Rail mount backplane assembly kit and associated rail mount electronic device

Abstract

To provide a rail mounting backplane assembly kit and a related rail mounting electronic device that facilitate assembly or disassembly.SOLUTION: A rail mounting backplane assembly 111 includes a backplane assembly 121, an engaging hook 151 and a slot structure 152. The backplane assembly can be mounted on a rail and detachably assembled with other cooperating backplane assemblies. The engaging hook is movably disposed on the backplane assembly, and includes an operating portion 1511, an engaging portion 1512 and a connecting portion 1513. The operating portion and the engaging portion are exposed out of the backplane assembly. The engaging portion is for engaging with a cooperating slot structure on the first cooperating backplane assembly. The slot structure is formed on the backplane assembly and for engaging with a cooperating engaging hook on the second cooperating backplane assembly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rail mount backplane assembly kit and associated rail mount electronic device, and more particularly to a rail mount backplane assembly kit having an improved modular configuration and associated rail mount electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] Modularity is gradually becoming mainstream in rail-mounted electronic devices. For example, a remote terminal unit is a rail-mounted electronic device that is installed at a field location as part of a monitoring / control system that monitors / controls field devices. A remote terminal unit typically includes multiple modules and a common backplane that mounts the multiple modules. The multiple modules may include power modules, switch modules, computing modules, and input / output modules. Therefore, there is an urgent need for improved modular configurations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022 / 0256731 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 11408560 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 11243504 [Patent Document 4] People's Republic of China Patent No. 107305992 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 11347195 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 10,483,663 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 9,325,110 Summary of the Invention

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is an object of the present invention to provide a rail mount backplane assembly kit, and associated rail mount electronic device, having an improved modular configuration to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention discloses a backplane assembly kit for rail mounting, which includes: a backplane assembly mounted on a rail and configured to be detachably assembled to a first cooperating backplane assembly or a second cooperating backplane assembly; an engagement hook disposed on the backplane assembly and movable relative to the backplane assembly between an engagement position and a disengagement position, the engagement hook including: an operating portion exposed from the backplane assembly; an engagement portion exposed from the backplane assembly, the engagement portion being engaged with a cooperating slot structure formed in the first cooperating backplane assembly when the engagement hook is in the engagement position, and disengaged from the cooperating slot structure when the engagement hook is in the disengagement position; and a connection portion connected between the operating portion and the engagement portion and received inside the backplane assembly; and a slot structure formed on the backplane assembly and configured to be engaged with a cooperating engagement hook disposed on the second cooperating backplane assembly.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the backplane assembly includes an uncovered side and a covered side; when the backplane assembly is assembled to a first cooperating backplane assembly, the uncovered side of the backplane assembly is not covered by the first cooperating backplane assembly; when the backplane assembly is assembled to the first cooperating backplane assembly, the covered side of the backplane assembly is covered by the first cooperating backplane assembly; the operating portion is exposed from the uncovered side of the backplane assembly, the engagement portion is exposed from the covered side of the backplane assembly, and the connection portion is received within the backplane assembly.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the uncovered side of the backplane assembly is the top or bottom surface of the backplane assembly.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a detent projection is formed on the connecting portion and a cooperating detent projection is formed on the backplane assembly and configured to abut against the detent projection to stop the engagement hook in the disengaged position.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, when the engagement hook is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the detent projection passes over the cooperating detent projection.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an abutment surface is formed on the engagement portion and configured to abut against a cooperating abutment surface formed on the first cooperating backplane assembly, thereby driving the engagement hook to move from the engagement position to enable the engagement portion to at least partially enter the cooperating slot structure.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention, the abutment surface is configured to abut against a cooperating abutment surface to drive the engagement hook to move from the engagement position to the predetermined position; when the engagement hook moves from the engagement position to the predetermined position, the stop protrusion does not pass over the cooperating stop protrusion.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rail mount backplane assembly kit further includes a return component configured to bias the engagement hook to move toward the engaged position.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a guide structure is formed on the connecting portion, and a cooperating guide structure is formed on the backplane assembly and configured to cooperate with the guide structure to guide the engagement hook.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the guide structure is a guide slot structure and the cooperating guide structure is a guide post structure that passes through the guide structure and is movable within the guide structure in the longitudinal direction of the guide structure.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one facilitating protrusion is formed on the connecting portion and configured to facilitate movement of the engagement hook.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the assembly direction of the backplane assembly relative to the first cooperating backplane assembly and the assembly direction of the backplane assembly relative to the second cooperating backplane assembly are perpendicular to the movement direction of the engagement hooks relative to the backplane assemblies.

[0017] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention further discloses a rail-mounted electronic device, the rail-mounted electronic device comprising: a first module configured to be mounted on a rail; a second module configured to be mounted on the rail and detachably assembled to the first module; and a first engagement assembly, the first engagement assembly including: a first slot structure formed on the first module; a first engagement hook disposed on the second module and movable relative to the second module between a first engagement position and a first disengagement position; the first engagement hook including: a first operation portion exposed from the second module; a first engagement portion exposed from the second module, the first engagement portion being engaged with the first slot structure when the first engagement hook is in the first engagement position and disengaged from the first slot structure when the first engagement hook is in the first disengagement position; and a first connection portion connected between the first operation portion and the first engagement portion and received inside the second module.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first module includes a first backplane assembly configured to be mounted on a rail; the second module includes a second backplane assembly mounted on the rail and configured to be removably assembled to the first backplane assembly; the second backplane assembly includes an uncovered side and a covered side; when the second backplane assembly is assembled to the first backplane assembly, the uncovered side of the second backplane assembly is not covered by the first backplane assembly; when the second backplane assembly is assembled to the first backplane assembly, the covered side of the second backplane assembly is covered by the first backplane assembly; the first engagement hook is movably disposed on the second backplane assembly, the first operating portion is exposed from the uncovered side of the second backplane assembly, the first engagement portion is exposed from the covered side of the second backplane assembly, and the first connection portion is received within the second backplane assembly.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first locking protrusion is formed on the first connecting portion and a first cooperating locking protrusion is formed on the second backplane assembly and configured to abut against the first locking protrusion to stop the first engagement hook in the first disengaged position.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the first engagement hook moves from the first engaged position to the first disengaged position, the first detent protrusion passes over the first cooperating detent protrusion.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first abutment surface is formed on the first engagement portion and a first cooperating abutment surface is formed on the first backplane assembly and configured to abut against the first abutment surface, thereby driving the first engagement hook to move from the first engagement position to enable the first engagement portion to at least partially enter the first slot structure.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first cooperating abutment surface is configured to abut against the first abutment surface to drive the first engagement hook to move from the first engagement position to the first predetermined position; when the first engagement hook moves from the first engagement position to the first predetermined position, the first retaining protrusion does not pass over the first cooperating retaining protrusion.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first engagement assembly further includes a first return component configured to bias the first engagement hook to move toward the first engagement position.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first guide structure is formed on the first connection portion, and a first cooperating guide structure is formed on the second backplane assembly and configured to cooperate with the first guide structure to guide the first engagement hook.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first guide structure is a guide slot structure, and the first cooperating guide structure is a guide post structure that passes through the first guide structure and is movable within the first guide structure in the longitudinal direction of the first guide structure.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one first facilitating protrusion is formed on the first connecting portion and configured to facilitate movement of the first engagement hook.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the assembly direction of the second backplane assembly relative to the first backplane assembly is perpendicular to the movement direction of the first engagement hook relative to the second backplane assembly.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the uncovered side of the second backplane assembly is the top or bottom surface of the second backplane assembly.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first module further includes a first removable assembly removably assembled to the first backplane assembly; the second module further includes a second removable assembly removably assembled to the second backplane assembly; and when the second removable assembly is assembled to the second backplane assembly, the uncovered side of the second backplane assembly is not covered by the second removable assembly.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rail mounted electronic device further comprises a third module, the third module being: a third backplane assembly mounted on the rail and configured to be removably assembled to the second backplane assembly; the second backplane assembly being located between the first backplane assembly and the third backplane assembly when the second backplane assembly and the third backplane assembly are assembled to the first backplane assembly and the second backplane assembly, respectively; the third backplane assembly including an uncovered side and a covered side; when the third backplane assembly is assembled to the second backplane assembly, the uncovered side of the third backplane assembly is not covered by the second backplane assembly; and when the third backplane assembly is assembled to the second backplane assembly, the covered side of the third backplane assembly is covered by the second backplane assembly; and a third backplane assembly removably assembled to the third backplane assembly. a third detachable assembly that is attached to the third backplane assembly, and when the third detachable assembly is assembled to the third backplane assembly, an uncovered side of the third backplane assembly is not covered by the third detachable assembly; and further comprising a second engagement assembly, the second engagement assembly including: a second slot structure formed in the second backplane assembly; and a second engagement hook disposed on the third backplane assembly and movable relative to the third backplane assembly between a second engaged position and a second disengaged position; The engagement hook includes: a second operating portion exposed from the uncovered side of the third backplane assembly; a second engagement portion exposed from the covered side of the third backplane assembly, where when the second engagement hook is in the second engagement position, the second engagement portion engages with the second slot structure and when the second engagement hook is in the second disengagement position, the second engagement portion disengages from the second slot structure; and a second connection portion connected between the second operating portion and the second engagement portion and received within the third backplane assembly.

[0031] In summary, the present invention allows the first module and the second module to be assembled or disassembled without removing the first module and / or the second module from the rail. Moreover, the first module and / or the second module can be moved along the rail, and after the first engagement hook is disengaged from the first slot structure, the first module and the second module can be separated from each other to allow an additional module to be easily inserted between the first module and the second module. Then, the first module, the additional module, and the second module can be assembled together in sequence. Therefore, the present invention is not only scalable but also easy to operate.

[0032] These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt become obvious to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment that is illustrated in the various figures and drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are schematic configuration diagrams of a rail-mounted electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken from different perspectives. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are schematic configuration diagrams of a rail-mounted electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken from different perspectives. [Diagram 3] 1 is an exploded view of a rail-mounted electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention from a different perspective. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded view of a rail-mounted electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention from a different perspective. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a partial internal view of a rail mounted electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rail-mounted electronic device in an engaged state according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part A of the rail-mounted electronic device shown in FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 7 is an enlarged view of part B of the rail-mounted electronic device shown in FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 7 is an enlarged view of part C of the rail-mounted electronic device shown in FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a rail-mounted electronic device in a disengaged state according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 is an enlarged view of part D of the rail-mounted electronic device shown in FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of part E of the rail-mounted electronic device shown in FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of part F of the rail-mounted electronic device shown in FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Reference is made in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear" and the like are used with reference to the orientation of the figures being described. Components of the invention may be oriented in many different orientations. As such, the directional terms are used for purposes of illustration and in no way limiting. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Additionally, unless specified, the terms "couple" or "connect" are intended to mean either an indirect or direct electrical or mechanical connection. Thus, when a first device is coupled or connected to a second device, the connection may be by way of a direct electrical or mechanical connection or an indirect electrical or mechanical connection via other devices or connections.

[0035] Moreover, when an ordinal number (such as "first," "second," "third," etc.) is used as an adjective before a term, the ordinal number is used (unless expressly stated otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature, e.g., to distinguish the particular feature from another feature described by the same or a similar term. The ordinal number has no other meaning or limiting effect and is merely a convenient designation. For example, a "first device" may be so referred to merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a "second device." Thus, the mere use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "device" does not indicate any other relationship between the two devices, nor, similarly, does it indicate any other characteristic of either or both devices. For example, the mere use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "apparatus" does not (1) indicate that either device comes before or after the other device in terms of order or position, (2) indicate that either device occurs or acts before or after the other device in terms of time, or (3) indicate that either device is ranked higher or lower in importance or quality than the other device. The mere use of ordinal numbers does not impose a numerical limitation on the feature identified by the ordinal number. For example, the mere use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "apparatus" does not indicate that there are exactly two devices.

[0036] Please refer to Figs. 1 to 5. Figs. 1 and 2 are schematic configuration diagrams of a rail-mounted electronic device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention from different viewpoints. Figs. 3 and 4 are exploded views of the rail-mounted electronic device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention from different viewpoints. Fig. 5 is a partial internal view of the rail-mounted electronic device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the rail-mounted electronic device 1 may be a remote terminal unit that is detachably mounted on a rail component 2 (rail 2), for example, a retractable DIN rail. The rail-mounted electronic device 1 includes a first module 11, a second module 12, a third module 13, and a fourth module 14. The second module 12 is located between the first module 11 and the third module 13 in the lateral direction LD (horizontal direction LD) and is electrically and structurally connected to the first module 11 and the third module 13. The third module 13 is located between the second module 12 and the fourth module 14 in the lateral direction LD and is electrically and structurally connected to the second module 12 and the fourth module 14. The rail-mounted electronic device 1 has an expandable configuration. As can be appreciated, in other embodiments there may be more or fewer modules.

[0037] Specifically, the first module 11, the second module 12, the third module 13, and the fourth module 14 may be a power supply module, a computing module, a first input / output module, and a second input / output module, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the first module, the second module, the third module, and the fourth module may be one of a power supply module, a switch module, a computing module, and a first input / output module and a second input / output module, respectively.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first module 11 includes a first backplane assembly 111 and a first removable assembly 112. The second module 12 includes a second backplane assembly 121 and a second removable assembly 122. The third module 13 includes a third backplane assembly 131 and two third removable assemblies 132. The fourth module 14 includes a fourth backplane assembly 141 and four fourth removable assemblies 142. The first backplane assembly 111, the second backplane assembly 121, the third backplane assembly 131, and the fourth backplane assembly 141 are configured to be removably attached to the rail component 2. That is, they are configured to be detachably attached to the rail component 2 by, for example, a first lock component L1 movably attached to the first backplane assembly 111, a second lock component L2 movably attached to the second backplane assembly 121, a third lock component L3 movably attached to the third backplane assembly 131, and a fourth lock component L4 movably attached to the fourth backplane assembly 141. The first detachable assembly 112, the second detachable assembly 122, the third detachable assembly 132, and the fourth detachable assembly 142 are detachably assembled to the first backplane assembly 111, the second backplane assembly 121, the third backplane assembly 131, and the fourth backplane assembly 141 by the first lock assembly 113, the second lock assembly 123, the third lock assembly 133, and the fourth lock assembly 143, respectively.

[0039] 3 to 5, the rail mount electronic device 1 further includes a first engagement assembly 15, a second engagement assembly 16, and a third engagement assembly 17. The first engagement assembly 15 includes a first engagement hook 151 and a first slot structure 152. The second engagement assembly 16 includes a second engagement hook 161 and a second slot structure 162. The third engagement assembly 17 includes a third engagement hook 171 and a third slot structure 172. The first engagement hook 151, the second engagement hook 161, and the third engagement hook 171 are movably disposed on the second module 12, the third module 13, and the fourth module 14, respectively. The first slot structure 152, the second slot structure 162, and the third slot structure 172 are formed on the first module 11, the second module 12, and the third module 13, respectively. The first engagement hook 151 is movable relative to the second module 12 to engage and disengage with the first slot structure 152. The second engagement hook 161 is movable relative to the third module 13 to engage and disengage with the second slot structure 162. The third engagement hook 171 is movable relative to the fourth module 14 to engage and disengage with the third slot structure 172.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 6 to 13. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the rail-mounted electronic device 1 in an engaged state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a close-up view of a portion A of the rail-mounted electronic device 1 shown in Figure 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a close-up view of a portion B of the rail-mounted electronic device 1 shown in Figure 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a close-up view of a portion C of the rail-mounted electronic device 1 shown in Figure 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the rail-mounted electronic device 1 in a disengaged state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a close-up view of a portion D of the rail-mounted electronic device 1 shown in Figure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 is a close-up view of a portion E of the rail-mounted electronic device 1 shown in Figure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a close-up view of a portion F of the rail-mounted electronic device 1 shown in Figure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 6, 7, 10 and 11, the first engagement hook 151 is movably disposed on the second backplane assembly 121. The assembly direction of the second backplane assembly 121 relative to the first backplane assembly 111, for example, the lateral direction LD, is substantially perpendicular to the moving direction of the first engagement hook 151 relative to the second backplane assembly 121. The first engagement hook 151 includes a first operation portion 1511, a first engagement portion 1512, and a first connection portion 1513. The first operation portion 1511 is exposed from the uncovered side surface 121A of the second backplane assembly 121. The first engagement portion 1512 is exposed from the uncovered side surface 121B of the second backplane assembly 121. The first connection portion 1513 is received inside the second backplane assembly 121. The first slot structure 152 is formed in the covered side surface 111A of the first backplane assembly 111. 7, when the first engagement hook 151 is in the first engagement position P1A, the first engagement portion 1512 is engaged with the first slot structure 152. As shown in FIG. 11, when the first engagement hook 151 is in the first disengagement position P1B, the first engagement portion 1512 is disengaged from the first slot structure 152.

[0041] In this embodiment, the uncovered side 121A and the covered side 121B of the second backplane assembly 121 may be the top and left side of the second backplane assembly 121, respectively. The covered side 111A of the first backplane assembly 111 may be the right side of the first backplane assembly 111. The uncovered side 121A of the second backplane assembly 121 may not be covered by the first backplane assembly 111 when the second backplane assembly 121 is assembled to the first backplane assembly 111. The covered side 121B of the second backplane assembly 121 may be covered by the first backplane assembly 111 when the second backplane assembly 121 is assembled to the first backplane assembly 111. The uncovered side 121A of the second backplane assembly 121 may not be covered by the second removable assembly 122 when the second removable assembly 122 is assembled to the second backplane assembly 121. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the uncovered side of the second backplane assembly 121 may be the underside of the second backplane assembly 121.

[0042] Further, as shown in Figs. 6, 7, 10 and 11, a first stop projection 1513A is formed on the first connecting portion 1513. A first cooperating stop projection 1211 is formed on the second backplane assembly 121 and configured to abut against the first stop projection 1513A to stop the first engagement hook 151 at the first disengagement position P1B. When the first engagement hook 151 moves from the first engagement position P1A to the first disengagement position P1B, the first stop projection 1513A passes over the first cooperating stop projection 1211. Moreover, a first abutment surface 1512A is formed on the first engagement portion 1512. A first cooperating abutment surface 1111 is formed on the first backplane assembly 111. To drive the first engagement hook 151 to move from the first engagement position P1A, for example from the first engagement position P1A to the first predetermined position P1C, the first cooperating abutment surface 1111 is configured to abut against the first abutment surface 1512A, which allows the first engagement portion 1512 to at least partially enter the first slot structure 152. When the first engagement hook 151 moves from the first engagement position P1A to the first predetermined position P1C, the first detent protrusion 1513A does not pass over the first cooperating detent protrusion 1211, and therefore the first cooperating detent protrusion 1211 does not abut against the first detent protrusion 1513A.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first engagement assembly 15 may further include a first recovering component 153, e.g., an extension spring, configured to bias the first engagement hook 151 to move toward the first engagement position P1A. The first recovering component 153 can drive the first engagement hook 151 to move from the first predetermined position P1C to the first engagement position P1A when the first cooperating detent protrusion 1211 does not abut against the first detent protrusion 1513A, but the first recovering component 153 cannot drive the first engagement hook 151 to move from the first disengagement position P1B to the first engagement position P1A when the first cooperating detent protrusion 1211 abuts against the first detent protrusion 1513A. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the first recovering component 153 may be omitted.

[0044] To ensure stable movement of the first engagement hook 151, a first guide structure 1513B is formed on the first connecting portion 1513. A first cooperating guide structure 1212 is formed on the second backplane assembly 121 and configured to cooperate with the first guide structure 1513B to guide the first engagement hook 151.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first guide structure 1513B may be a guide slot structure. The first cooperating guide structure 1212 may be a guide post structure that penetrates the first guide structure 1513B and is movable within the first guide structure 1513B in the longitudinal direction of the first guide structure 1513B. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0046] Furthermore, to prevent excessive frictional force between the first engagement hook 151 and the second backplane assembly 121 so as to ensure smooth movement of the first engagement hook 151, at least one first facilitating protrusion 1513C is formed on the first connecting portion 1513. It is configured to abut against the second backplane assembly 121 so as to facilitate the movement of the first engagement hook 151 by reducing the contact area between the first engagement hook 151 and the second backplane assembly 121.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 10 and 12, the second engagement hook 161 is movably disposed on the third backplane assembly 131. The assembly direction of the third backplane assembly 131 relative to the second backplane assembly 121, for example, the lateral direction LD, is substantially perpendicular to the movement direction of the second engagement hook 161 relative to the third backplane assembly 131. The second engagement hook 161 includes a second operation portion 1611, a second engagement portion 1612, and a second connection portion 1613. The second operation portion 1611 is exposed from the uncovered side surface 131A of the third backplane assembly 131. The second engagement portion 1612 is exposed from the uncovered side surface 131B of the third backplane assembly 131. The second connection portion 1613 is received inside the third backplane assembly 131. The second slot structure 162 is formed on another covered side surface 121C of the second backplane assembly 121. 8, when the second engagement hook 161 is in the second engagement position P2A, the second engagement portion 1612 is engaged with the second slot structure 162. As shown in FIG 12, when the second engagement hook 161 is in the second disengagement position P2B, the second engagement portion 1612 is disengaged from the second slot structure 162.

[0048] In this embodiment, the uncovered side 131A and the covered side 131B of the third backplane assembly 131 may be the top and left side of the third backplane assembly 131, respectively. The covered side 121C of the second backplane assembly 121 may be the right side of the second backplane assembly 121 opposite the covered side 121B of the second backplane assembly 121. The uncovered side 131A of the third backplane assembly 131 may not be covered by the second backplane assembly 121 when the third backplane assembly 131 is assembled to the second backplane assembly 121. The covered side 131B of the third backplane assembly 131 may be covered by the second backplane assembly 121 when the third backplane assembly 131 is assembled to the second backplane assembly 121. The uncovered side 131A of the third backplane assembly 131 may not be covered by the third detachable assembly 132 when the third detachable assembly 132 is assembled to the third backplane assembly 131. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the uncovered side of the third backplane assembly 131 may be the bottom surface of the third backplane assembly 131.

[0049] 6, 8, 10 and 12, a second detent protrusion 1613A is formed on the second connecting portion 1613. A second cooperating detent protrusion 1311 is formed on the third backplane assembly 131 and configured to abut against the second detent protrusion 1613A to stop the second engagement hook 161 at the second disengagement position P2B. When the second engagement hook 161 moves from the second engagement position P2A to the second disengagement position P2B, the second detent protrusion 1613A passes over the second cooperating detent protrusion 1311. Moreover, a second abutment surface 1612A is formed on the second engagement portion 1612. A second cooperating abutment surface 1213 is formed on the second backplane assembly 121 and configured to abut against the second abutment surface 1612A to drive the second engagement hook 161 to move from the second engagement position P2A, for example, from the second engagement position P2A to the second predetermined position P2C. This allows the second engagement portion 1612 to at least partially enter the second slot structure 162. When the second engagement hook 161 moves from the second engagement position P2A to the second predetermined position P2C, the second detent protrusion 1613A does not pass over the second cooperating detent protrusion 1311.

[0050] In this embodiment, the second engagement assembly 16 may further include a second return component 163, e.g., an extension spring, configured to bias the second engagement hook 161 to move toward the second engagement position P2A. The second return component 163 may drive the second engagement hook 161 to move from the second predetermined position P2C to the second engagement position P2A when the second cooperating detent protrusion 1311 does not abut against the second detent protrusion 1613A. However, the second return component 163 may not drive the second engagement hook 161 to move from the second disengagement position P2B to the second engagement position P2A when the second cooperating detent protrusion 1311 abuts against the second detent protrusion 1613A. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the second return component 163 may be omitted.

[0051] To ensure stable movement of the second engagement hook 161, a second guide structure 1613B is formed on the second connecting portion 1613. A second cooperating guide structure 1312 is formed on the third backplane assembly 131 and configured to cooperate with the second guide structure 1613B to guide the second engagement hook 161.

[0052] In this embodiment, the second guide structure 1613B may be a guide slot structure, and the second cooperating guide structure 1312 may be a guide bar structure that penetrates the second guide structure 1613B and is movable within the second guide structure 1613B in the longitudinal direction of the second guide structure 1613B. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0053] Furthermore, to prevent excessive frictional force between the second engagement hook 161 and the third backplane assembly 131 so as to ensure smooth movement of the second engagement hook 161, at least one second facilitating protrusion 1613C is formed on the second connecting portion 1613, which is configured to abut against the third backplane assembly 131 so as to facilitate the movement of the second engagement hook 161 by reducing the contact area between the second engagement hook 161 and the third backplane assembly 131.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 6, 9, 10 and 13, the third engagement hook 171 is movably disposed on the fourth backplane assembly 141. The assembly direction of the fourth backplane assembly 141 relative to the third backplane assembly 131, for example, the lateral direction LD, is substantially perpendicular to the movement direction of the third engagement hook 171 relative to the fourth backplane assembly 141. The third engagement hook 171 includes a third operation portion 1711, a third engagement portion 1712, and a third connection portion 1713. The third operation portion 1711 is exposed from the uncovered side surface 141A of the fourth backplane assembly 141. The third engagement portion 1712 is exposed from the uncovered side surface 141B of the fourth backplane assembly 141. The third connection portion 1713 is received inside the fourth backplane assembly 141. The third slot structure 172 is formed on another covered side surface 131C of the third backplane assembly 131. 9, when the third engagement hook 171 is in the third engagement position P3A, the third engagement portion 1712 is engaged with the third slot structure 172. As shown in FIG 13, when the third engagement hook 171 is in the third disengagement position P3B, the third engagement portion 1712 is disengaged from the third slot structure 172.

[0055] In this embodiment, the uncovered side 141A and the covered side 141B of the fourth backplane assembly 141 may be the top and left side of the fourth backplane assembly 141, respectively. The covered side 131C of the third backplane assembly 131 may be the right side of the third backplane assembly 131 opposite the covered side 131B of the third backplane assembly 131. The uncovered side 141A of the fourth backplane assembly 141 may not be covered by the third backplane assembly 131 when the fourth backplane assembly 141 is assembled to the third backplane assembly 131. The covered side 141B of the fourth backplane assembly 141 may be covered by the third backplane assembly 131 when the fourth backplane assembly 141 is assembled to the third backplane assembly 131. The uncovered side 141A of the fourth backplane assembly 141 may not be covered by the fourth removable assembly 142 when the fourth removable assembly 142 is assembled to the fourth backplane assembly 141. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the uncovered side of the fourth backplane assembly 141 may be the underside of the fourth backplane assembly 141.

[0056] 6, 9, 10 and 13, a third detent protrusion 1713A is formed on the third connecting portion 1713. A third cooperating detent protrusion 1411 is formed on the fourth backplane assembly 141 and configured to abut against the third detent protrusion 1713A to stop the third engagement hook 171 at the third disengagement position P3B. When the third engagement hook 171 moves from the third engagement position P3A to the third disengagement position P3B, the third detent protrusion 1713A passes over the third cooperating detent protrusion 1411. Moreover, a third abutment surface 1712A is formed on the third engagement portion 1712. A third cooperating abutment surface 1313 is formed on the third backplane assembly 131 and configured to abut against the third abutment surface 1712A to drive the third engagement hook 171 to move from the third engagement position P3A, for example, from the third engagement position P3A to the third predetermined position P3C. This allows the third engagement portion 1712 to at least partially enter the third slot structure 172. When the third engagement hook 171 moves from the third engagement position P3A to the third predetermined position P3C, the third detent protrusion 1713A does not pass over the third cooperating detent protrusion 1411.

[0057] In this embodiment, the third engagement assembly 17 may further include a third return component 173, e.g., an extension spring, configured to bias the third engagement hook 171 to move toward the third engagement position P3A. The third return component 173 can drive the third engagement hook 171 to move from the third predetermined position P3C to the third engagement position P3A when the third cooperating detent protrusion 1411 does not abut against the third detent protrusion 1713A, but the third return component 173 cannot drive the third engagement hook 171 to move from the third disengagement position P3B to the third engagement position P3A when the third cooperating detent protrusion 1411 abuts against the third detent protrusion 1713A. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the third return component 173 may be omitted.

[0058] To ensure stable movement of the third engagement hook 171, a third guide structure 1713B is formed on the third connecting portion 1713. A third cooperating guide structure 1412 is formed on the fourth backplane assembly 141 and configured to cooperate with the third guide structure 1713B to guide the third engagement hook 171.

[0059] In this embodiment, the third guide structure 1713B may be a guide slot structure. The third cooperating guide structure 1412 may be a guide post structure that penetrates the third guide structure 1713B and is movable within the third guide structure 1713B in the longitudinal direction of the third guide structure 1713B. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0060] Furthermore, to prevent excessive frictional force between the third engagement hook 171 and the fourth backplane assembly 141 so as to ensure smooth movement of the third engagement hook 171, at least one third facilitating protrusion 1713C is formed on the third connecting portion 1713, which is configured to abut against the fourth backplane assembly 141 so as to facilitate the movement of the third engagement hook 171 by reducing the contact area between the third engagement hook 171 and the fourth backplane assembly 141.

[0061] The first engagement assembly 15, the second engagement assembly 16, and the third engagement assembly 17 have the same working principle. Taking the first engagement assembly 15 as an example, a detailed description of the first engagement assembly 15 is given below. A detailed description of the second engagement assembly 16 and the third engagement assembly 17 is omitted for simplicity. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, during the assembly of the second backplane assembly 121 and the first backplane assembly 111, the first cooperating abutment surface 1111 can abut against the first abutment surface 1512A to drive the first engagement hook 151 to move from the first engagement position P1A to the first predetermined position P1C. Thereafter, after the first engagement hook 151 enters the first slot structure 152, the first engagement hook 151 can be driven by the first return component 153 to return to the first engagement position P1A to prevent separation between the second backplane assembly 121 and the first backplane assembly 111. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, when it is desired to separate the second backplane assembly 121 from the first backplane assembly 111, the first operating portion 1511 of the first engagement hook 151 can be operated to drive the first stop protrusion 1513A to pass over the first cooperating stop protrusion 1211 in a first direction D1 substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction LD to move the first engagement hook 151 from the first engagement position P1A to a first disengagement position P1B so as to disengage the first engagement portion 1512 from the first slot structure 152. When the first engagement hook 151 is in the first disengagement position P1B to disengage the first engagement portion 1512 from the first slot structure 152, the first cooperating stop protrusion 1211 can abut against the first stop protrusion 1513A to stop the first engagement hook 151 at the first disengagement position P1B by overcoming the elastic force generated by the first return component 153. Thus, at this point, the first module 11 and / or the second module 12 can move along the rail to freely separate the first module 11 and the second module 12 from each other.

[0062] When it is desired to assemble the second backplane assembly 121 to the first backplane assembly 111, the second backplane assembly 121 may be moved closer to the first backplane assembly 111 to drive the first engagement portion 1512 into the first slot structure 152. The first operating portion 1511 may then be operated to drive the first stop protrusion 1513A past the first cooperating stop protrusion 1211 in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 to move the first engagement hook 151 from the first disengagement position P1B. After the first engagement hook 151 has moved from the first disengagement position P1B, the first operating portion 1511 may be further operated to drive the first engagement hook 151 to move to the first engagement position P1A. Alternatively, the first operating portion 1511 may be released, allowing the elastic force generated by the first return component 153 to drive the first engagement hook 151 and move it to the first engagement position P1A.

[0063] As can be seen, the first engagement hook 151 may be further moved to the first engagement position P1A before the first engagement portion 1512 enters the first slot structure 152. Because, to allow the first engagement portion 1512 to enter the first slot structure 152, the first engagement hook 151 may be driven by the cooperation of the first cooperating abutment surface 1111 and the first abutment surface 1512A to move from the first engagement position P1A to the first predetermined position P1C. Thereafter, the first engagement hook 151 may be further driven by the elastic force generated by the first return component 153 to move from the first predetermined position P1C to the first engagement position P1A. This is for engaging the first engagement hook 151 with the first slot structure 152 during the assembly of the second backplane assembly 121 and the first backplane assembly 111.

[0064] Moreover, as can be understood, the corresponding backplane assembly, the corresponding engagement hook, and the corresponding slot structure may be grouped together as a unit with or without the corresponding return component. For example, the second backplane assembly 121, the first engagement hook 151, and the second slot structure 162 may be grouped together with or without the first return component 153 to be considered as a backplane assembly kit. Thus, the first backplane assembly 111 and the third backplane assembly 131 may be considered as a first cooperating backplane assembly and a second cooperating backplane assembly, respectively, with respect to the backplane assembly kit, which are located on two opposite sides of the backplane assembly kit in the lateral direction LD. The first slot structure 152 and the second engagement hook 161 may be considered as a cooperating slot structure and a cooperating engagement hook, respectively, with respect to the backplane assembly kit.

[0065] In contrast to the background art, the present invention allows the first module and the second module to be assembled or disassembled without removing the first module and / or the second module from the rail. Moreover, the first module and / or the second module can be moved along the rail, and after the first engagement hook is disengaged from the first slot structure, the first module and the second module can be separated from each other to allow an additional module to be easily inserted between the first module and the second module. Then, the first module, the additional module, and the second module can be assembled together in sequence. Therefore, the present invention is not only scalable but also easy to operate.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that numerous modifications and variations of the apparatus and method are possible while retaining the teachings of this invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the above disclosure be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A rail mount backplane assembly kit, comprising: a backplane assembly mounted to the rail and configured to be removably assembled to either the first cooperating backplane assembly or the second cooperating backplane assembly; an engagement hook disposed on the backplane assembly and movable relative to the backplane assembly between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the engagement hook comprising: an operating portion exposed from the backplane assembly; an engagement portion exposed from the backplane assembly, the engagement portion engaging with a cooperating slot structure formed in the first cooperating backplane assembly when the engagement hook is in the engagement position, and the engagement portion disengaging from the cooperating slot structure when the engagement hook is in the disengagement position; a connection portion connected between the operating portion and the engagement portion and received within the backplane assembly; an engaging hook including a slot structure formed in the backplane assembly and configured to engage a cooperating engagement hook disposed on the second cooperating backplane assembly; an abutment surface formed on the engagement portion and configured to abut against a cooperating abutment surface formed on the first cooperating backplane assembly, thereby actuating the engagement hook to move from the engagement position to allow the engagement portion to at least partially enter the cooperating slot structure; Backplane assembly kit for rail mounting.

2. the backplane assembly includes an uncovered side and a covered side; when the backplane assembly is assembled to the first cooperating backplane assembly, the uncovered side of the backplane assembly is not covered by the first cooperating backplane assembly; the covered side of the backplane assembly is covered by the first cooperating backplane assembly when the backplane assembly is assembled to the first cooperating backplane assembly; 2. The backplane assembly kit for rail mount of claim 1, wherein the operating portion is exposed from the uncovered side of the backplane assembly, the engagement portion is exposed from the covered side of the backplane assembly, and the connection portion is received within the backplane assembly.

3. The backplane assembly kit for rail mount of claim 2 , wherein the uncovered side of the backplane assembly is a top or bottom surface of the backplane assembly.

4. 2. The backplane assembly kit for rail mount of claim 1, wherein a detent projection is formed on the connecting portion and a cooperating detent projection is formed on the backplane assembly and configured to abut against the detent projection to stop the engagement hook in the disengaged position.

5. 5. The backplane assembly kit for rail mount of claim 4, wherein said detent projection passes over said cooperating detent projection when said engagement hook moves from said engaged position to said disengaged position.

6. the abutment surface is configured to abut against the cooperating abutment surface to drive the engagement hook from the engagement position to a predetermined position; 6. The backplane assembly kit for rail mount of claim 5, wherein said detent projection does not pass over said cooperating detent projection when said engagement hook moves from said engagement position to said predetermined position.

7. The rail mount and backplane assembly kit of claim 1 , further comprising a return component configured to bias the engagement hook toward the engagement position.

8. 2. The backplane assembly kit for rail mount of claim 1, wherein a guide structure is formed on the connecting portion, and a cooperating guide structure is formed on the backplane assembly and configured to cooperate with the guide structure to guide the engagement hook.

9. 9. The backplane assembly kit for rail mount of claim 8, wherein the guide structure is a guide slot structure, and the cooperating guide structure is a guide post structure that passes through the guide structure and is movable within the guide structure in a longitudinal direction of the guide structure.

10. The backplane assembly kit for rail mount of claim 1 , wherein at least one facilitating protrusion is formed on the connecting portion and configured to facilitate movement of the engagement hook.

11. 2. The backplane assembly kit for rail mounts of claim 1, wherein an assembly direction of the backplane assembly relative to the first cooperating backplane assembly and an assembly direction of the backplane assembly relative to the second cooperating backplane assembly are perpendicular to a movement direction of the engagement hook relative to the backplane assembly.

12. 1. A rail mounted electronic device comprising: a first module configured to be mounted on a rail; a second module attached to the rail and configured to be removably assembled to the first module; a first engagement assembly; The first engagement assembly comprises: a first slot structure formed in the first module; a first engagement hook disposed on the second module and movable relative to the second module between a first engaged position and a first disengaged position; The first engagement hook is a first operating portion exposed from the second module; a first engagement portion exposed from the second module, the first engagement portion being engaged with the first slot structure when the first engagement hook is in the first engagement position, and the first engagement portion being disengaged from the first slot structure when the first engagement hook is in the first disengagement position; and a first connection portion connected between the first operating portion and the first engagement portion and received within the second module; the first module includes a first backplane assembly configured to be mounted to the rail; a first abutment surface is formed on the first engagement portion and a first cooperating abutment surface is formed on the first backplane assembly and configured to abut against the first abutment surface, thereby driving the first engagement hook to move from the first engagement position to enable the first engagement portion to at least partially enter the first slot structure.

13. The second module includes a second backplane assembly mounted on the rail and configured to be removably assembled to the first backplane assembly; the second backplane assembly includes an uncovered side and a covered side; when the second backplane assembly is assembled to the first backplane assembly, the uncovered side of the second backplane assembly is not covered by the first backplane assembly; when the second backplane assembly is assembled to the first backplane assembly, the covered side of the second backplane assembly is covered by the first backplane assembly; 13. The rail-mounted electronic device of claim 12, wherein the first engagement hook is movably disposed on the second backplane assembly, the first operating portion is exposed from the uncovered side of the second backplane assembly, the first engagement portion is exposed from the covered side of the second backplane assembly, and the first connection portion is received within the second backplane assembly.

14. 14. The rail mounted electronic device of claim 13, wherein a first detent projection is formed on the first connecting portion and a first cooperating detent projection is formed on the second backplane assembly and configured to abut against the first detent projection to stop the first engagement hook in the first disengaged position.

15. 15. The rail mounted electronic device of claim 14, wherein the first detent protrusion passes over the first cooperating detent protrusion when the first engagement hook moves from the first engaged position to the first disengaged position.

16. the first cooperating abutment surface is configured to abut against the first abutment surface to drive the first engagement hook from the first engagement position to a first predetermined position; 16. The rail mounted electronic device of claim 15, wherein when the first engagement hook moves from the first engagement position to the first predetermined position, the first detent protrusion does not pass past the first cooperating detent protrusion.

17. The rail mounted electronic device of claim 13 , wherein the first engagement assembly further comprises a first return component configured to bias the first engagement hook to move toward the first engagement position.

18. 14. The rail-mounted electronic device of claim 13, wherein a first guide structure is formed on the first connecting portion, and a first cooperating guide structure is formed on the second backplane assembly and configured to cooperate with the first guide structure to guide the first engagement hook.

19. 20. The rail-mounted electronic device of claim 18, wherein the first guide structure is a guide slot structure and the first cooperating guide structure is a guide post structure that passes through the first guide structure and is movable within the first guide structure in a longitudinal direction of the first guide structure.

20. The rail mounted electronic device of claim 13 , wherein at least one first facilitating protrusion is formed on the first connecting portion and configured to facilitate movement of the first engagement hook.

21. 14. The rail-mounted electronic device of claim 13, wherein a direction of assembly of the second backplane assembly with respect to the first backplane assembly is perpendicular to a direction of movement of the first engagement hook with respect to the second backplane assembly.

22. The rail mounted electronic device of claim 13 , wherein the uncovered side of the second backplane assembly is a top or bottom surface of the second backplane assembly.

23. the first module further includes a first removable assembly removably mounted to the first backplane assembly; the second module further includes a second removable assembly removably attached to the second backplane assembly; 14. The rail-mounted electronic device of claim 13, wherein the uncovered side of the second backplane assembly is not covered by the second removable assembly when the second removable assembly is assembled to the second backplane assembly.

24. Further, a third module is provided, the third module comprising: a third backplane assembly attached to the rail and configured to be removably assembled to the second backplane assembly; the second backplane assembly is located between the first backplane assembly and the third backplane assembly when the second backplane assembly and the third backplane assembly are assembled to the first backplane assembly and the second backplane assembly, respectively; the third backplane assembly includes an uncovered side and a covered side; when the third backplane assembly is assembled to the second backplane assembly, the uncovered side of the third backplane assembly is not covered by the second backplane assembly; and when the third backplane assembly is assembled to the second backplane assembly, the covered side of the third backplane assembly is covered by the second backplane assembly; and a third removable assembly removably assembled to the third backplane assembly, wherein when the third removable assembly is assembled to the third backplane assembly, the uncovered side of the third backplane assembly is not covered by the third removable assembly; Further, a second engagement assembly is provided, the second engagement assembly comprising: a second slot structure formed in the second backplane assembly; a second engagement hook disposed on the third backplane assembly and movable relative to the third backplane assembly between a second engaged position and a second disengaged position; The second engagement hook is a second operating portion exposed from the uncovered side of the third backplane assembly; and a second engagement portion exposed from the covered side of the third backplane assembly, the second engagement portion engaged with the second slot structure when the second engagement hook is in the second engagement position, and the second engagement portion disengaged from the second slot structure when the second engagement hook is in the second disengagement position; and 14. The rail mounted electronic device of claim 13, further comprising a second connection portion connected between the second operating portion and the second engagement portion and received within the third backplane assembly.

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