Device for connecting a rail to a mounting wall for an electrical switchgear box and electrical switchgear comprising such a device

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for connecting a rail to a mounting wall of a box of an electrical panel and to an electrical panel comprising such a device.

[0002] In the field of electrical power distribution, particularly for low voltage applications, it is well known to use electrical panels or switchboards.

[0003] These electrical panels can have variable dimensions and configurations and include a box designed to accommodate various electrical or electronic devices such as circuit breakers, relays, wiring systems, etc.

[0004] In particular, the installation of these devices is carried out using two metal rails which are arranged parallel to each other and are mechanically coupled to the rear wall of the box.

[0005] Then, one or more mounting guides, such as DIN type guides, are mechanically coupled at their ends to the two metal rails so as to form one or more mounting rows for the devices and components to be installed.

[0006] Currently, the connection of the metal rails to the rear wall of the box is normally carried out using a connection device having a body made of electrically insulating material inside which are incorporated a first threaded metal insert, accessible from the front, and a second threaded metal insert accessible from the rear.

[0007] To complete the assembly, each metal rail is mechanically coupled to each connecting device used by means of a screw screwed into the metal insert accessible from the front; then, the product under assembly must be turned to access the rear part and screw a second screw into the second rear metal insert in order to mechanically connect the rails to the rear wall of the enclosure.

[0008] This solution is not entirely satisfactory, particularly with regard to the assembly method, since the need to turn a box during assembly to access its rear part causes difficulties, especially when the boxes are heavy. Furthermore, execution times are not optimized. Document DE 2717216 A1 discloses a device for connecting a C-shaped rail to a conductor bar provided with a slot, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0009] Document EP 0794602 A2 discloses a device for connecting a metal rail to a metal mounting wall of a box of an electrical panel. The device comprises an electrically insulating body having a central portion which has a front surface for receiving a screw for fixing the rail to the insulating body of the device, two lateral arms each having a front surface, and a bottom portion comprising at least one bearing surface, opposite the front surface, which is intended to bear against a front surface of the mounting wall.

[0010] Document DE 102012102170 A1 discloses a device for mounting a metal rail, which comprises an electrically insulating body having snap-in elements for each snapping a corresponding portion of the rail, two side walls each having a front bearing surface for a corresponding portion of the rail, and a bottom portion having a bearing surface intended to bear against a front surface of a metal mounting plate positioned inside a cabinet of an electrical panel.

[0011] Document DE 102019105077 A1 discloses an adapter device for attaching a support rail to a wall of an electrical cabinet, which comprises an electrically insulating body having locking tabs that engage in openings in the rail, two side walls each having a front bearing surface for a corresponding portion of the rail, and a bottom wall having a bearing surface for bearing against a front surface of the mounting wall.

[0012] Document DE 10 2016 201 425 A1 discloses a device for fixing a support rail to a wall of a cabinet of an electrical panel. The device comprises an electrically insulating body having two lateral arms which have hooks for engaging with the rail, a central portion forming a bearing surface for a corresponding portion of the rail, and a bottom portion having a bearing surface intended to bear against a front surface of the mounting wall of the cabinet.

[0013] Document DE 102019126620 A1 discloses a fastening means for fastening attachments to supporting elements, which comprises a rod having a plug-in end and a drive end. The rod forms a side wall which comprises elastic hooking elements. A stop device is arranged on the side wall, axially spaced from a hooking surface of the elements. A support element is provided axially towards the drive end, and has a free surface on the plug-in side and an axial locking surface on the drive side. The drive end has two locking arms and an axially projecting drive.

[0014] Document US 3,986,780 A discloses a fixing device intended to be mounted on a support. The fixing device comprises a support piece placed at the end of a rod, and a circular elastic plate. The distance separating the opposite flat faces of the support piece and the circular plate is equal to the thickness of the support. The circular plate is provided on its internal face with two parallel rectilinear bosses whose length is equal to that of one of the sides of the rectangular outline of an orifice of the support.

[0015] Document EP0762585 B1 discloses a fixing device with different rail mounting positions, incorporating snap-on and screw-on fixing means for its connection to the different support elements.

[0016] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a solution offering improvements over the known state of the art, and in particular to simplify and accelerate the connection of the rails to the rear wall of a box, while at the same time ensuring the maintenance of the index or degree of electrical protection provided for these devices.

[0017] This object is achieved by a device for connecting a metal rail to a metal mounting wall of a box of an electrical panel, according to claim 1.

[0018] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to mechanically connect a rail to the mounting wall of a box, directly through the front face of the wall and without the need to turn the parts being assembled to access the rear part.

[0019] According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the invention, such a connection device may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically admissible combination: the insulating body comprises a blind hole which extends from a first front surface of the head portion inside the insulating body along the reference axis, the blind hole being adapted to receive a screw for fixing the rail to the device; the coupling means comprise a central portion, which extends towards the rear of the coupling part, as well as a first arm and a second arm which extend from the central portion transversely with respect to the reference axis and in opposite directions to each other; the first and second arms are each configured in the shape of a propeller blade; the head portion comprises at least one other bearing surface for a corresponding portion of the rail.

[0020] Furthermore, the aforementioned object of the present invention is also achieved by an electrical panel comprising a cabinet, at least one rail for mounting electrical equipment, characterized in that it comprises at least one device as mentioned above for connecting the rail to a wall of the cabinet.

[0021] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, among which: [ FIG. 1 ] there Figure 1 is a view illustrating the device according to the invention for connecting a metal rail to a metal mounting wall of a box of an electrical panel according to the invention; [ FIG. 2 ] there Figure 2 is a view illustrating a metal rail coupled to the rear metal wall of a switchboard cabinet using the device illustrated in the figure 1 , in a first mounting configuration; [ FIG. 3 ] there Figure 3 is a sectional view illustrating the device shown in the figure 1 , in the position of connection of a metal rail to the rear metal wall of a box of an electrical panel in a second mounting configuration; [ FIG. 4 ] there Figure 4 and a view illustrating in detail a bottom portion of the device of the figure 1 with coupling means which are moved into a position of bearing against the rear surface of the rear metal wall of a box; and [ FIG. 5 ] there Figure 5 and a view illustrating a metal rail in the position of mechanical coupling to the rear metal wall of a box of an electrical panel, using three devices according to the invention.

[0022] It should be noted that in the following detailed description, components that are identical or similar, from a structural and / or functional point of view, bear the same numerical references, whether or not they are shown in different embodiments of the present description.

[0023] It should also be noted that, in order to clearly and concisely describe the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be presented in schematic form.

[0024] Furthermore, when the term "adapted" or "arranged" or "configured" is used herein in reference to any component as a whole, or any part of a component, or a combination of components, it is to be understood to mean and encompass the structure and / or configuration and / or shape and / or positioning of the component or part to which such term refers.

[0025] Finally, when the terms "substantially" or "substantially" are used herein, they are to be understood as encompassing a possible variation of plus or minus 5% from an indicated reference value or position; further, when the terms transverse or transversely are used herein, they are to be understood as encompassing a direction not parallel to the reference part(s) or direction(s) / axis(s) to which they refer, and perpendicularity is to be considered a specific case of transverse direction.

[0026] There figure 1 illustrates an exemplary possible embodiment of a device according to the present invention, designated with the reference number 1, for the connection of a metal rail, designated on the figures 2 , 3 And 5 by reference 100, to a mounting wall of a box of an electrical panel.

[0027] This mounting wall, designated on the figures 2 à 5 with reference number 102, is typically a rear wall of a cabinet, which is made of metallic material and comprises a front surface 103 which faces the interior of the cabinet and a rear surface 104, opposite the front surface 103, which faces the exterior of the cabinet.

[0028] The device 1 according to the present invention comprises a body made of electrically insulating material which extends along a transverse reference axis X, and in particular substantially perpendicular, relative to the mounting wall 102 in the mounted configuration of the device 1 on the mounting wall 102.

[0029] The device 1 comprises a head portion 10, which is configured to receive means 120 for fixing the rail 100 to the insulating body of the device 1 itself, and a central portion 20 which is configured to have at least a first bearing surface 21 for an associated portion 106 of the rail 100.

[0030] Furthermore, the insulating body of the device 1 comprises a bottom portion 30, opposite the head portion 10.

[0031] As illustrated in the figure 1 , the central portion 20 extends, along the reference axis X, between the head portion 10 and the bottom portion 30.

[0032] The bottom portion 30 comprises at least: a bearing surface 31 intended to bear against the front surface 103 of the mounting wall 102; a coupling part 33 which extends rearwardly with respect to the bearing surface 31 and which is adapted to be housed in a through seat 105 illustrated schematically in the figure 4 , which is hollowed out in the mounting wall 102; and coupling means 35 which extend from the coupling portion 33 transversely to the reference axis X.

[0033] According to the invention, the electrically insulating body of the device 1 is able to be moved, during the mechanical connection of the rail 100 to the mounting wall 102, between a first insertion position, in which the bearing surface 31 comes to bear against the front surface 103 of the mounting wall 102 while the coupling part 33 is inserted into the through seat 105 with the coupling means 35 which pass beyond the through seat 105, and a second bearing position, in which the coupling part 33 is rotated in the seat 105, around the reference axis X, with the coupling means 35 which face the rear surface 104 of the mounting wall 102.

[0034] According to a possible embodiment, and as seen in more detail on the figure 3 , the electrically insulating body of the device 1 comprises a blind hole 12 which extends from a first front surface 14 of the head portion 10 inside the insulating body along the reference axis X.

[0035] As illustrated on the figures 2 , 3 And 5 , the fixing means 120 comprise a fixing screw 120 which is screwed into the blind hole 12 in order to mechanically connect the rail 100 to the electrically insulating body of the device 1.

[0036] According to a possible embodiment, illustrated in more detail on the figure 4 , the coupling means 35 comprise a central portion 35A, as well as a first arm 35B and a second arm 35C which extend from the central portion 35A transversely, in particular perpendicularly, relative to the reference axis X, and in opposite directions to each other.

[0037] According to the example of realization illustrated on the figure 4 , the first arm 35B and the second arm 35C are each configured in the shape of a propeller blade.

[0038] The central portion 20 of the electrically insulating body comprises a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface, identified on the figure 3 by references 21 and 22.

[0039] The first bearing surface 21 and the second bearing surface 22 are adapted to allow the support of two corresponding portions 106 and 107 of the rail 100 and are arranged in a substantially symmetrical manner with respect to the reference axis X.

[0040] As shown in the figure 3 , in the mounting position of the device 1, the first bearing surface 21 and the second bearing surface 22 extend in directions substantially parallel to the mounting wall 102 of the box and are located, along the central portion 20, at a first distance L1 from the bearing surface 31 of the bottom portion 30.

[0041] The central portion 20 of the electrically insulating body comprises a third bearing surface and a fourth bearing surface identified on the figure 2 by the corresponding references 23 and 24.

[0042] The third bearing surface 23 and the fourth bearing surface 24 are adapted to allow the support of two corresponding portions of the rail 100, such as the portions 106 and 107 previously mentioned or two other different portions, and they are arranged in a substantially symmetrical manner with respect to the reference axis X.

[0043] In particular, as visible on the figure 2 , in the mounting position of the device 1, the third bearing surface 23 and the fourth bearing surface 24 extend in directions substantially parallel to the mounting wall 102 of the box and are located, along the central portion 20, at a second distance L2 from the bearing surface 31 of the bottom portion 30.

[0044] The second distance L2 is greater than the first distance L1.

[0045] In this way, thanks to the device 1 according to the invention, the rail 100 can be screwed to the insulating body and mechanically connected to the mounting wall 102 in a first support position illustrated in the figure 3 , or in a second support position shown in the figure 2 where it is placed further from the mounting wall compared to the first support position.

[0046] In this second support position, a larger space is defined between the rail 100 and the mounting wall 102 allowing, for example, the accommodation of wiring components, such as cable ducts.

[0047] According to a possible embodiment, the head portion 10 of the insulating body comprises a second front surface 16, which is located forwards relative to the first front surface 14 where the opening of the blind hole 12 is formed, and which constitutes another bearing surface for another corresponding portion of the rail 100.

[0048] In particular, according to the embodiment example illustrated in the figure 3 , the second anterior surface 16 comprises two parts separated from each other by a space capable of allowing the insertion of the screw 120.

[0049] It is clear from the above description that the device 1 makes it possible to achieve the aim underlying the present invention.

[0050] In fact, thanks to the device 1, it is possible to mechanically connect a rail to the mounting wall of a box, directly through the front face of the wall and without the need to access the rear part, for example by turning the parts during assembly.

[0051] In particular, the locking on the bottom of the box can be achieved without the need to use tools and fixing screws.

[0052] In this way, compared to known solutions, assembly procedures are simplified and production times are reduced, while ensuring at the same time an adequate degree of protection, namely IP2 type according to standard EN 60529, in particular with regard to electrical insulation between the internal parts of the box and the external environment.

[0053] Furthermore, these results are achieved with a solution that is simple from a constructive point of view and very flexible to apply.

[0054] Indeed, the device 1 is suitable for being applied in principle to any type of box of an electrical panel or switchboard, in particular for the distribution of low voltage energy. Consequently, the present invention also relates to an electrical panel or switchboard comprising a box, at least one rail 100 for mounting electrical equipment and a device 1 for connecting the rail 100 to a wall 102 as described above.

[0055] In this respect, rails of different lengths can be easily connected to a mounting wall, for example by using only two devices 1 according to the invention installed at the ends of a rail, or by adding a third device 1 in an intermediate position, as illustrated for example in the figure 5 .

[0056] The device 1 thus designed is susceptible to modifications and variations. For example, parts of the insulating body, such as the bearing surfaces described, can be configured differently. Furthermore, the two arms 35B and 35C can be oriented differently relative to each other.

Claims

1. A device (1) for connecting a metal rail (100) to a metal mounting wall (102) of an enclosure of an electrical switchboard, comprising a body made of electrically insulating material, the electrically insulating body extending along a reference axis (X) transverse to the mounting wall (102), in the configuration wherein the device is mounted on the mounting wall, and comprising at least: - a head portion (10) configured to receive means (120) for attaching the rail (100) to the insulating body of the device (1); - a central portion (20) configured to have at least one bearing surface (21) adapted to allow a corresponding portion (106) of the rail (100) to bear against it; - a bottom portion (30), opposite the head portion (10), which comprises at least one bearing surface (31) for bearing against a front surface (103) of the mounting wall (102), a coupling part (33) which extends rearwardly with respect to the bearing surface (31) and is adapted to be accommodated in a pass-through seat (105) recessed in the mounting wall (102), and coupling means (35) which extend from the coupling portion (33), in which, whilst connecting to the mounting wall (102), the electrically insulating body of the device (1) is adapted to be moved between a first insertion position wherein the bearing surface (31) is pressed against the front surface (103) of the mounting wall (102) while the coupling part (33) is inserted into the pass-through seat (105) with the coupling means (35) going past the pass-through seat (105), and a second bearing position wherein the coupling portion (33) is rotated within the pass-through seat (105) about the reference axis (X) with the coupling means (35) facing the rear surface (104) of the mounting wall (102); in which the central portion (20) comprises a first bearing surface (21) and a second bearing surface (22) for two corresponding portions (106, 107) of the rail (100), the first and second bearing surfaces (21, 22) being arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the reference axis (X), in which, in the configuration wherein the device is mounted on the mounting wall, the first bearing surface (21) and the second bearing surface (22) extend in directions substantially parallel to the mounting wall (102) and are located, along the central portion (20), at a first distance (L1) from the bearing surface (31) of the bottom portion (30); wherein the central portion (20) further comprises a third bearing surface (23) and a fourth bearing surface (24) for two corresponding portions of the rail (100), the third and fourth bearing surfaces (23, 24) being arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the reference axis (X), and wherein, in the configuration wherein the device is mounted on the mounting wall (102), the third bearing surface (23) and the fourth bearing surface (24) extend in directions substantially parallel to the mounting wall (102) and are located, along the central portion (20), at a second distance (L2) from the bearing surface (31) of the bottom portion (30), the second distance (L2) being greater than the first distance (L1), characterised in that the rail (100) can be mounted on the insulating body and mechanically connected to the mounting wall (102) in a first support position, or in a second support position where it is placed further away from the mounting wall (102) with respect to the first support position.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, in which the insulating body comprises a blind hole (12) which extends from a first front surface (14) of the head portion (10) inside the insulating body along the reference axis (X), the blind hole (12) being adapted to receive a screw (120) for attaching the rail (100) to the device (1).

3. The device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the coupling means (35) comprise a central portion (35A), which extends towards the rear of the coupling part (35), as well as a first arm (35B) and a second arm (35C) which extend from the central portion (35A) transversely with respect to the reference axis (X) and in mutually opposite directions.

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, in which the first and second arms (35A, 35B) are each configured in the shape of a propeller blade.

5. The device (1) according to claim 2, in which the head portion (10) of the electrically insulating body comprises a second front surface (16) having two parts spaced apart by a gap suitable for allowing the fixing screw (120) to be inserted.

6. An electrical switchboard comprising an enclosure and at least one rail (100) for mounting electrical equipment, characterised in that it comprises at least one device (1) for connecting the rail (100) to a wall (102) of the enclosure according to any one of the preceding claims.