Cladding element and power distributor

Abstract

Cladding element (1) for opening and closing a casing of a power distribution unit, in particular a door element or window element for a power distribution unit, with a cladding wall (10) and a stiffening device (20) for the cladding wall (10), characterized in that the stiffening device (20) is formed from two identical, L-shaped stiffening elements (21-1, 21-2) which together form a rectangular stiffening frame (21) to which the cladding wall (10) is attached.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the design of a casing element, in particular a door or window element for a power distribution unit, intended for repeated, regular opening and closing. The invention further relates to a power distribution unit with a casing formed from casing elements, wherein at least one of the casing elements, in particular a door or window element, is suitable for opening and closing the casing.

[0002] Electrical installations can be carried out in distribution boards, such as switchgear or electrical cabinets. These distribution boards, along with the electrical installation devices they contain—for example, circuit breakers, residual current devices, electricity meters, etc.—are typically enclosed with covers and / or doors for protection. This serves to protect operating personnel from hazards originating inside the distribution board and to shield the electrical installations within the board from external environmental influences.

[0003] In principle, power distribution units are known from the prior art, for example from German patent application DE 10 2011 080 049 A1. With regard to their structural design, power distribution units can, for example, consist of a frame made of side frame components, which are closed with panels or covers and / or doors. Typically, the frame of a power distribution unit, such as its side frame components, is made of metal or steel. The internal components are typically mounted between the side frame components of the power distribution unit. These can be, for example, fixed components such as support plates, but also modules that can be inserted into the control cabinet and electrically connected within it.

[0004] Furthermore, a power distribution unit with a generic cladding element is known from publication EP 2 101 019 A2. The cladding element shown therein, in the form of a door element, has a wall comprising a cladding panel and, on each of the four sides of the cladding panel, a stiffening element for the cladding panel. Each of the four stiffening elements is formed by repeatedly bending surface sections of the wall on one of the four sides of the cladding panel, so that the bent surface sections each form a hollow profile. In addition to the stiffening elements formed by repeatedly bending surface sections of the wall, trapezoidal stiffening rails are welded to the wall surface of the cladding panel facing into the interior of the cladding as additional stiffening elements.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of providing an alternative cladding element for opening and closing the casing of a power distributor, as well as a power distributor with such a cladding element, which are characterized by sufficient rigidity while simultaneously having low manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by the cladding element and the power distributor according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the cladding element according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The cladding element according to the invention, in particular a door element or window element for a power distribution box, serves to open and close the casing of a power distribution box and comprises a cladding wall and a stiffening device for the cladding wall. The stiffening device is formed from two identical, L-shaped stiffening elements, which together form a rectangular stiffening frame to which the cladding wall is attached.

[0008] The use of two identical, i.e., structurally identical, parts enables the implementation of a common-parts concept, significantly reducing the number of individual components. Only one type of stiffening element needs to be manufactured to assemble the stiffening frame from two of these identical stiffening elements. This reduces complexity in production logistics, positively impacting manufacturing costs. Furthermore, it also results in cost advantages regarding inventory and warehousing.

[0009] In an advantageous further development of the cladding element, the two stiffening elements are each formed in one piece from a semi-finished product.

[0010] The term "semi-finished product" refers to prefabricated raw material forms or workpieces and semi-finished products of the simplest form. They generally consist of a single raw material that has merely been shaped into a basic geometric form. Examples of semi-finished products include simple profiles, rods, tubes, and sheets made of metal, plastic, or wood. Using semi-finished products as the basis for stiffening elements, for example by stamping or bending, enables simple and cost-effective production, especially since the stiffening elements can be manufactured in one piece – i.e., formed from a single piece – without any further assembly effort.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment of the cladding element, the two stiffening elements are designed at least partially as hollow profiles.

[0012] Hollow profiles exhibit high mechanical strength and stiffness combined with low mass. The stiffening elements can be formed from a tubular semi-finished product. However, it is equally possible to stamp the stiffening elements from a flat semi-finished product, such as a sheet of metal, and then bend them to form a hollow profile. The stiffening elements can be designed as a hollow profile either completely or partially along their length. The hollow profile can be closed across its cross-section; however, this is not essential to the invention and therefore not strictly necessary.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the cladding element, each of the two stiffening elements has at least one connecting pin and at least one pin receptacle for the connecting pin of the other stiffening element in order to connect the two stiffening elements together.

[0014] The ability to connect the two L-shaped connecting elements to the stiffening frame by inserting the connecting pins of one element into the pin receptacles of the other offers the advantage that the stiffening frame can be assembled without tools, for example, by pressing in and / or bending the connecting pins. No additional mounting hardware such as screws or rivets is required. This further simplifies assembly.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, the cladding element has fastening means for attaching the stiffening device to the cladding wall.

[0016] The fasteners can be attached to either the cladding panel or the stiffening device. For example, the fastening can be a rivet or adhesive bond. Threaded bolts, which are attached to the cladding panel and / or the stiffening device, e.g., welded on, are also suitable. After assembly, the two components to be joined – the cladding panel and the stiffening device – are secured in their relative positions by screwing locknuts onto the threaded bolts. This allows for simple, quick, and cost-effective mounting of the stiffening device to the cladding panel.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment of the cladding element, the stiffening elements have, at least in sections, rows of holes for fastening mounting elements.

[0018] Such mounting elements can be, for example, mounting rails, cable ducts, or similar components used for wiring electrical parts within the door or window element, i.e., the cladding element. The rows of holes arranged along the width and / or height of the stiffening device allow for simple, time-saving, and cost-effective fastening of these mounting elements.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the cladding element has a viewing window which is fixed to the cladding wall by means of the stiffening frame.

[0020] In some cases, it is desirable to equip the cladding element with a viewing window to allow a view into the interior of the electrical distribution box without granting access to the electrical installation inside, for example, for visual inspection. In this case, the cladding panel simply forms a frame encompassing the window, to which the viewing window is fixed using the stiffening frame, for example, by clamps.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the cladding element, the stiffening frame has a circumferential recess on its rear side facing the cladding wall for receiving and fixing a viewing window.

[0022] This advantageous design allows the stiffening frame to be used for both a cladding element with a viewing window and a conventional cladding element with a full-surface cladding wall. This use of identical parts significantly reduces manufacturing and storage costs.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the cladding element, an inner leg of the hollow profile forming the stiffening frame is shorter than an outer leg of the hollow profile, so that the viewing window is fixed between the shorter inner leg and the cladding wall.

[0024] This design according to the invention as a hollow profile represents a particularly cost-effective way to manufacture a cladding frame that fixes the viewing window, and thus a cladding element.

[0025] The power distribution unit according to the invention has a casing formed from cladding elements, in which at least one of the cladding elements, in particular a door element or a window element, is suitable for opening and closing the casing. The at least one cladding element suitable for opening and closing the casing is designed as described above.

[0026] Regarding the advantages of the power distributor according to the invention, which has a cladding element of the type described above, reference is made to the above statements regarding the advantages of the cladding element described above.

[0027] Two exemplary embodiments of the cladding element according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 and Fig.2 schematic representations of two L-shaped stiffening elements forming the stiffening device; Fig. 3 a schematic detailed representation of a possible connection of the two L-shaped stiffening elements; Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 schematic representations of the stiffening device formed from the L-shaped stiffening elements; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the assembled cladding element; Fig. 7 a schematic detail representation of the assembled cladding element made of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 a schematic exploded view of a second embodiment of the assembled cladding element; Fig. 9 a partial, schematic frontal view of the Fig. 8 known mounted cladding elements; Fig.10 a schematic cross-sectional representation of the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 known, second embodiment of the mounted cladding element; Fig. 11 a schematic detail representation of the assembled cladding element according to Fig. 10.

[0028] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always marked with the same reference symbol. This description applies to all figures in the drawing in which the corresponding part is also recognizable.

[0029] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a stiffening device. 20 , which are part of a cladding element 1 is (see Fig. 6ff) and serves to open and close the casing of a power distribution unit, in particular as a door or window element for a power distribution unit. The stiffening device 20It essentially consists of a stiffening frame 21 , which consists of two L-shaped stiffening elements 21 - 1 and 21 - 2 is formed which, in the assembled state, forms the stiffening frame 21 The stiffening frame forms a structure extending along a lateral direction B and a vertical direction H. 21 rows of holes 24 for fastening mounting elements 25 (see Fig. 6) on.

[0030] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a section Z. Fig. 2, which represents a possible connection between the two L-shaped stiffening elements 21 - 1 and 21 - 2 This represents the first stiffening element. 21 - 1 at its distal first end two connecting tabs 22 on, each of which is located at a distal first end of the second stiffening element 21 - 2trained flap attachment 23 It is pluggable. Conversely, the first stiffening element has 21 - 1 at its distal second end, flap images 23 up, into which at a distal second end of the second stiffening element 21 - 2 trained connecting tabs 22 are pluggable. Each of the connecting tabs 22 This involves a respective tab attachment. 23 directly and unambiguously assigned. By inserting the connecting tabs. 22 into the assigned tab mounts 23 A positive-locking connection is formed in the vertical direction H. The distal ends of the two stiffening elements 21 - 1 and 21 - 2 They are manufactured at a mitered angle, resulting in a stable stiffening frame. 21 is formed by the identical design of the two stiffening elements. 21 - 1 and21 - 2 The variety of parts in production is kept low, which reduces the logistics, assembly and manufacturing costs of the cladding element. 1 has an effect.

[0031] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is the one made up of the L-shaped stiffening elements 21 - 1 and 21 - 2 formed stiffening device 20 in a side view ( Fig. 4) as well as in perspective view ( Fig. 5) shown schematically. Only the outer connecting tabs are shown here. 22 , insofar as they are connected to the tab receptacle assigned to them 23 protrude, in the direction of the stiffening frame 22 bent over to also obtain a positive-locking connection in the width direction B.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 6 is a first embodiment of the assembled cladding element. 1schematically represented. The cladding element essentially consists of a cladding panel. 10 as well as the stiffening device described above 20 , which can be fastened with the help of suitable fasteners 2 are interconnected. Furthermore, it shows Fig. 6 a mounting element 25 , which is across the rows of holes 24 on the stiffening frame 21 is attached. The mounting element 25 is present as a mounting rail 25 - 2 trained, on which a cable duct 25 - 1 is attached. Such mounting elements 25 They are used, for example, for wiring electrical components which are attached to the cladding element 1 Other mounting elements can also be easily attached via the rows of holes. 24 on the stiffening frame 21 to be attached. The illustrated mounting rail 25- 1 It also contributes to improved stiffness of the stiffening device. 20 at.

[0033] Fig. 7 shows one to Fig. 6 corresponding detailed view of the mounted cladding element 1 This makes it clear that the fasteners 2 in this example from several threaded bolts 2 - 1 as well as a corresponding number of threaded nuts 2 - 2 consist of the threaded bolts. 2 - 1 are attached to the cladding wall 10 attached and by means of corresponding elements on the stiffening frame, corresponding in terms of their position and number 21 The drilled holes were then passed through. The threaded nuts were screwed on. 2 - 2 is the stiffening frame 21 on the cladding wall 10 securely fixed. This type of fastening uses threaded bolts. 2 - 1and threaded nuts 2 - 2 This represents only one possibility for attaching the stiffening device. 20 on the cladding wall 10 Other options, such as riveting or gluing, are also possible.

[0034] In the Fig. 8 to Fig. Figure 11 is a second embodiment of the cladding element. 1 schematically represented. Fig. Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the cladding element. 1 , which essentially consists of the cladding wall 10 , the stiffening device 20 as well as an intermediate viewing window 30 consists. Fig. Figure 9 shows a partially enlarged, schematic frontal view of the mounted trim element. 1 .

[0035] Fig. Figure 10 schematically shows a cross-section along the line AA of the cladding element1 In Fig. 11 is one to Fig. 10 corresponding, schematic detail representations of the assembled cladding element 1 shown. The two stiffening frames 21 forming, L-shaped stiffening elements 21 - 1 and 21 - 2 Each is formed in one piece from a semi-finished product, more precisely: from a sheet of metal, which is first cut to size, i.e., punched out, and then bent. In this way, the stiffening frame can be 21 , and thus the stiffening device 20 , can be produced extremely cost-effectively.

[0036] According to the second embodiment, the one in the Fig. 8 to Fig. 11 stiffening frames shown 21 an inner thigh 27 on, which is shorter than an outer thigh 28 , through which the maximum depth extension T of the stiffening frame 21is defined by the different depth extension T of the inner leg. 27 and outer thigh 28 is a circumferential recess 26 formed, in which the viewing window 30 arranged, i.e., received and held. During the assembly of the cladding element. 1 The stiffening device 20 with the stiffening frame 21 about the fasteners 2 - the threaded bolt 2 - 1 as well as the threaded nuts 2 - 2 - with the cladding wall 10 connected. This involves connecting the wall between the cladding. 10 and the stiffening frame 21 arranged viewing window 30 with the help of the fastening devices 2In the depth direction T, it is positively clamped so that it is at least frictionally secured in the width direction B and the height direction H. However, in these two directions—with appropriate design of the cladding wall— 10 and / or the stiffening frame 20 - a form-fitting holder for the viewing window 30 also possible.

[0037] By using a single identical part for assembling the stiffening frame 21 - the two identically designed stiffening elements 21 - 1 and 21 - 2 - manufacturing complexity is reduced, as there are no different profile parts for the height and width of the stiffening frame. 21More parts need to be manufactured and kept in stock. This reduces storage, setup, and data management costs in design—and thus manufacturing costs. It also lowers the cost of missing parts, as only one part needs to be managed.

[0038] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the two stiffening elements 21 - 1 and 21 - 2 simply by bending two connecting tabs 22 to the stiffening frame 21 They can be assembled without requiring any additional components or special tools, further reducing manufacturing complexity. Furthermore, this type of assembly is easy to perform, which has a positive impact on assembly time and significantly reduces the risk of incorrect assembly.

[0039] Furthermore, the stiffening frame takes over 21additionally, it serves as a holder for the viewing window. 30 This eliminates the need for additional mounting hardware. This further simplifies installation and makes it more cost-effective due to the absence of extra materials. Reference symbol list 1 Trim element 2 Fasteners 2-1 Threaded bolts 2-2 threaded nut 10 Panel wall 20 stiffening device 21 stiffening frame 21-1 stiffening element 21-2 stiffening element 22 Connecting tab 23 Tab attachment 24 row of holes 25 Mounting element 25-1 cable duct 25-2 Mounting rail 26 recess 27 inner thigh 28 outer thigh 30 Viewing window B Width H Height T depth QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102011080049 A1

[0003] EP 2101019 A2

[0004]

Claims

[1] Cladding element (1) for opening and closing a casing of a power distribution unit, in particular a door element or window element for a power distribution unit, comprising a cladding wall (10) and a stiffening device (20) for the cladding wall (10), characterized by , that the stiffening device (20) is formed from two identical, L-shaped stiffening elements (21-1, 21-2) which together form a rectangular stiffening frame (21) to which the cladding wall (20) is attached. [2] Cladding element (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the two stiffening elements (21-1, 21-2) are each formed in one piece from a semi-finished product. [3] Cladding element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the two stiffening elements (21-1, 21-2) are designed at least partially as hollow profiles. [4] Cladding element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that each of the two stiffening elements (21-1, 21-2) has at least one connecting tab (22) and at least one tab receptacle (23) for the connecting tab (22) of the other stiffening element (21-1, 21-2) in order to connect the two stiffening elements (21-1, 21-2) together. [5] Cladding element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cladding element (1) has fastening means (2) to attach the stiffening device (20) to the cladding wall (10). [6] Cladding element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the stiffening elements (21-1, 21-2) have at least section rows of holes (24) for fastening mounting elements (25). [7] Cladding element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the cladding element (10) has a viewing window (30) which is fixed to the cladding wall (10) by means of the stiffening frame (21). [8] Cladding element (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the stiffening frame (21) has a circumferential recess (26) on its rear side facing the cladding wall (10) for receiving and fixing the viewing window (30). [9] Cladding element (1) according to claim 8 in conjunction with claim 3, characterized by , that an inner leg (27) of the hollow profile forming the stiffening frame (21) is shorter than an outer leg (28) of the hollow profile, so that the viewing window (30) is fixed between the inner leg (27) and the cladding wall (10). [10] Power distribution unit with a casing formed from casing elements (1), wherein at least one of the casing elements (1), in particular a door element or a window element, is suitable for opening and closing the casing, characterized by , that at least one cladding element (1) suitable for opening and closing the cladding is designed according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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