Mounting bracket assembly

Abstract

A mounting bracket assembly for mounting a hardware component to at least one rail, with a base mountable to the at least one rail to form a translation joint in at least two indexed orientations of the base relative to the at least one rail, the translation joint lockable along the at least one rail in a selected one of the at least two indexed orientations. An interfacing part of mounting bracket assembly is securable to the hardware component, and engageable to the base in an engagement direction via a complementary male-female connection between the interfacing part and the base, the complementary male-female connection defining a mechanical interference in directions transverse to the engagement direction, the engagement direction depending on the selected one of the at least two indexed orientations of the base.

Description

MOUNTING BRACKET ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 568,528 filed March 22, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application generally relates to jointing methods and components of mechanical assemblies and, more particularly to mounting brackets for mounting hardware components to rails of modular machinery and workstation frames.BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0003] The design process of machines, workstations, and like industrial equipment may involve the utilization of modular structural components adapted, sized and dimensioned for adequate interoperability and load support. Frames of industrial equipment may include various frame members, including rail extrusions for example, on which different types of hardware components may be mounted to create a complete assembled equipment. Connection of hardware components to such frame members may require the selection of several different connectors or brackets to obtain adequate and compatible connection between those hardware components and the frame members. The selection and use of different generic connectors or brackets to adapt for custom needs may complicate the design process. Additionally, generic connectors or brackets may be inconvenient to adapt to various mounting orientations and / or to cooperate with rails.SUMMARY

[0004] There is a need for an improved quick-mounting solution for the connection of various hardware components to rails.

[0005] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a mounting bracket assembly for mounting a hardware component to at least one rail, the mounting bracket assembly comprising: a base mountable to the at least one rail to form a translation joint in at least two indexed orientations of the base relative to the at least one rail, the translation joint lockable along the at least one rail in a selected one of the at least two indexed orientations; an interfacing part securable to the hardware component, the interfacing part engageable to the base in an engagement direction via a complementary male-female connection between the interfacing partand the base, the complementary male-female connection defining a mechanical interference in directions transverse to the engagement direction, the engagement direction depending on the selected one of the at least two indexed orientations of the base.

[0006] Further in accordance with the above aspect, for example, the complementary malefemale connection has a tapered dovetail jointing configuration.

[0007] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the base includes a socket, the socket defining a female part of the male-female connection, the socket having a socket opening at an upper end of the base.

[0008] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the socket has opposite side walls extending from the upper end toward a bottom end of the base, the side walls tapering towards the bottom end of the base.

[0009] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, a tapering angle of the side walls is 30 degrees ± 5 degrees.

[0010] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the side walls are angularly facing towards a rear wall of the socket.

[0011] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, a dovetail angle between respective side walls and the rear wall is 60 degrees ± 5 degrees.

[0012] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the socket has a bottom wall extending between the opposite side walls of the socket, the bottom wall is angularly facing towards the rear wall of the socket.

[0013] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the bottom wall and the rear wall extends at a same dovetail angle as that of the respective side walls with respect to the rear wall.

[0014] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the base has a locking feature configured to lock in the interfacing part engaged with the base, the locking features including a plug within the socket that is configured to engage with a corresponding feature of the interfacing part.

[0015] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the plug is defined by a male projection protruding from a wall of the socket.

[0016] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the locking feature of the base includes a threaded bore adapted to receive a fastener to lock the interfacing part in an engagement position within the socket.

[0017] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the interfacing part has a complementary configuration with respect to the side walls of the socket.

[0018] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, at least one of the base and the interfacing part include one or more detent configured for engaging with corresponding retention features of the other one of the base and the interfacing part upon complementary engagement of the base and the interfacing part.

[0019] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the base has mounting interfaces having a position pattern on the base that is such that: a first pair of the mounting interfaces is generally aligned with a first rail when the translation joint is locked in a first one of the at least two indexed orientations, and a second pair of the mounting interfaces is generally aligned with the first rail when the translation joint is locked in a second one of the at least two indexed orientations.

[0020] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the position pattern of the mounting interfaces is such that: when the translation joint is locked in the second one of the at least two indexed orientations, one of the mounting interfaces of the first pair of the mounting interfaces is generally aligned with the first rail, and the other one of the mounting interfaces of the first pair of the mounting interfaces is generally aligned with a second rail, the first rail and the second rail laterally spaced; and when the translation joint is locked in the first one of the at least two indexed orientations, one of the mounting interfaces of the second pair of the mounting interfaces is generally aligned with the first rail, and a third pair of mounting interfaces of the mounting interfaces is generally aligned with the second rail.

[0021] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the mounting interfaces of the third pair of the mounting interfaces are located on opposite sides of the interfacing part engaged with the base, the third pair of the mounting interfaces are slots opened to opposite sides of the base.

[0022] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the mounting interfaces of the first pair of the mounting interfaces are located on opposite sides of a median plane of the interfacing part engaged with the base.

[0023] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the mounting interfaces of the second pair of the mounting interfaces are intersected by a median plane of the interfacing part engaged with the base.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a kit for assembling a modular machine assembly, the kit comprising: a plurality of rail extrusions each having at least one rail; and a mounting bracket assembly with any one of the above aspects for mounting a module housing on the at least one rail of a rail extrusion of the plurality of rail extrusions.

[0025] In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a method for mounting a hardware component of a modular machine assembly on at least one rail, the method comprising: mounting a base of a mounting assembly along the at least one rail to form a translation joint in a selected one of a plurality of indexed orientations of the base relative to the at least one rail, locking the translation joint along the at least one rail in the selected one of the plurality of indexed orientations; and engaging an interfacing part of the mounting assembly with the base in an engagement direction via a complementary male-female connection between the interfacing part and the base, the engagement direction depending on the selected one of the plurality of indexed orientations of the base.

[0026] Further in accordance with the above aspect, for example, engaging the interfacing part with the base includes sliding the interfacing part in a socket of the base.

[0027] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, engaging the interfacing part with the base includes aligning side walls of the interfacing part with corresponding side walls of socket.

[0028] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, engaging the interfacing part with the base includes aligning tapered side walls of the interfacing part with correspondingly tapered side walls of the socket.

[0029] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, engaging the interfacing part includes aligning tapered dovetail side walls of the interfacing part with correspondingly tapered dovetail side walls of the socket.

[0030] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, engaging the interfacing part with the base includes engaging one or more detent of one of the interfacing part and the base with corresponding retention features of the other one of the interfacing part and the base upon complementary engagement of the base and the interfacing part.

[0031] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, engaging the interfacing part with the base includes engaging a notch of the interfacing part with a plug of the base, the notch of the interfacing part extending between two fork sections of the interfacing part.

[0032] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the method further comprises locking the interfacing part onto the base.

[0033] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, locking the interfacing part onto the base includes engaging a fastener in respective locking features of the interfacing part and the base.

[0034] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, mounting the base along the rat least one rail to form the translation joint includes aligning at least two mounting interfaces with the at least one rail.

[0035] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the method further comprises fastening the base on the at least one rail through the at least two mounting interfaces to lock the translation joint.

[0036] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the method further comprises, prior to mounting the base, selecting one indexed orientation of the at least two indexed orientation, the at least two indexed orientation including a first indexed orientation in which the at least two mounting interfaces are aligned with the at least one rail, and a second indexed orientation in which at least two other mounting interfaces of the base are aligned with the at least one rail.

[0037] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, engaging the interfacing part with the base in the engagement direction includes engaging the interfacing part with the base in the engagement direction that is aligned with the at least one rail = in the first indexed orientation or that is transverse with the at least one rail in the second indexed orientation.

[0038] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the method further comprises securing the interfacing part on the hardware component via at least one mounting interface of the interfacing part, the mounting interfaces having a mounting interface pattern corresponding to a connector pattern of the hardware component.

[0039] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, locking the translation joint along the at least one rail in the selected one of the plurality of indexed orientations is performed prior to engaging an interfacing part of the mounting assembly with the base.

[0040] Many further features and combinations thereof concerning the present disclosure will appear to those skilled in the art following a reading of the present disclosure.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket assembly mounted to an exemplary rail extrusion, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 2A is a front elevation view of the mounting bracket assembly mounted to the exemplary rail extrusion of Fig. 1 , in one indexed orientation.

[0043] Fig. 2B is another front elevation view of the mounting bracket assembly mounted to the rail extrusion of Fig. 1 , in another indexed orientation.

[0044] Fig. 2C is a front elevation view of the mounting bracket assembly of Fig. 1 mounted to another exemplary rail extrusion, in one indexed orientation.

[0045] Fig. 2D is another front elevation view of the mounting bracket assembly of Fig. 1 mounted to the exemplary rail extrusion shown in Fig. 2C, in another indexed orientation.

[0046] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a base of the mounting bracket assembly of Fig. 1 .

[0047] Fig. 3B is a front elevation view of the base of Fig. 3A.

[0048] Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the base of Fig. 3A, taken in plane 3C-3C of Fig. 3B.

[0049] Fig. 3D is a top view of the base of Fig. 3A.

[0050] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of an interfacing part of the mounting bracket assembly of Fig. 1.

[0051] Fig. 4B is a rear elevation view of the interfacing part of Fig. 4A.

[0052] Fig. 4C is a front elevation view of the interfacing part of Fig. 4A.

[0053] Fig. 4D is a top view of the interfacing part of Fig. 4A.

[0054] Fig. 5A is an exploded perspective view of the mounting bracket assembly of Fig. 1 .

[0055] Fig. 5B is another perspective view of the mounting bracket assembly of Fig. 1 , viewed from the rear thereof.

[0056] Fig. 5C is another perspective view of the mounting bracket assembly of Fig. 1 , viewed from the rear thereof, with partial transparency.

[0057] Fig. 5D is another perspective view of the mounting bracket assembly of Fig. 1 , viewed from the rear thereof, with partial transparency.

[0058] Fig. 6A is an exploded assembly view of parts of the mounting bracket assembly of Fig. 1 interfacing between a rail extrusion and a component to be mounted thereto.

[0059] Fig. 6B is a perspective view showing the mounting of the component shown in Fig. 6A via the mounting bracket assembly 10 of Fig. 1 .DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Fig. 1 shows an example of a mounting bracket assembly 10 that is mounted to a section of a frame. The mounting bracket assembly 10 described herein may provide the ability to mount many different styles of objects. In some applications, the assembly 10 is configured to mount hardware components such as electronic modules (or housings of such modules), such as control or safety electronics housing or modules, on the frame. Other non-limiting examples of hardware components could include controllers, pneumatic components, actuators, switches, user interfaces, sensors, and power supplies.

[0061] In at least some embodiments, the mounting bracket assembly 10 is configured to be mounted on compatible frame members, or, stated otherwise, the mounting bracket assembly 10 may be specifically designed for mounting on dedicated frame members. Referring to Fig. 1 andFigs. 2A-2D, the frame includes a rail extrusion 12. As seen in Figs. 2A-2B, the rail extrusion 12 may be a double rail (e.g., T-slot) extrusion 12A. The frame may include a single rail (e.g., T-slot) extrusion 12B, as another possibility illustrated in Figs. 2C-2D. The rail extrusions 12 may have a T-slot configuration as described in U.S. Patent No. 10,662,650 (incorporated herein by reference), for example. As shown in Figs. 2A-2D, the mounting bracket assembly 10 includes features allowing the mounting of hardware components in a plurality of indexed orientations relative to the different rail extrusions (12A, 12B).

[0062] The mounting of an exemplary electronic module on a rail extrusion 12 via the mounting bracket assembly 10 is illustrated in Figs. 6A-6B.

[0063] Components of the mounting bracket assembly 10 will now be described.

[0064] Returning to Fig. 1 , the mounting bracket assembly 10 includes a base 20 mountable along the rail extrusion 12 to form a translation joint in a plurality of (at least two) indexed orientations relative to a rail. The translation joint is lockable along the rail extrusion 12 such that the position of the base 20 along the rail extrusion 12 may be locked in a selected one of these indexed orientations. An interfacing part 30 is configured for acting as a support of a hardware component to be mounted to the rail extrusion 12. The interfacing part 30 is securable to the hardware component. The interfacing part 30 is engageable to the base 20 in an engagement direction via a complementary male-female connection between the base 20 and the interfacing part 30. The complementary male-female connection defines a mechanical interference in directions transverse to an engagement direction of the interfacing part 30 on the base 20. As the base 20 may be mounted in a plurality of indexed orientations relative to the rail(s), the engagement direction (or spatial orientation) of the interfacing part 30 on the base 20 is a function of the selected indexed orientation of the base 20. The base 20 and the interfacing part 30 cooperate to define a secured connection between the hardware component to be mounted on the rail extrusion 12 and such rail extrusion 12. Once assembled, the base 20 and the interfacing part 30 allow for a quick-mounting solution and toolless removable connection of a component (e.g., hardware components described above) to the frame, and provide the required retention strength to support such component onto the frame in a desired indexed orientation.

[0065] When these the base 20 and the interfacing part 30 are assembled, a total thickness of the mounting bracket assembly 10 is relatively thin. The mounting bracket assembly 10 with the base 20 and the interfacing part 30 engaged together have a low profile such that thecomponent mounted to the frame via the mounting bracket assembly 10 may remain in relatively close proximity with the rail extrusion 12, thereby minimizing the force moment induced at the connecting interface by the weight of the component, and / or also minimizing the distance a mounted component protrudes from the frame for spatial and safety clearances. In an assembled state, the mounting bracket assembly 10 has a generally plate-like or flat profile. The interfacing part 30 fits substantially within a receiving portion of the base 20.

[0066] Referring to Figs. 3A-3D, the base 20 is generally flat, or of plate like format. The base 20 has an upper end and an opposite bottom end. The base 20 has a forward face (Fig. 3B) facing away from the rail extrusion 12 once mounted thereon, and an opposite rearward face facing towards it. The base 20 has a maximum thickness T1 taken between the forward face and the rearward face that is generally even. The maximum thickness T1 corresponds substantially to the overall thickness of the mounting bracket assembly 10 in an assembled state, namely when the base 20 and the interfacing part are engaged to each other. The monikers “bottom” and “upper” are used with reference to the orientation of the base 20 in the figures and their relative positions. It should be understood that the spatial orientation of the base 20 assembled in a machine assembly (for example) might be different. The referred-to bottom end and upper end are not to be considered with respect to a referential fixed with respect to the ground. For example, the base 20 may be mounted sideways or upside down with respect to the ground, such that its upper end may face toward the ground or at angle with respect thereto, and its bottom end may face upwardly, depending on the mounting orientation.

[0067] The base 20 includes a socket 21. The socket 21 provides the female part of the complementary male-female connection between the base 20 and the interfacing part 30. The socket 21 has a recess 21 A for receiving at least partially the body of the interfacing part 30. The socket 21 extends from an upper end of the base 20. As shown, the recess 21 A extends from the upper end face of the base 20. The recess 21 A is open on the forward face of the base 20. A depth D1 of the recess 21 A from the forward face corresponds to a substantial proportion of the overall thickness of the mounting bracket assembly 10 in the assembled state. In an embodiment, the depth D1 of the recess 21A may be at least 80% the thickness T1 of the base 20. In the embodiment shown, the socket 21 has faces configured for complementary engagement with corresponding faces of the interfacing part 30 (further described later). The socket 21 has a socket opening 22 at the upper end of the base 20. The socket opening 22 is defined in the upper end face of the base 20. The socket opening 22 provides access to the recess 21 A from the upper end face of the base 20. The socket 21 has side walls 23. The side walls 23 extend from theupper end toward the bottom end of the base 20. The opposite side walls 23 delimit laterally the socket opening 22.

[0068] In the embodiment shown, the side walls 23 taper towards the bottom end of the base 20. The tapered shape of the socket 21 may facilitate the axial indexation of the interfacing part 30 and the socket 21 during engagement. In at least some embodiments, the tapering angle 0 (Fig. 3B) may be 30 degrees (± 5 degrees). Narrower or wider tapering angle could also be contemplated in some other embodiments. The tapering angle 0 may be constant or vary. The side walls 23 may be mirrored relative to a median plane MMP (Fig. 3B), though this is only one possibility. They could be asymmetrical in variants.

[0069] In the embodiment shown, the side walls 23 are also dovetailed. The dovetail configuration is such that the side walls 23 are angularly facing towards a rear wall 25 of the socket 21 . In at least some embodiments, the dovetail angle p (Fig. 3B) may be 60 degrees (+-5 degrees). Narrower or wider dovetail angle p could also be contemplated in some other embodiments.

[0070] A tapered dovetail jointing between the interfacing part 30 and the base 20 may allow quick and sturdy engagement, with axial indexation and great retention strength against loads induced at the jointing interface by the supported hardware components. A male-female connection having a tapered dovetail jointing configuration as shown is one possibility. While such configuration may be advantageous at least for the above reasons, other configurations of malefemale connection could be contemplated, e.g., non-tapered dovetail configuration, or other malefemale connection having a complementary engagement in relative translation might be possible.

[0071] As described later, side walls of the interfacing part 30 may have a complementary configuration with respect to the side walls 23 of the socket 21 such that, upon engagement of the interfacing part 30 in the socket 21 , a mechanical interference is achieved in directions transverse to the engagement direction, including in a forward direction relative to the base 20, i.e., direction projecting forwardly relative to the forward face of the base 20.

[0072] As shown, the socket 21 has a bottom wall 24. The bottom wall 24 may define a bottom end of the socket 21 . The bottom wall 24 extends between the opposite side walls 23 and may join them. In at least some embodiments, the bottom wall 24 may have the same dovetail configuration as the socket side walls 23. For example, the dovetail angle p described above for the side walls 23 may be similar or identical for the bottom wall 24. The bottom wall 24 without adovetail configuration or with a dovetail angle different than that of the side walls 23 could also be contemplated.

[0073] As shown, the socket 21 has a rear wall 25. The rear wall 25 extends between the opposite side walls 23 and may join them. The rear wall 25 may have a generally flat face. In at least some embodiments, the rear wall 25 may define one or more detent 26 configured for engaging with corresponding retention features of the interfacing part 30 upon complementary engagement of the base 20 and the interfacing part 30. The detent 26 may be defined by a through hole in the rear wall 25, a recess, such as a hemispherical (or other shapes) recess, or otherwise. The corresponding retention features are further described herein below. Variants may not include such a rear wall 25. In such variants, detent 26 and corresponding retention features, if present, may be located somewhere else, as will be further described herein below.

[0074] In at least some embodiments, the base 20 may have a locking feature 27 configured to lock in the interfacing part 30 engaged with the base 20. In the embodiment shown, the locking feature 27 includes a plug 27A within the socket 21 that is configured to engage with a corresponding feature of the interfacing part 30. In the embodiment shown, the plug 27A is defined by a male projection, here in the form of a solid body, protruding from the socket rear wall 25, as an example. The plug 27A may also serve as a guiding feature to further facilitate the alignment of the interfacing part 30 during engagement with the base 20. As shown, the locking feature 27 of the base 20 may include a threaded bore 27B adapted to receive a fastener (e.g., locking screw) to lock the interfacing part 30 in its engagement position. A stronger, more permanent fixing solution may thus be achieved, if desired.

[0075] With additional reference to Fig, 3B, the base 20 has mounting interfaces 28 adapted to align with one (or more) rail of the rail extrusion 12 when the base 20 is mounted thereon and oriented in one of the contemplated indexed orientations. In the embodiment shown, the mounting interfaces 28 include bores 28A extending through the base 20 from the forward face to the rearward face thereof. As illustrated in Fig. 3A, they may have a counterbore to receive a fastener head. A countersink could also be contemplated. The mounting interfaces 28 may include slots 28B, as shown. As shown, the slots are located on opposite sides of the interfacing part 30 (or socket 21). The slots 28B are opened to the opposite sides of the base 20. While the mounting interfaces 28 at such location are slots 28B, this is optional. For example, they could be bores such as the bores 28A shown, or other types of mounting interfaces.

[0076] The mounting interfaces 28 have a position pattern on the base 20 that is adapted to provide a plurality of mounting orientations on either one or both of a single rail extrusion 12A and a double rail extrusion 12B. The location of the mounting interfaces 28 relative to each other is such that the base 20 may be mounted to a rail extrusion 12 in a plurality of indexed orientations. For example, some mounting interfaces 28 may be generally aligned with a respective rail in a first indexed orientation, e.g., the base 20 aligned top to bottom in the same orientation as the rail extrusion 12, and some other mounting interfaces 28 may be generally aligned with the rail in a second indexed orientation, e.g., the base 20 extending top to bottom in a normal orientation relative to the orientation of the rail extrusion 12. These indexed orientations are illustrated in Figs. 2A, 2C (first indexed orientation) and Figs. 2B, 2D (second indexed orientation). In Figs. 2A- 2B where the mounting is shown on a double rail extrusion 12A, at least one mounting interface 28 is aligned with each rail of the double rail extrusion 12A, whether the base 20 is mounted in the first or second indexed orientations. As such, in the embodiment shown, where fasteners (e.g., bolts with sliding nut, or other fasteners) may be used to connect the base 20 to the rail extrusion 12, at least one fastener may engage with each of the rails of the double rail extrusion 12A in these two indexed orientations for a sturdy connection of the base 20 to the rail extrusion 12. In Figs. 2C-2D, it is shown that at least two mounting interfaces 28 are aligned with the single rail of the single rail extrusion 12B, to ensure that the base 20 is angularly constrained in the selected indexed orientation while the translation joint between the base 20 and the rail extrusion 12B is not locked. The pattern is adapted to accommodate a minimum of two mounting screws (or other types of fasteners) on the single or double rail extrusions 12A, 12B as shown. Referring to Figs. 2A to 2D, in at least some embodiments, the position pattern of the mounting interfaces 28 of the base 20 is such that a first pair of the mounting interfaces 28i is generally aligned with a rail of the rail extrusion 12 when the translation joint is locked in a first one of the at least two indexed orientations (Fig. 2D), and a second pair of the mounting interfaces 282 is generally aligned with such rail of the rail extrusion 12 when the translation joint is locked in a second one of the at least two indexed orientations (Fig. 2C).

[0077] The position pattern of the mounting interfaces 28 is such that the same base 20 is mountable to the double rail extrusion 12B of Figs. 2A, 2B. As shown in Fig. 2A, when the translation joint is locked in the second one of the at least two indexed orientations, as in Fig. 2C, one of the mounting interfaces 28 of the first pair of the mounting interfaces 28i mentioned above is generally aligned with one rail, and the other one of the mounting interfaces 28 of the first pair of the mounting interfaces 28i is generally aligned with a the other rail of the rail extrusion 12B.As shown in Fig. 2B when the translation joint is locked in the first one of the at least two indexed orientations, as in Fig. 2D, one of the mounting interfaces 28 of the second pair of the mounting interfaces 282 mentioned above is generally aligned with one rail of the double rail extrusion 12B and a third pair of mounting interfaces 283 of the mounting interfaces 28 is generally aligned with the other rail of the double rail extrusion 12B.

[0078] In at least some embodiment, as shown, some mounting interfaces are located on opposite sides of a median plane MMP of the interfacing part 30 engaged with the base 20. Referring to Figs. 2A to 2D, such mounting interfaces may be as those referred to as the first and third pair of mounting interfaces 281,283. Some other mounting interfaces are intersected by the median plane MMP. Such mounting interfaces 28 may be as those referred to as the second pair of mounting interfaces 282 above. Some mounting interfaces 28 are located in an upper half of the base 20 (the referred to third pair of mounting interfaces 283), on opposite sides of the socket 21 . Some mounting interfaces 28 are located lowerthan the socket 21 , yet may still be considered as positioned on opposite sides of the median plane MMP (or a projection thereof). These lower mounting interfaces 28 can be as those referred to above as the first and second pairs of mounting interfaces 28i, 282.

[0079] More than two indexed orientations could be achieved. For example, depending on the spacing between the mounting interfaces 28 and / or placement pattern, the orientation of the base 20 could be angled relative to the orientation of the rail(s) so as to align mounting interfaces 28 with a sing rail or with respective rails of a rail extrusion 12, for more indexed orientations of the base 20 relative thereto. The mounting interface pattern may be selected based on the design configuration of the rail extrusion 12, for example the spacing between rails (if a plurality of rails are present), the rail size, rail geometry and / or rail dimensions. In the embodiment shown the mounting interfaces 28 includes bores and / or slots and connection with the rail relies on fastener engagement, however, other mounting interfaces permitting connection of the base 20 to the rail extrusion 12 could be contemplated (e.g., pins, hooks, locks integral with the base 20, etc.).

[0080] In at least some embodiments, the base 20 may have protective pads 29. As shown in Fig. 3A, the protective pads 29 may project from the forward face of the base 20. The protective pads 29 may be nylon pads. The protective pads 29 may prevent unwanted scraping between the base 20 and the body of the hardware component to be supported by the mounting bracket assembly 10. The protective pads 29 are optional.

[0081] In an embodiment, the base 20 is made of aluminum, for its lightweight and / or mechanical properties, though other materials could be contemplated, e.g., steel, polymeric materials (e.g., HDPE or other thermoplastic materials).

[0082] Referring to Figs. 4A-4C, the interfacing part 30 of the mounting bracket assembly 10 has a body 31 . The body 31 has an upper end and an opposite bottom end. As mentioned above for the base 20, the monikers “bottom” and “upper” are used with reference to the orientation of the interfacing part 30 in the figures and their relative positions. It should be understood that the spatial orientation of the interfacing part 30 assembled in a machine assembly (for example) might be different. The referred-to bottom end and upper end are therefore not to be considered with respect to referential fixed with respect to the ground. The interfacing part 30 has a forward face facing the component to be mounted once assembled thereto, and an opposite rearward face facing the rear wall 25 of the base 20 when engaged with the base 20. The interfacing part 30 (and / or body 31) has a thickness T2 measured between the forward face and the rearward face of the body 31. The thickness T2 substantially corresponds to the overall thickness of the mounting bracket assembly 10 in the assembled state. As described above, the interfacing part 30 is substantially recessed in the recess 21 A of the base 20. Stated differently, the interfacing part 30 is substantially embedded into the base 20. The depth D1 of the recess 21 A is such that the interfacing part 30, once engaged therein, does not project substantially from the forward face of the base 20 on the forward face thereof. In an embodiment, the depth D1 may be at least 90% of the thickness T2 of the body 31 of the interfacing part 30. In an embodiment, the forward face of the interfacing part 30 may be flush with the forward face of the base 20, upon engagement of the interfacing part 30 with the base 20. The forward face of the interfacing part 30 may project from the forward face of the base 20 by no more than 10% of the thickness T2 of the body 31.

[0083] The body 31 is configured for complementary engagement with the socket 21 of the base 20. The body 31 has side walls 33, bottom walls 34 and a rear wall 35 (Fig. 4C). The side walls 33 extend between the upper end and the bottom end of the body 31. The opposite side walls 33 define lateral faces of the body 31 that are configured for facing towards the corresponding side walls 23 of the base 20. As indicated above, the side walls 23, 33 may have a complementary configuration. As similarly described herein above with respect to the base 20, the side walls 33 may taper towards the bottom end of the interfacing part 30. The tapered shape may facilitate the axial indexation of the interfacing part 30 and the socket 21 of the base 20 during engagement. The tapering angle of the side walls 33 may be the same as that described above with respect to the side walls 23 of the base 20. The corresponding side walls 23, 33 may have aslide fit, though a loose fit, for example, could also be contemplated. In the embodiment shown, the side walls 33 have a corresponding tapered dovetail configuration with respect to the side walls 23 of the base 20. As similarly described above with respect to the base 20, the dovetail configuration is such that the side walls 33 are angularly facing oppositely away from the rearward face of the interfacing part 30. The dovetail angle of the side walls 33 may be the same (or similar, depending on manufacturing tolerances) as that described above with respect to the side walls 23 of the base 20. Upon engagement thereof in the socket 21 , a mechanical interference is achieved in directions transverse to the engagement direction of the interfacing part 30 in the socket 21 of the base 20, as described above. A tapered dovetail jointing between the interfacing part 30 and the base 20 may allow quick and sturdy engagement, with axial indexation and great retention strength against loads induced by the supporting of the hardware component at the jointing interface.

[0084] The body 31 has a bottom wall 34 which merges with the side walls 33 at the bottom end of the body 31 . In at least some embodiments, the bottom wall 34 may have the same dovetail configuration as the side walls 33 and / or bottom wall 24 of the base 20. For example, the dovetail angle p described above may be similar or identical for the bottom wall 24. The bottom wall 34 without a dovetail configuration could also be contemplated. In variants, the male-female connection between the base 20 and the interfacing part 30 could be reversed, such that the base 20 may define the male part of the male-female connection and the interfacing part 30 may define the female part of the male-female connection.

[0085] As shown in Figs. 4C-4D, the rear face of the body 31 may be generally flat. Once the body 31 is engaged in the socket 21 , the rear face of the body 31 may face the rear wall 25 (if present) of the socket 21. The body 31 may include retention features or latch 36 configured for engaging with corresponding features of the base 20 to produce a retention strength against disengagement of the interfacing part 30 from the base 20 when the interfacing part 30 is in its engaged position within the socket 21 . The location of the retention features 36 is such that they may align with the detent 26 of the base 20 once the interfacing part 30 gains its engaged position within the socket 21. In the embodiment shown, the retention feature 36 are embedded into the rear face of the body 31 . The retention feature 36 may be a plunger, such as a spring plunger. The spring plunger may be a spring-loaded ball plunger, for example. The plunger may be press- fit (or otherwise fixedly attached to the body 31). The plunger, or other retention feature 36 could be an integral part of the body 31 , as another possibility. While the detent 26 and retention feature 36 are described as respective parts of the base 20 and the interfacing part 30, they could bereversed and still provide a biased connection between them. A pair of retention features 36 are shown, though more or less retention features 36 could be present in variants. In variants, the retention feature 36 and corresponding detent 26 may be located elsewhere. For example, the retention features 36 may be incorporated into the base 20 protruding from the side walls 23, and detent 26 into the corresponding side walls 33 of the interfacing part 30 (or vice versa). While a biased connection producing a retention strength against disengagement of the interfacing part30 with the base 20 may be advantageous for a more sturdy connection, and yet allowing quick disconnection of the interfacing part 30 and the base 20 without any tool, embodiments without such features could be contemplated. Alternate retention features with varying retention strengths could be used to tailor the retention strength to the application, as another possibility.

[0086] As described above, the interfacing part 30 may be locked in its engaged position within the socket 21. The interfacing part 30 may have a locking feature 37 configured to cooperate with the locking feature 27 of the base 20. In the embodiment shown, the body 31 of the interfacing part 30 is shaped so as to mate with the plug 27A of the socket 21 described above. As shown, the body 31 has a notch 37A defined therein. The notch 37A extends between two fork sections of the body 31 , from the bottom end of the body 31 . Upon engagement of the interfacing part 30 in the socket 21 of the base 20, the plug 27A engages in the notch 37A. The plug 27A may abut axially at a bottom of the notch 37A when fully engaged. As shown in Figs. 4A, 4D, the interfacing part 30 may include a bore 37B extending from the upper end of the body31 to the notch 37A. The bore 37B may receive a fastener, i.e., the fastener extending through the bore 37B for threading engagement with the threaded bore 27B of the locking feature 27 of the base 20. Locking the engagement of the interfacing part 30 with the base 20 can be achieved differently, e.g., pin, spring pin, lock pin, dowel pin, or via a locking mechanism (e.g., latch and detent).

[0087] The interfacing part 30 is securable to the hardware component. In an embodiment, the interfacing part 30 may be fastened to the hardware component via a fastener, as one possibility. In the embodiment shown, the mounting interfaces 38 include bores 38B extending through the interfacing part 30 from the forward face to the rearward face thereof. As shown in Fig. 4C, they may have a countersink to receive a fastener head. A counterbore could also be contemplated. The bores 38B may receive fasteners for threaded connection with the hardware component to be supported. Other types of mounting interfaces 38 and connection may be contemplated. The mounting interfaces 38 may define part of a male-female connection with complementary features of the hardware component to be mounted therewith (e.g., pin / hole,interlocking features). The mounting interfaces 38 may have a mounting interface pattern that corresponds to a connector pattern of the hardware component to be mounted therewith. A single mounting interface 38 for connection of the interfacing part 30 on the hardware component could also be contemplated.

[0088] In an embodiment, the body 31 is made of polymeric material. Acetal is one possible material for its low friction and / or mechanical properties, though other materials could be contemplated (e.g., other thermoplastic materials, aluminum, steel).

[0089] Referring to Figs. 5A-5D, a method for assembling the interfacing part 30 and the base 20 is illustrated. As shown, the interfacing part 30 may come into general alignment with the socket opening 22 of the base 20. The engagement of the interfacing part 30 in the socket 21 of the base 20 follows an engagement direction. The engagement direction may be generally axial, as shown. The engagement direction may be parallel to the face of the rail extrusion 12 that mates with the base 20. The interfacing part 30 may not be perfectly aligned with the socket 21 when engagement is initiated. The complementary tapered shape of the side walls 23, 33 and the plug 27A (see previous figures) of the base 20 may guide the initial engagement and index the interfacing part 30 relative to the base 20 during engagement. In Fig. 5B, the interfacing part 30 is shown in its fully engaged position within the socket 21 . The retention features 36 and the detent 26 are aligned, such that the retention strength produced by the biased connection between them may contribute to a more secured retention of the interfacing part 30 into the socket 21 , yet allow a toolless disconnection, if need be. Once in the engaged position, as seen in Figs. 5C-5D, the respective locking features 27, 37 of the base 20 and the interfacing part 30 may cooperate to allow the locking of the interfacing part 30 onto the base 20. As shown, a fastener may engage the bores 27B, 37B (which are generally aligned) of the base 20 and the interfacing part 30 to secure the two parts together. As mentioned earlier, other types of locking features or ways to secure them can be contemplated. Removal of the fastener and performing reversed steps may allow disengagement of the interfacing part 30 from the base 20. Prior to or after assembling the base 20 and the interfacing part 30, the base 20 may be mounted along the rail extrusion 12 in the desired indexed orientation. The base 20 may be displaceable in translation along the rail for placement of the base 20 before it being locked in place at a desired location along the rail. The base 20 may be movably engaged to the rail extrusion in one of the contemplated indexed orientations. As the engaged base 20 translates along the rail extrusion 12, the selected indexed orientation may be maintained, until the base 20 is ultimately locked in place via its mounting interfaces 28.

[0090] Referring to Figs. 6A and 6B, the mounting bracket assembly 10 may be part of a modular machine assembly (or kit) including a plurality of rail extrusions 12 forming the skeleton of the frame, and various hardware components to be mounted to the rail extrusions 12 as mentioned herein above. A kit for assembling such a modular machine assembly may include one (or more) mounting bracket assembly 10 for mounting one or more of such hardware components to the frame, quickly and sturdily, in a plurality of indexed orientations. The modularity of the components of such machine assembly, and versatility of a multipurpose mounting bracket assembly, as the mounting bracket assembly 10, configured for mounting on a rail extrusion 12 may provide a simplified design process and assembly of custom machines, workstations and the like. The quick-mounting solution for connection of the electronic modules in such machine assembly, workstations and the like may ease installation and cabling when building the machine or troubleshooting.

[0091] In view of the foregoing, a method for mounting a hardware component of a modular machine assembly on a rail, such as on a rail extrusion (12, 12A, 12B) having at least one rail is now described. The method includes mounting the base 20 of the mounting bracket assembly 10 along the rail to form a translation joint in a selected one of a plurality of indexed orientations, as shown in Figs. 2A-2D, of the base 20 relative to the rail. The translation joint is locked along the rail in the selected one of the plurality of indexed orientations. An interfacing part 30 is engaged with the base 20 in an engagement direction via a complementary male-female connection between the interfacing part 30 and the base 20. The engagement direction depends on the selected one of the plurality of indexed orientations of the base 20. The locking of the translation joint along the rail can be performed prior to or after engaging the interfacing part 30 with the base 20.

[0092] The engagement of the interfacing part 30 with the base 20 may include sliding movement of the interfacing part 30 in a socket 21 of the base 20. The engagement of the interfacing part 30 with the base 20 may include aligning side walls 33 of the interfacing part 30 with corresponding side walls 23 of socket 21 . The engagement of the interfacing part 30 with the base 20 may include aligning tapered side walls 33 of the interfacing part 30 with correspondingly tapered side walls 23 of the socket 21. The engagement of the interfacing part 30 may include aligning tapered dovetail side walls 33 of the interfacing part 30 with correspondingly tapered dovetail side walls 23 of the socket 21 . The engagement of the interfacing part 30 with the base 20 may include engaging one or more detent 26 of one of the interfacing part 30 and the base 20 with corresponding retention features 36 of the other one of the interfacing part 30 and the base20 upon complementary engagement of the base 20 and the interfacing part 30. The engagement of the interfacing part 30 with the base 20 may include engaging a notch 37A of the interfacing part 30 with a plug 27A of the base 20, the notch 37A of the interfacing part 30 extending between two fork sections of the interfacing part 30.

[0093] The method may further include locking the interfacing part 30 onto the base 20. The locking of the interfacing part 30 onto the base 20 may include engaging a fastener in respective locking features 37, 37 of the interfacing part 30 and the base 20.

[0094] The mounting of the base 20 on the rail to form the translation joint may include aligning at least two mounting interfaces 28 with the rail. The base 20 may be fastened on the rail through the at least two mounting interfaces 28 to lock the translation joint.

[0095] The method may further include, prior to mounting the base 20, selecting one indexed orientation between a first indexed orientation and a second indexed orientation, where in the first indexed orientation the at least two mounting interfaces 28 are aligned with the rail, and in the second indexed orientation at least two other mounting interfaces 28 of the base 20 are aligned with the rail. The first and second indexed orientations may be at a 90-degree angle one with respect to another, for example, on a same rail. The engagement of the interfacing part 30 with the base 20 in the engagement direction may include engaging the interfacing part 30 with the base 20 in an engagement direction that is aligned with a rail in the first indexed orientation or that is transverse with the rail in the second indexed orientation.

[0096] While in most embodiments the rail(s) could be part of a rail extrusion as the embodiments of rail extrusions 12, the rail(s) could be defined as a rail, such as a T-slot / V-slot rail or like slot rail, in a plain bar, flat bar, or like plates and elongated members with such rail(s).

[0097] The interfacing part 30 may be secured on the hardware component prior to engaging the interfacing part 30 with the base 20. The securing of the interfacing part 30 on the hardware component is via mounting interfaces 38 of the interfacing part 30. The mounting interfaces 38 having a mounting interface pattern corresponding to a connector pattern of the hardware component.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . A mounting bracket assembly for mounting a hardware component to at least one rail, the mounting bracket assembly comprising: a base mountable to the at least one rail to form a translation joint in at least two indexed orientations of the base relative to the at least one rail, the translation joint lockable along the at least one rail in a selected one of the at least two indexed orientations; an interfacing part securable to the hardware component, the interfacing part engageable to the base in an engagement direction via a complementary male-female connection between the interfacing part and the base, the complementary malefemale connection defining a mechanical interference in directions transverse to the engagement direction, the engagement direction depending on the selected one of the at least two indexed orientations of the base.

2. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 1 , wherein the complementary male-female connection has a tapered dovetail jointing configuration.

3. The mounting bracket assembly of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the base includes a socket, the socket defining a female part of the male-female connection, the socket having a socket opening at an upper end of the base.

4. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 3, wherein the socket has opposite side walls extending from the upper end toward a bottom end of the base, the side walls tapering towards the bottom end of the base.

5. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 4, wherein a tapering angle of the side walls is 30 degrees ± 5 degrees.

6. The mounting bracket assembly of any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the side walls are angularly facing towards a rear wall of the socket.

7. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 6, wherein a dovetail angle between respective side walls and the rear wall is 60 degrees ± 5 degrees.

8. The mounting bracket assembly of any one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the socket has a bottom wall extending between the opposite side walls of the socket, the bottom wall is angularly facing towards the rear wall of the socket.

9. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 8, wherein the bottom wall and the rear wall extends at a same dovetail angle as that of the respective side walls with respect to the rear wall.

10. The mounting bracket assembly of any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the base has a locking feature configured to lock in the interfacing part engaged with the base, the locking features including a plug within the socket that is configured to engage with a corresponding feature of the interfacing part.

11. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 10, wherein the plug is defined by a male projection protruding from a wall of the socket.

12. The mounting bracket assembly of any one of claims 10 and 11 , wherein the locking feature of the base includes a threaded bore adapted to receive a fastener to lock the interfacing part in an engagement position within the socket.

13. The mounting bracket assembly of any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein the interfacing part has a complementary configuration with respect to the side walls of the socket.

14. The mounting bracket assembly of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one of the base and the interfacing part include one or more detent configured for engaging with corresponding retention features of the other one of the base and the interfacing part upon complementary engagement of the base and the interfacing part.

15. The mounting bracket assembly of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the base has mounting interfaces having a position pattern on the base that is such that: a first pair of the mounting interfaces is generally aligned with a first rail when the translation joint is locked in a first one of the at least two indexed orientations, and a second pair of the mounting interfaces is generally aligned with the first rail when the translation joint is locked in a second one of the at least two indexed orientations.

16. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 15, wherein the position pattern of the mounting interfaces is such that: when the translation joint is locked in the second one of the at least two indexed orientations, one of the mounting interfaces of the first pair of the mounting interfaces is generally aligned with the first rail, and the other one of the mountinginterfaces of the first pair of the mounting interfaces is generally aligned with a second rail, the first rail and the second rail laterally spaced; and when the translation joint is locked in the first one of the at least two indexed orientations, one of the mounting interfaces of the second pair of the mounting interfaces is generally aligned with the first rail, and a third pair of mounting interfaces of the mounting interfaces is generally aligned with the second rail.

17. The mounting bracket assembly of claim 16, wherein the mounting interfaces of the third pair of the mounting interfaces are located on opposite sides of the interfacing part engaged with the base, the third pair of the mounting interfaces are slots opened to opposite sides of the base.

18. The mounting bracket assembly of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the mounting interfaces of the first pair of the mounting interfaces are located on opposite sides of a median plane of the interfacing part engaged with the base.

19. The mounting bracket assembly of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the mounting interfaces of the second pair of the mounting interfaces are intersected by a median plane of the interfacing part engaged with the base.

20. A kit for assembling a modular machine assembly, the kit comprising: a plurality of rail extrusions each having at least one rail; and a mounting bracket assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 19 for mounting a module housing on the at least one rail of a rail extrusion of the plurality of rail extrusions.

21. A method for mounting a hardware component of a modular machine assembly on at least one rail, the method comprising: mounting a base of a mounting assembly along the at least one rail to form a translation joint in a selected one of a plurality of indexed orientations of the base relative to the at least one rail, locking the translation joint along the at least one rail in the selected one of the plurality of indexed orientations; andengaging an interfacing part of the mounting assembly with the base in an engagement direction via a complementary male-female connection between the interfacing part and the base, the engagement direction depending on the selected one of the plurality of indexed orientations of the base.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein engaging the interfacing part with the base includes sliding the interfacing part in a socket of the base.

23. The method of any one of claims 21 and 22, wherein engaging the interfacing part with the base includes aligning side walls of the interfacing part with corresponding side walls of socket.

24. The method of any one of claims 21 and 22, wherein engaging the interfacing part with the base includes aligning tapered side walls of the interfacing part with correspondingly tapered side walls of the socket.

25. The method of any one of claims 21 and 22, wherein engaging the interfacing part includes aligning tapered dovetail side walls of the interfacing part with correspondingly tapered dovetail side walls of the socket.

26. The method of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein engaging the interfacing part with the base includes engaging one or more detent of one of the interfacing part and the base with corresponding retention features of the other one of the interfacing part and the base upon complementary engagement of the base and the interfacing part.

27. The method of any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein engaging the interfacing part with the base includes engaging a notch of the interfacing part with a plug of the base, the notch of the interfacing part extending between two fork sections of the interfacing part.

28. The method of any one of claims 21 to 27, further comprising locking the interfacing part onto the base.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein locking the interfacing part onto the base includes engaging a fastener in respective locking features of the interfacing part and the base.

30. The method of any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein mounting the base along the rat least one rail to form the translation joint includes aligning at least two mounting interfaces with the at least one rail.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising fastening the base on the at least one rail through the at least two mounting interfaces to lock the translation joint.

32. The method of any one of claims 30 and 31 , further comprising, prior to mounting the base, selecting one indexed orientation of the at least two indexed orientation, the at least two indexed orientation including a first indexed orientation in which the at least two mounting interfaces are aligned with the at least one rail, and a second indexed orientation in which at least two other mounting interfaces of the base are aligned with the at least one rail.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein engaging the interfacing part with the base in the engagement direction includes engaging the interfacing part with the base in the engagement direction that is aligned with the at least one rail = in the first indexed orientation or that is transverse with the at least one rail in the second indexed orientation.

34. The method of any one of claims 21 to 33, further comprising securing the interfacing part on the hardware component via at least one mounting interface of the interfacing part, the mounting interfaces having a mounting interface pattern corresponding to a connector pattern of the hardware component.

35. The method of any one of claims 21 to 34, wherein locking the translation joint along the at least one rail in the selected one of the plurality of indexed orientations is performed prior to engaging an interfacing part of the mounting assembly with the base.

Images