Doorstop for an electrical cabinet, associated electrical cabinet and locking method

Abstract

This counter door (16), designed to be movable in rotation about a hinge axis (C-C') relative to a frame (12), comprises a panel (28), extending along a panel plane (P), and a locking device (30) adapted to lock the panel (28). The locking device (30) includes an actuation handle (34), movable in rotation about an actuation axis (A-A') relative to the panel (28), and a linkage (36), connected to the actuation handle (34) and comprising at least two rods (46). The locking device (30) is movable between a locking configuration, in which each rod (46) is intended to cooperate with the frame (12) and a release configuration, in which each rod (46) is intended to extend away from the frame (12), by rotation of the handle (34) around its actuation axis (A-A'), the actuation axis (A-A') being substantially perpendicular to the panel plane (P)

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a counter door for an electrical cabinet, an electrical cabinet comprising such a counter door, and a method for locking such an electrical cabinet.

[0002] In the field of electrical cabinets, there are known electrical cabinets with a lockable inner door that can be attached to the cabinet frame. Such electrical cabinets may also include a door that can be closed, and for example, locked, onto the inner door.

[0003] The counter doors of such electrical cabinets generally include a panel and a locking device to secure the panel to the cabinet frame. Such locking devices typically consist of independent latches, each latch being able to move translationally between a release configuration, in which the latch does not impede the panel's movement relative to the frame, and a locking configuration, in which the latch cooperates with the frame to secure the panel to the frame.

[0004] Such locking devices are known from JPS49112700U.

[0005] However, such storm doors are not entirely satisfactory. Indeed, to achieve a secure lock between the panel and the frame, multiple latches are required, making the locking process cumbersome since each latch must be moved to lock and unlock the storm door. Furthermore, due to the height of modern electrical cabinets, some of the latches are difficult to access.

[0006] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to obtain a counter door whose panel can be easily and effectively locked onto an electrical cabinet frame.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a counter-door for an electrical cabinet, intended to be mobile in rotation around a hinge axis relative to a frame of the electrical cabinet, the counter-door comprising: a panel, extending along a panel plane; and a locking device adapted to lock the panel relative to the electrical cabinet frame, the locking device comprising: an actuation handle, movable in rotation about an actuation axis relative to the panel; and a linkage, connected to the actuation handle, the linkage comprising at least two rods; the locking device being movable between: a locking configuration, in which each rod is intended to cooperate with the frame and lock the panel relative to the frame; and a release configuration, in which each rod is intended to extend away from the frame and release the storm door by rotating it around the hinge axis, by rotating the actuation handle around its actuation axis, the actuation axis being substantially perpendicular to the panel plane.

[0008] The use of such an actuation handle is particularly advantageous since its simple actuation allows the door to be locked / unlocked relative to a frame. Furthermore, as the actuation axis is substantially perpendicular to the panel plane, such an actuation handle remains in a plane substantially parallel to the panel plane throughout its actuation, thus minimizing the handle's obstruction and reducing the risk of damage to the actuation handle.

[0009] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the counter door comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations: Each rod includes an end intended to cooperate with the frame when the locking device is in its locked configuration, the distance between the end and the actuation axis being less when the locking device is in its release configuration, relative to when the locking device is in its locked configuration; the locking device defines an intermediate configuration, the locking device being mobile between its locking and release configurations via its intermediate configuration, the distance between the end of each rod and the actuation axis being maximum when the locking device is in its intermediate configuration; each rod includes a wheel intended to cooperate with the frame when the locking device is in its locked configuration;The linkage further comprises two connecting rods, each connecting rod connecting one of the rods to the actuation handle, each rod being guided in translation relative to the panel; each connecting rod is curved in a plane parallel to the plane of the panel so as to define, for each connecting rod, a concave connecting rod reception region, the concave reception region of each connecting rod extending opposite the actuation axis when the locking device is in its locked configuration; the locking device comprises a sliding disc arranged between the panel and the actuation handle; the storm door further comprises a gasket, the gasket being integral with an edge of the panel and intended to cooperate with the frame when the locking device is in its locked configuration; the panel comprises an inner face intended to extend opposite the frame, the locking device extending over the inner face;The actuation handle includes a handle, the handle extending laterally from the panel when moving the locking device between its locked and released positions.

[0010] The invention further relates to an electrical cabinet comprising a counter door as described above and a frame, the counter door being movable in rotation about the hinge axis relative to the frame between an open position and a closed position, each rod cooperating with the frame to lock the panel relative to the frame when the locking device is in its locking configuration and the counter door is in its closed position, each rod extending away from the frame when the locking device is in its release configuration.

[0011] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the electrical cabinet further comprises a door, movable between an open position and a closed position, the door cooperating with the counter-door when the door and the counter-door are in their closed positions.

[0012] The invention also relates to a method for locking an electrical cabinet, in which the method comprises the following steps: supply of an electrical cabinet as above, the counter door being supplied in its open position and the locking device being supplied in its release configuration; movement of the counter door to its closed position by rotating the counter door around the hinge axis; and movement of the locking device to its locking configuration by rotating the actuation handle around its actuation axis.

[0013] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a schematic perspective representation of an electrical cabinet comprising a counter door according to the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 is a representation of the electrical cabinet shown in figure 1 , viewed from the inside, in which a counter door locking device is visible in a locked configuration; [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 is a schematic representation of a detail of the counter door locking device, the locking device being in its locked configuration; [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a schematic representation similar to that of the figure 3 , in which the locking device is in an intermediate configuration; [ Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is a schematic representation similar to that of figures 3 And 4 , in which the locking device is in a release configuration; [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 is a schematic perspective representation of the locking device's actuation handle; and [ Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 is a schematic perspective representation of a locking device link and a counter door seal.

[0014] In reference to the figure 1 , an electrical cabinet 10 includes a frame 12, a door 14 and a counter door 16.

[0015] The electrical cabinet 10 is intended to house various electrical equipment (not shown) such as, for example, electrical relays, circuit breakers, surge arresters or any other electrical equipment.

[0016] As seen on the figure 1 , the building 12 defines an interior volume 18.

[0017] The frame 12 includes for example a frame 20 as well as a plurality of trays, for example metallic, attached to the frame 20 (for the sake of readability of the figures, the trays are not shown).

[0018] The frame 20 includes, for example, a fixed part 22 delimiting an access opening 24 to the interior volume.

[0019] The frame 20, and for example the fixed part 22, include for example at least two stops 26 which are, as will be described in more detail later, intended to cooperate with the counter door 16.

[0020] Each stop 26, for example, projects from the rest of the frame 20, and for example from the rest of the fixed part 22, towards the access opening 24, as illustrated in particular in figure 2 .

[0021] The door 14 and the counter-door 16 are each movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the frame 20.

[0022] It will be understood from the rest of the description that door 14 and storm door 16 are each leaves of the cabinet, and that door 14 and storm door 16 are designed to work together. Storm door 16 is therefore a leaf of the cabinet designed to work with door 14, which is another leaf of the cabinet.

[0023] When in its closed position, the door 14 extends at least partially across the access opening 24 to block at least partially the access opening 24 and when in its open position, the door 14 extends away from the access opening and preferably away from the interior volume 18.

[0024] Similarly, when in its closed position, the counter door 16 extends at least partially across the access opening 24 to block at least partially the access opening 24 and when in its open position, the counter door 16 extends away from the access opening 24 and preferably away from the interior volume 18.

[0025] When door 14 and counter-door 16 are in their closed position, they cooperate. Door 14 is designed, for example, to be closed against counter-door 16 and includes, for example, a bolt (not shown) intended to cooperate with counter-door 16 and / or with frame 12 to hold door 14 in a closed position.

[0026] When door 14 and counter door 16 are in their closed position, door 14 and counter door 16 completely block access opening 24, for example. Door 14, counter door 16 and frame 12 then cooperate, for example, to isolate the interior volume 18 from an exterior (unreferenced) of the electrical cabinet 10.

[0027] The counter door 16 is mobile in rotation relative to the frame 12 around a hinge axis CC' between its open and closed positions.

[0028] As illustrated in the figure 2 The counter door 16 includes a panel 28 and a locking device 30. The counter door 16 also includes, for example, a seal 31.

[0029] Panel 28, for example, is made of metal.

[0030] The panel 28 is for example mounted on a hinge (not referenced) to ensure the rotation of the counter door 16 relative to the frame 12 around the hinge axis C-C'.

[0031] As illustrated on the figure 1 , panel 28 extends for example according to a panel plan P.

[0032] The panel 28 comprises, for example, an inner face 32 and an outer face 34, opposite the inner face 32. The inner face 32 is designed to extend in relation to the frame 12 and, for example, extends in relation to the frame 12 when the storm door 16 is in the closed position. The inner face 32 extends, in particular, in relation to the inner volume 18 and defines, for example, the inner volume 18 when the storm door 16 is in its closed position.

[0033] Panel 28 further defines a panel edge 33, also called the door edge 16, extending around the periphery of panel 28. In a particular example, visible on the figure 7 , the panel 28 includes for example a profile 35 forming a portion of the edge 33 intended to cooperate with the door 14, that is to say for example the portion of the edge 33 extending in a vertical direction (according to the height of the electrical cabinet 10) on a side opposite to the hinge axis CC' relative to the panel 28.

[0034] The locking device 30 is adapted to lock the panel 28 relative to the frame 12 and therefore to lock the counter door 16 relative to the frame 12.

[0035] As illustrated on the figure 2 , the locking device 30 extends for example on the inner face 32 of the panel 28.

[0036] As illustrated on the figure 2 The locking device 30 includes an actuation handle 34 and a linkage 36. As will be described in more detail later, the locking device 30 also includes, for example, a sliding disc 38.

[0037] The locking device 30 is movable between a locking configuration, illustrated in figure 3 in which the locking device 30 locks the panel 28 relative to the frame 12, and a release position, illustrated in figure 5 , in which the locking device releases the counter door 16 in rotation around the hinge axis CC' relative to the frame 12, or in other words, does not oppose the rotation of the counter door 16 relative to the frame 12.

[0038] As will be described in more detail later, the locking device 30 also defines, for example, an intermediate configuration, illustrated in figure 4 . The locking device 30 is particularly mobile between its locking and unlocking configurations, passing through its intermediate configuration.

[0039] The actuation handle 34 is movable in rotation about an actuation axis AA' relative to the panel 28. As visible on the figure 6 , the actuation axis AA' is substantially perpendicular to the panel plane P. The panel 28 is for example equipped with a pin 44, protruding for example from the inner face 32, the actuation handle 34 being movable in rotation on the pin 44.

[0040] As illustrated on the figures 3 à 5 , the locking device 30 is mobile between its locking configuration and its release configuration, for example by passing through its intermediate configuration, by moving the actuation handle 34 around its actuation axis A-A'.

[0041] As visible on the figures 2 à 6 The actuation handle 34 includes, for example, a handle 45. The handle 45 is, for example, extended in a direction orthogonal to the actuation axis A-A'. As can be seen on the figure 4 The handle 45, for example, extends laterally beyond the panel 28, that is, orthogonally to the actuation axis A-A', during the movement of the locking device 30 between its locked and unlocked positions. The handle 45 extends, for example, beyond the edge of the panel 33 intended to cooperate with the door 14.

[0042] As visible on the figures 2 à 6 The linkage 36 is connected to the actuation handle 34. As can be seen on the figures 3 à 5 , the rotation of the actuation handle 34 around its actuation axis AA' thus causes a displacement of the linkage 36.

[0043] The linkage 36 comprises at least two rods 46. As illustrated on the figures 2 à 6 , the linkage 36 also includes, for example, two connecting rods 48.

[0044] Each rod 46 is designed to cooperate with the frame 12 and to lock the panel 28, and therefore the storm door 16, relative to the frame 12, when the locking device 30 is in its locked configuration. In particular, as can be seen on the figure 2 , each rod 46 cooperates with the frame 12 when the locking device 30 is in its locking configuration and the counter door 16 is in its closed position.

[0045] Each rod 46 is designed to extend away from the frame 12 and to release the storm door 16 from rotation about the hinge axis CC' when the locking device 30 is in its release position. In other words, the rods 46 do not impede the movement of the storm door 16 as it rotates about the hinge axis CC' when the locking device is in its release position.

[0046] Each rod 46 includes in particular an end 50 intended to cooperate with the frame 12 when the locking device 30 is in its locked configuration and cooperating with the frame 12, as illustrated in figure 2 , when the locking device 30 is in its locked configuration and the counter door 16 is in its closed position.

[0047] In particular, when the frame 20 includes stops 26 as illustrated in figure 2 , the end 50 cooperates with the stop 26 when the locking device 30 is in its locked configuration and the counter door 16 is in its closed position.

[0048] As illustrated on the figures 3 à 5 Each rod 46 is, for example, guided in translation relative to the panel 28. Each rod 46 is, for example, guided in translation along a direction corresponding to a height of the electrical cabinet 10, that is to say, a direction extending from the top to the bottom of the electrical cabinet 10. As illustrated on the figure 2 , panel 28 includes for this purpose guides 54, protruding for example from the inner face 32, in order to guide the rods 46 in translation on panel 28.

[0049] As visible on the figures 3 And 5The distance D1, D2 between the end 50 of each rod 46 and the actuation axis AA' is less when the locking device 30 is in its release configuration, compared to when the locking device 30 is in its locked configuration. For example, the distance D1, D2 between the end 50 of each rod 46 and the actuation axis AA' is minimal when the locking device 30 is in its release configuration.

[0050] In an unillustrated variant, the end 50 of each rod 46 protrudes, for example, from the panel 28 when the locking device 30 is in its locking configuration and extends in relation to the panel 28, without protruding from the panel 28, when the locking device 30 is in its release configuration.

[0051] As seen on the figure 4 , in comparison to figures 3 And 5, the distance D1, D2 between the end 50 of each rod 46 and the actuation axis A-A', is for example maximum when the locking device 30 is in its intermediate configuration.

[0052] Thus, in the example of figures 1 à 7 where the two rods 46 extend on either side of the actuation axis A-A', the spacing between the ends 50 of the two rods is maximal when the locking device 30 is in its intermediate configuration and minimal when the locking device 30 is in its release configuration.

[0053] As seen on the figure 7 , each rod 46, and in particular the end 50 of each rod 46, includes a wheel 52, intended to cooperate with the frame 12 when the locking device 30 is in its locking configuration.

[0054] As illustrated in the figure 7 , each wheel 52 cooperates for example with one of the stops 26, for example to facilitate the movement of the locking device 30 between its locking and release configurations.

[0055] As mentioned above, the locking device 30 includes, for example, a sliding disc 38. As can be seen on the figure 6 , the sliding disc 38 is arranged between the panel 38 and the actuation handle 34.

[0056] The sliding disc 38 is for example coaxial with the actuation axis AA' and is for example engaged on the pin 44, between the panel 38 and the actuation handle 34.

[0057] As visible on the figures 3 à 5 , each connecting rod 48 is for example bent in a plane parallel to the plane of panel P. Each connecting rod 48 thus defines, by its curvature, a concave connecting rod reception region 56.

[0058] The concave receiving region 56 of each connecting rod 48 extends, for example, along the actuation axis AA' when the locking device 30 is in its locked configuration. For example, the sliding disc 38 extends at least partially into the concave receiving region 56 when the locking device 30 is in its released configuration.

[0059] The seal 31 is integral with the edge 33 of the panel 28. The seal 31 is designed to cooperate with the frame 12 when the locking device 30 is in its locked configuration. In particular, the seal 31 extends between the edge 33 of the panel and the frame 12 when the storm door 16 is in its closed position and the locking device 30 is in its closed configuration.

[0060] The end 50 of the rod 46 cooperates for example with the frame 12 to press the joint 31 between the edge 33 of the panel 28 and the frame 12.

[0061] It will be understood that by "solid to the edge 33", we also mean that the joint 31 can extend along the edge 33, for example on the inner face 32, as illustrated for example on the figure 7 .

[0062] In this example, the storm door includes two joints 31 extending along portions of the edge 33 extending orthogonally to the hinge axis C-C', or expressed in other words, along top and bottom edges of the storm door 16.

[0063] As seen on the figure 7 , the joint 31 extends for example transversely on the profile 35. For this purpose, the joint 31 includes for example a U-shaped portion 58, of complementary shape to a section of the profile 35.

[0064] A method for locking an electrical cabinet 10 as previously described will now be presented.

[0065] In a first step, an electrical cabinet 10, as described above, is provided. The counter-door 16 of such a cabinet is provided in its open position, and the locking device 30 of the counter-door 16 is provided in its released configuration. In a particular example, the cabinet 10 also includes a door 14, as described above. The door 14 is then, for example, provided in its open position.

[0066] In a second step, the counter door 16 is moved to its closed position by rotating the counter door 16 around the hinge axis C-C'. During this step, the locking device 30 is held in its release position, specifically to avoid obstructing the closing of the counter door 16. The door 14 is also, for example, held in its open position.

[0067] In a third step, the locking device 30 is moved to its locking configuration to lock the electrical cabinet 10. The locking device is locked by rotating the actuation handle 34 around its actuation axis A-A'.

[0068] For example, the locking device 30 is moved from its release configuration to its intermediate configuration during the first phase of the third step. During this first phase, the ends 50 of the rods 46 are, for example, progressively moved away from the actuation axis A-A', in particular to cooperate with the frame 12.

[0069] The locking device 30 is then moved from its intermediate configuration to its locking configuration during a second phase of the third step. During this second phase, the ends 50 of the rods are progressively brought closer to the actuation axis A-A', while continuing to cooperate with the frame 12, in particular to lock the panel 28 relative to the frame.

[0070] As seen above, the use of an actuation handle 34 as previously presented is particularly advantageous for facilitating the locking of a storm door 16, while ensuring effective locking of such a storm door 16. The orientation of the actuation axis AA' is also particularly advantageous for limiting the risk of damage to the actuation handle 34 and for limiting the bulk of the storm door 16 when in use.

[0071] The definition, by the locking device 30, of an intermediate configuration as presented above is particularly advantageous, such an intermediate configuration ensuring the stability of the locking device in its locking configuration, thus preventing any unexpected unlocking which may, for example, result from vibrations of the counter door 16.

[0072] The wheels 52 of each rod are particularly advantageous for facilitating the reconfiguration of the locking device 30 between its different configurations and for pressing the panel 28 onto the frame 12.

[0073] The use of connecting rods 48, and in particular curved connecting rods, is particularly advantageous for ensuring the compactness, simplicity and efficient operation of the locking device 30.

[0074] The previously presented sliding disc 38 is particularly advantageous for facilitating the movement of the locking device 30 between its locking and release positions.

[0075] The use of a seal 31 on the counter door 16 is particularly advantageous for isolating the interior volume 18 from the exterior of the counter door when the counter door is installed on the electrical cabinet. Furthermore, unlike solutions where a seal 31 is located on the frame, using a seal 31 on the counter door ensures particularly effective insulation by adapting the seal to the geometry of the counter door 16 and avoiding discrepancies between the position of the seal 31 and the position of the counter door 16 that could result from manufacturing tolerances of the counter door 16 and / or the frame 12.

[0076] The fact that the locking device 30 extends over the inner face 32 of the locking device 30 is particularly advantageous for improving the appearance of the counter door once installed on the electrical cabinet, while protecting the locking device 30.

[0077] The handle 45 extending laterally from the panel 28 is particularly advantageous for visually signaling that the locking device 30 is in a configuration between its locking configuration and its release configuration, thus allowing, for example, a quick check of the state of the locking device 30.

Claims

1. Counter door (16) for an electrical cabinet (10), intended to be movable in rotation about a hinge axis (C-C') relative to a frame (12) of the electrical cabinet (10), the counter door (16) comprising: - a panel (28), extending along a panel plane (P); and - a locking device (30) adapted to lock the panel (28) relative to the frame (12) of the electrical cabinet (10), the locking device (30) comprising: - an actuation handle (34), movable in rotation about an actuation axis (A-A') relative to the panel (28); and - a linkage (36), connected to the actuation handle (34), the linkage (36) comprising at least two rods (46); the locking device (30) being movable between: - a locking configuration, in which each rod (46) is intended to cooperate with the frame (12) and to lock the panel (46) relative to the frame (12);and - a release configuration, in which each rod (46) is intended to extend away from the frame (12) and to release the counter door (16) in rotation about the hinge axis (C-C'), by rotation of the actuation handle (34) about its actuation axis (A-A'), the actuation axis (A-A') being substantially perpendicular to the panel plane (P).; 2. Counter door (16) according to claim 1, in which each rod (46) comprises an end (50) intended to cooperate with the frame (12) when the locking device (30) is in its locking configuration, a distance (D1, D2) between the end (50) and the actuation axis (A-A') being less when the locking device (30) is in its release configuration, relative to when the locking device (30) is in its locking configuration.

3. Counter door (16) according to claim 2, in which the locking device (30) defines an intermediate configuration, the locking device (30) being movable between its locking and release configurations via its intermediate configuration, the distance (D1, D2) between the end (50) of each rod (46) and the actuation axis (A-A') being maximum when the locking device (30) is in its intermediate configuration.

4. Counter door (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each rod (46) comprises a wheel (52) intended to cooperate with the frame (12) when the locking device (30) is in its locking configuration.

5. Counter door (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the linkage (36) further comprises two connecting rods (48), each connecting rod (48) connecting one of the rods (46) to the actuation handle (34), each rod (46) being guided in translation relative to the panel (28).

6. Counter door (16) according to claim 5, in which each link (48) is curved in a plane parallel to the panel plane (P) so as to define, for each link (48), a concave link reception region (56), the concave reception region (56) of each link (48) extending opposite the actuation axis (A-A') when the locking device (30) is in its locking configuration.

7. A counter door (16) according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking device (30) comprises a sliding disc (38) arranged between the panel (28) and the actuation handle (34).

8. Counter door (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the counter door further comprises a seal (31), the seal (31) being integral with an edge (33) of the panel and being intended to cooperate with the frame (12) when the locking device (30) is in its locking configuration.

9. Counter door (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the panel (28) comprises an inner face (32) intended to extend opposite the frame (12), the locking device (30) extending on the inner face (32).

10. A counter door (16) according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuation handle (34) comprises a handle (45), the handle (45) projecting laterally from the panel (28) upon movement of the locking device (30) between its locking and release positions.

11. Electrical cabinet (10) comprising a counter door (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a frame (12), the counter door (16) being rotatable about the hinge axis (C-C') relative to the frame (12) between an open position and a closed position, each rod (46) cooperating with the frame (12) to lock the panel (28) relative to the frame (12) when the locking device (30) is in its locking configuration and the counter door (16) is in its closed position, each rod (46) extending away from the frame (12) when the locking device (30) is in its release configuration.

12. Electrical cabinet (10) according to claim 11, wherein the electrical cabinet (10) further comprises a door (14), movable between an open position and a closed position, the door (14) cooperating with the counter door (16) when the door (14) and the counter door (16) are in their closed positions.

13. A method of locking an electrical cabinet (10), wherein the method comprises the following steps: - providing an electrical cabinet (10) according to claim 11 or 12, the counter door (16) being provided in its open position and the locking device (30) being provided in its release configuration; - moving the counter door (16) to its closed position by rotating the counter door (16) about the hinge axis (C-C'); and - moving the locking device (30) to its locking configuration by rotating the actuation handle (34) about its actuation axis (A-A').

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