IMPROVEMENT IN CABINET FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

Field of Invention

More particularly, the present Invention refers to a set of modifications having details that resulted in important improvements in the structural and functional parts of a cabinet which in a general way is also normally called sideboard or electrical panel, which internal and external parts have special cooperative characteristics, so that the set may be used in different commercial or industrial sectors for mounting a variety of mechanical, electrical and electronic components and devices, whether they are for automation or formation of units of an integrated system, low voltage and others, such as it occurs, for instance, in telecommunications, remarkably in the mobile or fixed telephony sector.

State of Art

As it is known of skilled in the art, currently there are different types of electrical panels, also called frames, cabinets or sideboards, designed for having several mechanical, electrical and electronic components and devices in a most variety of activities including also telephony sector.

Therefore, in different situations of electrical distributions or mounting of electrical and electronic components and devices, the use of a sideboard, cabinet or panel is extremely important.

Although there are a huge variety of electrical panels, normally they are metallic boxes having one or more doors, depending on its dimension, all of them equally closed by substantially thin metallic sheets, also regarding to the door, Thus, all electrical panels have internally a structure for providing suitable rigidity to the set.

The structure, as the name itself says, consists of means of supporting and mounting for different parts that form external walls of folded sheets including doors and it also consists of means of coupling of a unity to another and also this same structure, but by inside it also embodies uprights necessary for mounting different components and electrical and electronic devices.

Logically it is fundamental that any electrical panel internally has a structure substantially resistant to characterize a cabinet or sideboard in keeping with the internal equipment to be installed.

Today, there are different types of structure, all of them

obtained with metallic profiles, among which we can mention some shaped in sheet bending press what makes the productive process difficult besides presenting some technical restrictions and many other shaped in automated profiler, what optimizes and considerably improves manufacturing process of profiles and consequently the structure, however, the interconnection between height, width and depth profiles must be equally designed to speed up the mounting and manufacturing process of the components and in the end the resulting sideboard must be resistant to attend different application requirements.

On the other hand, there are different technical teachings that tender for construction of an electrical cabinet, such as those taught in the following documents:

Brazilian references: BR Pl 8406283 deposited on 12/07/1284, frame for distribution sideboard; BR Pl 9.509.578-0 - published on 12/23/1997, frame for a distribution sideboard; BR Pl 9712778-7 - published on 10/19/1999, profile of casing for structure of casing of a distribution sideboard; BR Pl 9509594-2 - published on 09/30/1997, frame for distribution sideboard; BR Pl 9708041-1 - published on 07/27/1999, distribution sideboard having a board structure; BR Pl 9712779-5 - published on 10/19/1999, distribution sideboard; BR Pl 0202231-1 (PCT BR03/000071) published on 04/27/2004, improvement in metallic profile for composition of structures for mounting of electrical boards; BR Pl 0301083-0 (PCT BR2004/000048) - published on 11/3/2004, improvement in metallic profile for composition of structures for mounting of electrical boards; BR Pl 0303969-2 (PCT BR2004/000194) - published on 5/31/2005, improvement in metallic structure for construction of electrical boards/cabinets; and BR Pl 0505152-5 - deposited on 11/22/2005 ; system of structural fixing for construction of cabinets;

Foreign references: FR 74 10 806 - deposited on 03/28/1974; DE 33 44 598 C1 - deposited on 12/09/1983; G 8410 203-9 - deposited on 04/031984; P 37 06 315-A1 - deposited on 02/27/1987; DE 37 31 547.1 - deposited on 09/191987; G 88 13 904.2 - deposited on 11/07/1988; EP 040 22 76 - deposited on 06/051989; FR 89 07 506 - deposited on 05/06/1989; DE 39 39 421 C1 - deposited on 11/291989; IT 220 23 90 U (EP 0 482 685 A2) - deposited on 10/261990; FR 2 674 581 - deposited on 03/261991 ; FR 2 677 084 A1 - deposited on 05/301991 ; DE 41 27 467-9 - deposited on 08/201991 ; DE 41

35 108 A1 - deposited on 10/241991 ; DE 41 40 072.0 A1 - deposited on 12/05/1991 ; US 799,339 (PCT/US92/09748) - deposited on 11/171991 ; G 93 05 941.8 - deposited on 04/20/1993; DE 43 36 204.4 - deposited on 10/23/1993; DE 43 36 285 A1 - deposited on 10/25/1993; DE 43 40 934-2 - deposited on 12/01/1993; DE 44 39 607.4 - deposited on 11/051994; DE 44 39 614 - deposited on 11/051994; DE 195 29 270-7 - deposited on 09/09/1995; DE 195 36 960 C1 - deposited on 10/04/1995; DE 196 09 704.5 - deposited on 03/131996; DE 196 47 791.3 - deposited on 11/191996; DE 196 47 814-6 (PCT EP97/06144) - deposited on 11/191996; DE 196 47 723-9 - deposited on 11/19/1996; DE 196 47 790.5 - deposited on 11/19/1996; DE 196 47 753-0 - deposited on 11/19/1996; DE 196 47 754- 9 - deposited on 11/19/1996; DE 196 47 780.8 - deposited on 11/19/1996, DE 196 47 803.0 - deposited on 11/191996; DE 196 47 781.6 - deposited on 11/19/1996; DE 196 47 822.7 - deposited on 11/19/1996; DE 197 30 430-3 - deposited on 07/16/1997; DE 197 37 489 C1 - deposited on 08/28/1997; DE 298 20 610-2 - deposited on 03/26/1998; DE 198 11 714-0 - deposited on 03/18/1998; NO 1892/98 (PCT/NO 99/00138) deposited on 04/27/1998; DE 198 53 611 - deposited on 11/20/1998; US 6,179,398 B1 - deposited on 01/29/1999; JP 64 868/2000 - deposited on 03/09/2000; JP 352 197/2000 - deposited on 11/20/2000; JP 352 198/2000 - deposited on 11/20/2000; EP 1 115 273 A2 - deposited on 01/05/2000; and DE 101 36 681 A1 - deposited on 07/27/2001.

There is no doubt that the previous art adds a plurality of information that enrich construction of an electrical panel, however, it has been observed that other modifications could be introduced since in the previous art, some constructive aspects tender to make difficult the process of mounting the set and subset.

In the state of art hereinabove mentioned, some details tender to substantially increase the number of components used for structuring of the set, consequently, there are non desired results, not only as to set mounting steps, but also as to its final cost. An example of such situation is the joints between profiles in each corner of the structure, where complex connection parts are contemplated so that three profiles may be jointed. In the state of art, although there is a substantially variety of connections, all of them present industrial complexity, and also, some are formed by a substantial number of parts, what requires a substantially slowly mounting process.

In the art hereinabove mentioned, we may also say, for example, an expensive factor for elaborating the cabinet door, since, as it has been told it is also made from a single thin substantially metallic sheet, consequently, requires structural complement in its internal part. This complement is traditionally made with a square being cut in four segments and welded forming a kind of rectangular frame that is suitably fixed against internal side of the door, where there is a structural complement for it, that is, it works as a real structural skeleton, besides being used for fixing components on internal side of the door.

Logically the effect produced by such frame meets design needs, however, having losses in the production of a part having several welded segments and having a considerable additional cost.

On the other side, also in the background art, teachings on means of door locking are normally complexes, since they require a considerable amount of components and, even so they do not present smooth and silent activation.

Objectives of Invention

As of hereinabove circumstances and aiming at overcoming them, the present invention was created, which in its concretion defines a set with several innovative characteristics, starting with structural part, which, such as the others, is parallelepipedic and vertically elongated, defined by height, width and depth profiles , but, in the improvement at issue, all these profiles have the same sheet shaped geometry, with a small difference just for the depth profile, which tail inwards suits as a rail for fixing the mounting plate. The previous board is defined from these profiles wherein there are width horizontal profiles and height vertical profiles, both having the same geometry, what takes place in the back part as well, where another identical board is formed, and these two boards become interconnected by other depth profiles which geometry is very similar in relation to the other profiles.

The interconnections among the profiles are done in a useful way by a connection joint applied in each corner of the structure rigidly joining the three profiles. This connection joint was specially developed with a first component in right angle ordinarily in "L", which interconnects in each corner two profiles, whether the front board or the back board, wherein such connection joint in "L" presents fitting projection for square and anti-rotation locking that completes

the corner of the structure. This third profile is the depth one and its interconnection with the others takes place together with a wooden pin, that on one side is inserted in the depth profile and fixed with radial screws, while on the other side, a longitudinal screw completes fixation with that part in "L", where constructive details tender for fitting and square of said depth profile before its final tighten, finishing then a mounting that, besides being guided by several details of square and locking, it is also very simple, efficient and low cost.

Another objective of the improvement at issue is contemplating a complement of the structural resource for the sideboard door, however, not in parts but with a single sheet strip that is strategically printed with holes and cuttings and such strip is profiled to practically form a square tube, however, having cooperative angular folding points (cutting) so that such profiled already in the square shape is folded in three points and, thus, it is possible forming a rectangular frame that, on the other hand, besides being in a single sheet, it has all details for fixing in the internal side of the sideboard door, where there is provided the desired structural effect, considerably increasing the door sheet rigidity, including more reduced operations on mounting and, consequently, also with a considerable reduction of the set final cost.

It is also objective of invention modifications on the set of door locking, where a system of mesh by means of window hardware was developed with peculiar details to speed up the set functioning providing means for such activation to be smooth, silent and efficient.

Logically, all such modifications objectify improving performance of the set, stimulate the process of manufacturing and mounting, as well as reducing the final cost of the set,

The improvements herein proposed also tender to offer an alternative way of trading the set, inasmuch the obtained structure offers advantages also when the electrical panel is supplied in a dismounted form since it allows the final mounting to be easily done by a distributor or even by the final user.

Description of the drawings

For a better understanding of the present Invention, here it follows detailed description of the invention referring to attached drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 represents a perspective in anterosuperior

angle showing the sideboard totally mounted;

FIGURE 2 illustrates an exploded perspective highlighting main parts that form the sideboard at issue;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective showing the sideboard with the door open;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view just from sideboard internal structure;

FIGURES 5 and 6 reproduce a set of views highlighting constructive details for forming said structure;

FIGURES from 7 to 12 show widened details in exploded perspective and mounted, specifying means of connection among the profiles that form sideboard structure;

FIGURES from 13 to 15 are perspectives highlighting internal traverses that are part of the structure;

FIGURES from 16 to 22 are perspectives and widened details specifying constructive and fixing details of the mounting plate inside the sideboard;

FIGURES from 23 to 26 are widened details specifying constructive detail and fixing of the reinforcement frame in a single part mounted on the internal side of the sideboard door; and

FIGURES from 27 to 31 reproduce mounted and exploded perspectives specifying constructive details and of the sideboard door locker.

Detailed description of the invention

In accordance with these drawings and in details, the present IMPROVEMENT IN CABINET FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS, such as it is illustrated on figure 1 , is parallelepipedic shaped having all its sides closed through suitable side(1), upper (2) and lower (3) walls, including one or more doors (4) having a locker (5).

Such closures, including the doors that are normally made of thin substantially metallic sheets. Thus, as it is illustrated on figure 2, all electric panels internally have a structure made of metallic profile (6) and a support base (7). Thus, this structure (6), as it is named, consists of means of support and mounting for external parts that form the walls made of sheets, including doors as

well as it consists of means for coupling of one unity to another as well as mounting of a number of other internal accessories.

This same structure, however, on the internal side also embodies the uprights necessary for disposition of vertical mounting plate (8) that together with the structure (6) itself consists of the means for internal distribution and mounting of different components and mechanical, electrical and electronic devices (not showed).

Further, in relation to figure 2, logically it is fundamental that any electrical panel has internally a substantially resistant structure (6) for characterizing a cabinet or sideboard with internal equipments to be installed, however, it must also present efficient and economical means so that its manufacturing and mounting may make it possible the use of a set in different situations.

Therefore, structure (6) consists a skeleton of main support of all set and, thus, as it shows figure 3 its front frame, more precisely its vertical uprights, distribute door (4) articulation hinges (9) and on the opposite side lockers beams (10) that work together with the locker (5) in order to lock or unlock the door (4) and to keep the cabinet closed or not

As it is illustrated on figure 4, the structure (6) is defined by metallic height profiles (11a) and other two equals width profiles (11 b), such equal profiles form the form the front (12a) and back (12b) frames, which are interconnected with depth profiles (13), all of them properly coupled to each other on the corner by a connection joint (14), forming a structure (6) which, as it has been told, consists of the means of support and mounting for all internal components to be protected by the cabinet as well as for mounting all external components that form the cabinet itself.

Regarding to figure 5, sheet-shaped profiles (11 a-11b) present the same geometry, which is defined by both sides (15-16) in right angle inwards the structure (6), wherein such sides distribute a plurality of several openings (17) and, also, as it has been said, the apex (17) is inwards the structure (6) and, on the opposite side, there is another apex (18) outwards the structure, this apex is also defined by two sides (19-20) in right angle, but, these sides are interconnected in a different way with the sides (15-16), that is, the side (19) incises in a perpendicular way on the side (15), where it is folded outwards and in

an overlapped way for profile reinterlocking and closure, embodying a tail (21) that is inwards the structure, it is inwards the structure (6), while another wall (20), although it is perpendicular to another (16), before meeting it is outward folded (22) and, after is extended with a parallel passage to the wall (16) with which integrates in order to form an outward elongated part in "U-laid-shape" which results in a frame (23).

Figure 6 shows details of the depth profile (13), wherein it is verified that its transversal geometry is very similar in relation to another profile (11 ab), however, in this case, both sides that make right angle (24) and (25) has its apex elongated to form profile closure and tail (26), while by the opposite side of the details (18a, 20a, 22a) they symmetrically repeat forming two frames (23a).

As illustrated in figure 7, joint connection (14) grants means for joint in right angle of three profiles (11 a-11 b-13) which form each corner of the structure (6).

Figures 8, 9 and 10 show in details a joint connection (14), wherein it is verified it comprises a first component in "L" , which branches (28) present transversal geometry for tight insertion inside ordinarily squared cavities (29) of height (11a) and width (11b) profiles, keeping them locked and in right angle, thus forming (see fig 10) front board (11 C) and back board (11 D) and, further said branches (28) emerge from a cubic block (30), where there are also other details; in which the first is an ordinarily cylindrical projection (31) and includes thread hole (32) axially elongated to opposite height profile (11a), where there is a fixing point for screws for upper closure (2) showed on figure 1 , such screw that may be or not matched with a lifting hook or other device if needed.

Further, regarding to figures 8, 9 and 10, said block (30), as it has been told, includes other details, starting by a hole (33) axially aligned with depth profile (13) which, on the other hand, sets in its cavity (29) a coupling wooden pin (34) having side holes (35) to be fixed by screws (38) on said depth profile (13) and also there is a longitudinal hole (39) to be fixed by a screw (40) that trespasses the hole (33) of said block (30), then completing the three profiles (11a-11b-13) fixation, however, mentioned block includes other three male fittings (41) and female fittings in a cuneiform cavity collar shaped (42) disposed around the hole (33), the latter to receive another insertion collar in cuneiform male fitting collar shaped (43) disposed around the wooden pin (34) hole (39), wherein further,

those other projections (41) are positioned and present cooperative design for tight top insertion and inside the profile (11a-11b-13) frames (23-23a) so that fitting between details (42a-43-41-23-23a), besides adjusting squares between profiles and joint connection allowing a pre-tightening of the set, it is also cooperative for locking against displacements in rotation direction of all profiles that finally include a conclusion between depth profile (13) and height profile (11 a), more precisely in its frames encounter (23-23a), where its fittings (41) stay between an integrated part (44) that establishes corner conclusion.

Regarding to figure (9), joint connection (14) includes different relieves (45) in its branches (28), as well as in those segments it is possible contemplating with or without relieves other details (46) matched or not with holes (47-48) existent on profiles (11 a-11vb-13) corresponding sides as to add resources for screw insertion and increasing the number of fixations when specific situations require such procedure, however, those and other details do not alter the mounting concept among joint connection (14) and said profiles (11a-11 b- 13).

Figures 11 and 12 show structure (6) fully mounted wherein it is verified that in the front board (11 C) and in the back board (11 D) height profiles (11 a) and width profiles (11 b) have their tails reinterlocked or of closure (21) outwards, consequently, such points constitute means for back closure (1) and door (4) sealing settings (49) and, further, in this case, position of said profiles allow one of its apex (18) becomes outwards, consequently, side adjacent to it constitute areas for mounting different components, mainly hinges (9) and door locker (10) and panel (1) fixing components.

As figures (13 to 15) illustrate, all profiles (11a-11 b-13), mainly the height ones, grant means for disposition of depth transverse (50), which edges are ordinarily tail-shaped (51) presented having holes (52) for screws (53) trespassing (53) applied in the profile holes (17).

Logically, the support (50) may also be used with the same advantages in width and height direction and together with other components, depending on needs of each project.

Regarding to figure 16, it has been said before that inside the structure (6) it is contemplated a mounting plate (8), vertically disposed, proper for supporting different mechanical, electrical and electronic devices and other

hybrids, in this condition, said mounting plate (8) is normally adjusted in an specific point along compartment depth defined by said structure (6) which, then, present its depth profiles (13) strategically positioned so that their tails (26) may be inwards, embodying means for mounting said mounting tail (8).

To speed up such procedure and allow a sharp adjust, said mounting plate presents its four anchored corners adjustably in lower supports (54) and upper supports (55), all of them supported, respectively, on and under depth profiles (13) tails (26).

Figures 17 to 19 show in details lower support (54), wherein it is verified that each one is presented in shoe, having an intermediate horizontal sheet (56) longitudinally divided by lower wall (57), embodying a lower corner (58) cooperative to be adjusted in a slide way on the correspondent rail (13) tail (26), where holes (17) grant means for fixing screws (59), where, further through upper side, intermediate sheet (56) includes male fitting defined by a vertically cubic projection (60) and, at your side, emerge a rounded pin (61) cooperative for insertion in hollow recess (62) and hole (63) existent on the correspondent corner of the mounting plate (8). With such construction, regulation and fixation on the lower part of the mounting plate (8) is easily and fast done in any point throughout tails (26) holes (17).

Figures 21 to 22 show in details upper supports (55), wherein verifies that each one of them is formed by a part of the sheet having several folds in right angle, in order to form two passages in integrated corners, a lower one (64) and an upper one (65), in which the first having a hole (66) adjusts on the plate thickness (8), wherein it is fixed by screws (67), while the other one forms a horizontal extension with a row of holes (68) along with a downward tail (69) cooperative for regulating fixation with screws (70) under correspondent rail (13) tail (26), finishing then all necessary means so that said mounting plate (8) may be adjustably fixed in any point of structure depth (6).

As figure 23 illustrate, on the internal side of the door (4) there is a reinforcement rectangular frame (71), which function is to increase metallic sheet rigidity of which said door (4) is done. This frame e a tube ordinarily squared, which construction is illustrated on figure 24, wherein it is verified said reinforcement frame (71) is characterized by the fact of being obtained by just one sheet strip (T) that undergoes several printings including holes (72) and strategic

cuts ordinarily in "V" (73), one at each side and aligned in pairs, as well as it undergoes several folds through profiling until its transversal section is ordinarily squared, with or with no reentrance passages or longitudinal grooves (74), wherein at least one side of the tubular squared profile, preferably dorsal side, is continuously kept (75) and between those cuttings ordinarily in "V" (73), but in a way that by profiling the strip (T) the borders joint (76) to form the ordinarily squared tube and, at the same time, as showed in figure 25, this squared tube presents cuttings in angles resulting from these cuttings (73), each one corresponding to a frame corner, since exactly in such points such formed tube is folded in its detail (73) which close exactly in 90 degrees, consequently, three folds in right angle (73) are contemplated along the strip (T) and form segments (abed) that correspond exactly to each one of the rectangular frame in tube shape (71), such as illustrated on figure 26, where those holes (72) grant means so that it is fixed on the internal side of the door (4), giving suitable rigidity.

As it has been said, as illustrated on figure 27, sideboard includes a locker (5) and, thus, its door along its vertical boarder opposed to the hinge (9), includes two rectangular openings (77) that besides allowing fixing finishing mirror (78), one of them offers access to locker itself (5) and, then, a circular opening (79) in the mirror (78) guarantees the access to the key (80) and its secret point (81) to activate drum (82) which, by an edge is placed in that hole (79), while by the internal side is mounted in the body (83) of said locker (5), such body seen in details in figure 28, where it is verified it is really parallelepipedic and has front side having corners (84) for tight fitting in the upper opening (77) where it is fixed by screws (85) and respective washers (86-87) and, also, said screws close said body (83), since it is bipartite, as figure 29 illustrates, so that inside of it a window hardware may be placed, formed by the first part that is practically a gear (88), which central part has a square hole (89) for receiving by fitting and locking back terminal equally squared (90) from drum (82), where such gear (88) stays fitted in a rotation way in a circular place (91) and respective back cover posterior (92), thus granting needed means so that said drum (82) and gear (88) may be rotated on both directions by the key (80), since said gear (88) is contemplated to move up and down a urn flat bar rod (93) fairly having a rack-like sequence of openings (94) meshed with gear cogs (88) and, also this flat rod (93) is fitted in furrows in a slide way (95) formed on bipartite parts of the body (83),

where said rod vertically extends so that its upper and lower edges, folded in a perpendicular and having hitch head (96) may be hitched, such as figures 30 and 31 illustrate, with correspondent edges from other vertical rods (97), an upper one and a lower one, both having transversal section in "U" and along which there are elongated furrows (98) which by means of screws and nuts (99) they are fixed on internal sides of the door (4), but, due to furrows (98), this fixation occurs so that said rods are free to be simultaneously moved up and down, since hitch hooks (100) are fixed on them, spaced and aligned in order to be meshed and unmeshed with the lock-like hitches (10) fixed on the profile (11 a). Thus, by observing figures 28 to 31 , the key (80) is introduced through its secret head (81) on the drum (82). I n this position it is possible a 90 degrees spin on both directions, consequently, the gear (88) also is rotated at 90 degrees, so that its rotation movement may be transmitted for rod (93), making it due to rack (94), is vertically moved, up and down, carrying along the rods (97) and respective hitch hook (100) that are coupled or uncoupled from hitches (10), establishing locking or unlocking of the door (4).

All objectives and advantages herein mentioned are reached with the present improvement, that is, the structure of the set is obtained with sheet profiles manufactured in profilers, as well as said profiles present singular geometry so that they may be jointed in each corner of the structure by a joint connection specially designed to speed up mounting of the set. Logically, the structure gathers a plurality of details carefully developed for adding technical and functional characteristics, all of them tendering to optimize mounting of the set and, at the same time, internally defining needed and suitable resources for installation of all components and equipments, such as automation, distribution and telephony, finishing a sideboard that is advantageous in relation to similar ones.