Perforated strip angle adapter, mounting kit and multimedia cabinet

Abstract

Perforated strip angle adapter (3) for rackmount mounting of a rackmountable network technology component (4) on a support frame mounting rail (2) in a field-structured electrical installation cabinet housing (1), wherein the perforated strip angle adapter (3) comprises a support frame-side profile section (3.1) and a rack-side profile section (3.2), each designed as an L-shaped profile, wherein the support frame-side profile section (3.1) and the rack-side profile section (3.2) each have a mounting leg (3.1.1, 3.2.1) and a support leg (3.1.2, 3.2.2), and wherein: - the support frame-side mounting leg (3.1.1) of the support frame-side profile section (3.1) abuts the end face and orthogonally against the surface of the rack-side mounting leg (3.2.1) of the rack-side profile section (3.2), - the support leg (3.1.2) on the support frame side and the support leg (3.2.2) on the rack side run coplanarly, merge flush into each other and together form a structural wedge area, - the mounting leg (3.1.1) on the support frame side is designed as a strip which has at least one support frame mounting hole (3.1.3), and - the rack-side mounting leg (3.2.1) is designed as a strip which has at least one rack mounting hole (3.2.3) in accordance with standard IEC 60297.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of enclosure and assembly technology for electrical installations, in particular the mechanical integration of rackmountable network technology components into field-structured electrical installation cabinet enclosures. More precisely, the invention relates to a perforated strip angle adapter and a mounting set based thereon for the standard-compliant and positionally adjustable fastening of such components to vertically extending support frame mounting rails, as are used particularly in meter cabinets.

[0002] In modern installation environments, particularly in power distribution and communication infrastructure, field-structured installation cabinets are widely used. These cabinet enclosures are typically modular and incorporate vertically oriented mounting rails with rows of holes, serving as support structures for various electrotechnical components. The mounting rails allow for the installation of components with diverse functions, including meters, DIN rail devices, and data distributors.

[0003] For the integration of IT and network technology, network components and devices are typically used that are designed for installation in standardized 19-inch rack systems according to IEC 60297. These network components are equipped with front-facing mounting flanges or tabs that allow horizontal attachment to the vertical mounting rails of a corresponding rack. The associated mounting rails are usually equipped with holes in the typical 19-inch standard grid, enabling standard-compliant vertical positioning. The 19-inch system is widely used in server rooms, distribution cabinets, and data centers.

[0004] Mounting such 19-inch compatible network technology components in field-structured installation cabinets is often problematic, as these enclosures typically do not have classic 19-inch rack profiles.

[0005] Instead, they are based on other structural system dimensions, such as field heights according to DIN 43870, and feature different mechanical mountings. To resolve this discrepancy, individual adapter solutions or combinations of mounting rails and brackets have sometimes been used in practice, but these often do not allow for systematic, standard-compliant, or positionally adjustable fastening.

[0006] In addition, while support frame perforations are often available in various grid dimensions to allow flexible height adjustment, the known fastening solutions do not offer a systematic, consistent way to integrate multiple rackmountable network technology components in a space-optimized manner.

[0007] The invention aims to provide a method for the mechanical integration of rackmountable network technology components into field-structured electrical installation cabinets, based on existing mounting solutions for support frames and allowing for standard-compliant and user-friendly installation. In particular, it should enable the positioning of multiple such components within a single installation bay, taking existing grid dimensions into account, without requiring additional installation space or complex custom solutions.

[0008] Furthermore, the task involves designing the mechanical interface between 19-inch compatible network technology components and field-structured installation enclosures in such a way as to enable flexible and space-saving integration. The different structural designs of both systems – particularly with regard to hole patterns, grid dimensions, and installation depth – must also be taken into account to allow for consistent and space-optimized mounting of network technology components.

[0009] This problem is solved by a perforated angle adapter for rackmounting a rackmountable network technology component in a field-structured electrical installation cabinet with the features of claim 1, a mounting kit according to claim 4, and a multimedia cabinet according to claim 6. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are listed in claims 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8.

[0010] The perforated strip angle adapter according to the invention for rackmount mounting of a rackmountable network technology component on a support frame mounting rail in a field-structured electrical installation cabinet comprises a support frame-side profile section and a rack-side profile section. Both profile sections are designed as L-shaped profiles. The support frame-side profile section and the rack-side profile section each have a mounting leg and a support leg as the legs of their respective L-shaped profiles.

[0011] The mounting leg of the profile section on the support frame abuts the surface of the mounting leg of the profile section on the rack side at its end face and orthogonally. Preferably, both mounting legs are bonded together at this T-joint. The support leg of the profile section on the support frame side and the support leg of the profile section on the rack side are coplanar, merge flush into one another, and together form a structural wedge area.

[0012] The mounting leg of the profile section on the support frame side is designed as a strip that has at least one support frame mounting hole. The mounting leg of the profile section on the rack side is also designed as a strip that has at least one rack mounting hole in accordance with IEC 60297.

[0013] Preferably, the rack-side mounting leg of the perforated rail angle adapter is designed as a perforated rail with a row of holes comprising several rack mounting holes as defined in IEC 60297. This design allows for the positional adjustment of rack-mountable network components along the rack-side mounting leg.

[0014] Preferably, the perforated strip angle adapter is designed as a single component formed from deformed sheet metal. This embodiment enables a mechanically stable and at the same time easy-to-assemble design, in which the profile section on the support frame side and the profile section on the rack side are integrally manufactured and produced by suitable forming processes.

[0015] The proposed perforated rail angle adapter provides a mechanically stable, standards-compliant, and space-optimized interface for mounting rackmountable network technology components in a field-structured electrical installation cabinet. The electrical installation cabinet is, for example, the enclosure of a control cabinet for electrical installations. The combination of a support frame-side profile section and a rack-side profile section, each designed as an L-shaped profile with their mounting legs abutting each other orthogonally, enables a defined geometric adaptation between the structurally different systems of a field-structured installation cabinet and a 19-inch rack system.The perforated strip angle adapter enables the vertical mounting of rackmountable network technology components that are usually mounted horizontally in the electrical installation cabinet housing, while simultaneously utilizing the mounting tabs already present on the rackmountable network technology components as well as the support frame mounting rails commonly found in field-structured electrical installation cabinet housings.

[0016] The mounting leg on the support frame side allows for the positionally adjustable attachment of the perforated strip angle adapter to the support frame mounting rail, while the rack-side mounting leg provides the necessary fastening conditions for installation according to IEC 60297. The coplanar design of the two support legs and their flush transition into a structural gusset area ensure high mechanical rigidity and prevent twisting or misalignment during installation. This creates a permanently precise and reliable connection, which is particularly advantageous for installing sensitive network technology components.

[0017] Furthermore, the design of both mounting legs as strips, each with specific mounting holes – a support frame mounting hole on the support frame side and a rack mounting hole on the rack side – allows for direct, standard-compliant mounting without additional adapters or spacers. This significantly contributes to space efficiency and supports the space-optimized integration of multiple network technology components within a single installation area.

[0018] The mounting set according to the invention for installing rackmountable network technology components in a field-structured electrical installation cabinet comprises at least two of the support frame mounting rails and at least two of the perforated strip angle adapters as described above. The support frame mounting rails each have a perforated strip with a row of mounting holes.

[0019] The perforated strip angle adapters can be repositioned on the support frame mounting rails using removable fasteners such as screws, connectors, snap connectors, or locking connectors. This allows the perforated strip angle adapters to be positioned differently on the support frame mounting rail, with the position of the support frame-side mounting leg changing depending on its position within the row of mounting holes.

[0020] The combination of perforated strip angle adapter and support frame mounting rail within the mounting set thus enables a structured yet flexible basis for the integration of rackmountable network technology components within a field-structured electrical installation cabinet enclosure.

[0021] The mounting holes in the mounting rails of the support frame can, for example, have a grid spacing of 12.5 mm, 25 mm, or 50 mm. This grid spacing allows for a structured and standardized arrangement of the mounting holes along the support frame mounting rails, enabling fine or coarse positioning of the angled adapters using their mounting leg on the support frame side.

[0022] The multimedia cabinet according to the invention comprises the field-structured electrical installation cabinet housing, at least two of the support frame mounting rails arranged parallel to each other, usually vertically on the rear wall of the electrical installation cabinet housing, and at least two of the perforated strip angle adapters as described above. This arrangement creates a defined interface that enables the installation of a rackmountable network technology component between two opposing perforated strip angle adapters.

[0023] Preferably, the rows of holes in the support frame mounting rails are designed such that the angled adapters for the mounting strips can be variably mounted in a vertical grid according to the height unit (RU) of a 19-inch rack system for installing network components at multiple RU levels within the installation cabinet. This allows the integration of one or more network components in standardized positions within the field-structured electrical installation cabinet. One RU (height unit) refers to a standardized vertical height of 44.45 mm, as used in the 19-inch rack system according to IEC 60297.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the multimedia cabinet comprises at least two of the perforated rail angle adapters, each of whose rack-side mounting leg is designed as a perforated rail with a row of holes consisting of several rack mounting holes designed according to standard IEC 60297, in order to mount several rackmountable network technology components one behind the other in a common mounting plane. This embodiment allows for multiple rackmountable network technology components to be arranged at the same mounting height within the field-structured electrical installation cabinet housing, i.e., several rackmountable network technology components can be arranged one behind the other at varying depths.

[0025] The multimedia cabinet can also include one or more of the network technology components, which are pre-assembled using the perforated strip angle adapters.

[0026] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the schematic drawings, wherein identical or similar features are provided with the same reference numerals; to this end, the following are shown: Fig. 1: A first version of the perforated strip angle adapter in perspective view, Fig. 2: a second version of the perforated strip angle adapter in three projection views and Fig. 3: A schematic representation of the multimedia cabinet in perspective view.

[0027] The perforated strip angle adapter (3) according to the first design according to Fig. 1 comprises the L-shaped profile section 3.1 on the support frame side and the L-shaped profile section 3.2 on the rack side. The support frame side profile section 3.1 has as legs of its L-shaped profile the support frame side mounting leg 3.1.1 and the support frame side support leg 3.1.2; the rack side profile section 3.2 has as legs of its L-shaped profile the rack side mounting leg 3.2.1 and the rack side support leg 3.2.2. The support frame side mounting leg 3.1.1 of the support frame side profile section 3.1 further comprises a row of holes with four circular support frame mounting holes 3.1.3. The rack side mounting leg 3.2.1 of the rack side profile section 3.2 has a row of holes comprising seven square rack mounting holes 3.2.3.

[0028] The mounting leg 3.1.1 on the support frame side of the profile section 3.1 abuts with one of its end faces the rack-side mounting leg 3.2.1 of the rack-side profile section 3.2, is materially connected to the rack-side mounting leg 3.2.1 of the rack-side profile section 3.2 at this point of contact and forms a right angle with it.

[0029] The support leg 3.1.2 on the frame side of the profile section 3.1 on the frame side and the support leg 3.2.2 on the rack side of the profile section 3.2 lie coplanarly in one plane and merge seamlessly into one another. In the transition area, the support legs 3.1.2 and 3.2.2 form the common wedge area.

[0030] The rack-side mounting leg 3.2.1 is wide enough that when fasteners are inserted into the rack mounting holes 3.2.3, they are not obstructed by the support frame-side mounting leg 3.1.1. That is, the rack-side mounting leg 3.2.1 is approximately twice as wide as the support frame-side mounting leg 3.1.1.

[0031] The second version of the perforated strip angle adapter 3 according to Fig. Figure 2, which is shown in three partial views, namely the front view (a), the left view (b) and the bottom view (c), has the same structure as the one in Fig. 1 first version shown - with the difference that the rack-side mounting leg 3.2.1 of the rack-side profile section 3.2 has only three of the rack mounting holes 3.2.3.

[0032] In the representation according to Fig.Figure 3, which shows the multimedia cabinet with a network technology component 4 installed in its electrical installation cabinet housing 1, schematically depicts the mounting brackets used to attach the network technology component 4 to the two rear-mounted support frame rails 2, in a configuration similar only to the perforated strip angle adapter 3 according to the invention. The intention here is to illustrate that the two perforated strip angle adapters 3 are mounted such that the network technology component 4, with a rack dimension 5 of 19 inches, is oriented vertically within the electrical installation cabinet housing 1 of a conventional control cabinet. It is also evident that the perforated strip angle adapters 3 can be positioned at different heights on the support frame mounting rails 2. Reference symbol list 1 Electrical installation cabinet housing 2 support frame mounting rail 3 Perforated strip angle adapters 3.1 Profile section on the support frame 3.1.1 Mounting leg on the support frame side 3.1.2 Support leg on the side of the support frame 3.1.3 Support frame mounting hole 3.2 Rack-side profile section 3.2.1 Rack-side mounting leg 3.2.2 rack-side support leg 3.2.3 Rack mounting hole 4 Network technology component 5 Rack size

Claims

[1] Perforated strip angle adapter (3) for rackmount mounting of a rackmountable network technology component (4) on a support frame mounting rail (2) in a field-structured electrical installation cabinet housing (1), wherein the perforated strip angle adapter (3) comprises a support frame-side profile section (3.1) and a rack-side profile section (3.2), each designed as an L-shaped profile, wherein the support frame-side profile section (3.1) and the rack-side profile section (3.2) each have a mounting leg (3.1.1, 3.2.1) and a support leg (3.1.2, 3.2.2), and wherein: - the support frame-side mounting leg (3.1.1) of the support frame-side profile section (3.1) abuts the end face and orthogonally against the surface of the rack-side mounting leg (3.2.1) of the rack-side profile section (3.2), - the support leg (3.1.2) on the support frame side and the support leg (3.2.2) on the rack side run coplanarly, merge flush into each other and together form a structural wedge area, - the mounting leg (3.1.1) on the support frame side is designed as a strip which has at least one support frame mounting hole (3.1.3), and - the rack-side mounting leg (3.2.1) is designed as a strip which has at least one rack mounting hole (3.2.3) in accordance with standard IEC 60297. [2] Perforated strip angle adapter (3) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the rack-side mounting leg (3.2.1) is designed as a perforated strip which has a row of several rack mounting holes (3.2.3) in accordance with the standard IEC 60297. [3] Perforated strip angle adapter (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the perforated strip angle adapter (3) is a component formed in one piece from deformed sheet metal. [4] Mounting kit for installing rackmountable network technology components (4) in a field-structured electrical installation cabinet (1), characterized by , that the mounting set comprises at least two support frame mounting rails (2) and at least two perforated strip angle adapters (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support frame mounting rails (2) each have a perforated strip with a row of mounting holes on which the perforated strip angle adapters (3) can be mounted with their support frame-side mounting leg (3.1.1) in a positionally changeable manner by means of releasable fastening elements. [5] Mounting kit according to claim 4, characterized by , that the row of mounting holes in the perforated strip of the support frame mounting rails (2) each has a grid dimension of 12.5 mm, 25 mm or 50 mm. [6] Multimedia cabinet comprising a field-structured electrical installation cabinet housing (1), at least two support frame mounting rails (2) arranged parallel to each other on the rear wall of the electrical installation cabinet housing (1), and at least two perforated strip angle adapters (3) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support frame mounting rails (2) each have a perforated strip with a row of mounting holes on which the perforated strip angle adapters (3) can be mounted with their support frame-side mounting leg (3.1.1) by means of detachable fastening elements in a positionally changeable manner, wherein each pair of perforated strip angle adapters (3) attached to the parallel support frame mounting rails (2) with their rack-side mounting legs (3.2.1) coplanarly have a center distance of their rack mounting holes (3.2.3) that corresponds to a standardized grid dimension of a 19-inch rack system. [7] Multimedia cabinet according to claim 6, characterized by , that the row of holes of the support frame mounting rails (2) is designed such that the perforated strip angle adapters (3) can be mounted in a vertical grid according to the height unit (U) of a 19-inch rack system for the installation of the network technology components (4) on several height units within the electrical engineering installation cabinet housing (1) in a positionally changeable manner. [8] Multimedia cabinet according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized by , that this comprises at least two perforated strip angle adapters (3) according to claim 2, the rack-side mounting legs (3.2.1) of which are designed such that several rackmountable network technology components (4) can be mounted one behind the other in a common installation plane.

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