpart fastener may be configured as a screw bolt .

[0030] Fig . 2a and Fig . 2b further show a mounting rail 2 with a plurality of square holes 3 and an equipment module 4 with a protruding edge 6 comprising holes 10 for securing the equipment module 4 to the mounting rail 2 . The mounting element 7 comprises a spring clip 11 with a hook-shaped end portion 12 for clipping the fastener 8 to the square hole 3 .

[0031] Fig . 3a and Fig . 3b show the equipment module 4 being fixed to the mounting rail 2 by the mounting assembly of Fig . 2a and Fig . 2b . The mounting element 7 has been clipped to the mounting rail 2 such that the fastener 8 extends through a square hole 3 of the mounting rail 2 from the rear side of the rack . The equipment module 4 is placed against the mounting rail 2 such that each fastener 8 extends through an associated square hole 3 of the mounting rail 2 . The further mounting element 9 comprising the counterpart fastener is screwed onto the fastener 8 of the mounting element 7 , thereby holding the equipment module 4 against the mounting rail 2 .

[0032] The mounting element 7 used in Fig . 2 and Fig . 3 is shown in more detail in Fig . 4 and 5 . The mounting element 7 comprises an abutment portion 13 formed to abut against a rear side of the mounting rail 2 , and a spring clip 11 for clipping the fastener 8 to a square hole 3 of the mounting rail 2 . The spring clip 11 comprises a first arm 14 and a second arm 15 and has a hook-shaped end portion 12 . The first arm 14 and the second arm 15 together forming a V-shape , wherein the hook-shaped end portion 12 is formed on the second arm 15 .

[0033] The spring clip 11 comprises a fastening section 16 , with which the spring clip 11 is fastened to the abutment portion 13 and the fastener 8 . The fastening section 16 is bent inwardly from the first arm 14 of the spring clip 11 . The mounting element 7 further comprises a hook-shaped retaining element 17 for engaging into the square hole 3 .

[0034] Fig . 6 shows the mounting element 7 of Fig . 4 and 5 after the fastener 8 has been inserted into the square hole 3 of the mounting rail 2 , and Fig . 7 shows an illustration according to Fig . 6 with the mounting element 7 being clipped to a mounting hole 3 of the mounting rail 2 .

[0035] As can be taken from Fig . 6 , when the fastener 8 of the mounting element 7 has been inserted into the mounting hole 3 , the hook-shaped retaining element 17 of the mounting element 7 is placed such that it passes through the square hole 3 from the rear side 18 of the mounting rail 2 and engages behind an edge of the square hole 3 on the front side 19 of the mounting rail 2 . For fixing the mounting element 7 to the square hole 3 the hook-shaped end portion 12 of the spring clip 11 is laterally tensioned towards the mounting rail 2 and engaged into the square hole 3 , as can be taken from Fig . 7 . In the fixed position, the hook-shaped end portion extends from the rear side 18 of the mounting rail 2 around an outer edge of the mounting rail 2 to a front side 19 of the mounting rail 2 and engages into the square hole 3 from the front side 19 of the mounting rail 3 . The retaining element 17 and the hook-shaped end portion 12 of the spring clip 11 engage opposite edges of the square hole 3 , thereby balancing the clamping forces of the spring clip 11 thereby providing a stable fixation of the mounting element 7 to the mounting rail 2 .

Claims

Claims :

1. A mounting element for securing an equipment module (4) to a mounting rail (2) of a rack (1) , the mounting element (7) being configured to be clipped to a square hole (3) of the mounting rail (2) , the mounting element (7) comprising a fastener (8) configured to engage with a mating counterpart fastener, the fastener (8) or the counterpart fastener being configured to extend through the square hole (3) , an abutment portion (13) formed to abut against a rear side (18) of the mounting rail (2) , and a spring clip (11) for clipping the fastener (8) to the square hole (3) , wherein the spring clip (11) has a hookshaped end portion (12) configured to extend from the rear side (18) of the mounting rail (2) around an outer edge of the mounting rail (2) to a front side (19) of the mounting rail (2) and to engage into the square hole (3) from the front side (19) of the mounting rail (2) , when the spring clip (11) is tensioned.

2. Mounting element according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring clip (11) is made of spring steel.

3. Mounting element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring clip (11) comprises a first arm (14) and a second arm (15) , the first arm (14) and the second arm (15) together forming a V-shape, wherein the hookshaped end portion (12) is formed on the second arm (15) .

4. Mounting element according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the spring clip (11) comprises afastening section (16) , with which the spring clip (11) is fastened to the fastener (8) .

5. Mounting element according to claim 4, characterized in that the fastening section (16) is bent inwardly from the first arm (14) of the spring clip (11) .

6. Mounting element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises a hook-shaped retaining element (17) that is configured to engage into the square hole (3) from the rear side (18) of the mounting rail (2) and to grip an edge of the square hole (3) on the front side (19) of the mounting rail (2) .

7. Mounting element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fastener (8) comprises a male fastening feature, such as an external thread, that is configured to engage in a female fastening feature, such as an internal thread, of the counterpart fastener.

8. Mounting element according to claim 7, characterized in that the fastener (8) is designed as a screw bolt.

9. Mounting element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fastener (8) comprises a female fastening feature, such as an internal thread, that is configured to engage in a male fastening feature, such as an external thread, of the counterpart fastener.

10. Mounting element according to claim 9, characterized in that the fastener is designed as a cage nut.

11. A mounting assembly for securing an equipment module (4) to a mounting rail (2) of a rack (1) , comprising a mounting element (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and a further mounting element (9) , the further mounting element (9) comprising a counterpart fastener mating with the fastener of the mounting element (7) .

12. A rack comprising: at least two parallel mounting rails (2) having a plurality of square holes (3) , at least one equipment module (4) having a protruding edge (6) protruding from each side of the equipment module (4) , the protruding edges (6) being mounted to the mounting rails (2) of the rack (1) by means of a mounting assembly according to claim 11.

Images