Rail mounting desiccant unit

• US 10,213,737 B2
• Filed: 10/07/2016
• Issued: 02/26/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mohan Instrumentation Services Limited
• Original Assignee: Mohan Instrumentation Services Limited
• Inventors: Mohan, Daniel
• Primary Examiner(s): Lawrence, Jr., Frank M
• Application Number:
  US15/287,768
• Publication Number:
  US 20170100698A1
• Time in Patent Office: 872 Days
• Field of Search: 961175, 96147, 96148, 96151, 206204, 34 80, 34472, 34473
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2253/106 Silica or silicates
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 53/261 by adsorption
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 53/28 Selection of materials for use as drying agents
• CPC Class Codes: H02B 1/052 Mounting on rails
• CPC Class Codes: H02B 1/28 dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof or flameproof
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0212 Condensation eliminators
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0213 Venting apertures; Constructional details thereof

Abstract

There is provided apparatus for absorbing humidity inside an electrical enclosure and indicating absorption of humidity. The apparatus comprises a housing for a desiccant which is attachable to a rail inside the electrical enclosure, such as a DIN specification rail. The housing also includes a transparent window which allows the desiccant to be visualized.

Claims

1. Apparatus for absorbing humidity inside an electrical enclosure and indicating absorption of said humidity, comprising:

a housing for a desiccant,

said housing being configured for attachment to a rail inside said electrical enclosure; and

said housing comprising;

a transparent window;

a channel configured for receiving a bolt; and

a clamp mechanism at a base of said channel for securing said housing onto said rail.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a desiccant therein and said desiccant is indicating silica gel in a bead form.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said silica gel undergoes a color change upon absorption of humidity.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a lid configured for removal by a tool.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein removal of said lid allows replacement of desiccant in said housing.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said lid comprises a pluralityof air ventilation holes.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said plurality of air ventilation holes are each substantially 0.5 mm in diameter.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1, further wherein said channel is configured for receiving a tool for engaging with head of said bolt.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said channel is tapered as it extends towards said clamp mechanism.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said housing is composed of polycarbonate.

11. An electrical enclosure comprising a rail wherein the housing of the apparatus of claim 1 is attached to said rail.

12. An electrical enclosure according to claim 11, wherein said rail is a top hat terminal rail.

13. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said transparent window is visible when housing is attached to said rail inside said electrical enclosure.

14. A method of attaching apparatus according to claim 1 to a rail inside said electrical enclosure, comprising the following steps:

i) inserting a bolt into a channel on said housing;

ii) tightening said bolt within said channel using a tool;

iii) allowing said bolt to engage with said clamp mechanism at said base of said channel; and

iv) drawing said clamp mechanism towards housing.

15. A method according to claim 14, wherein said channel tapers as it extends towards said clamp mechanism.

16. A method according to claim 14, wherein said tool is a screwdriver.

17. A method according to claim 14, wherein said bolt has a head having a wider diameter than the smallest diameter of said channel.