Structural Profiles for Electrical Cabinets

Abstract

The present invention relates to a structural profile for an electrical cabinet, comprising a profile having a front sealing area arranged at 90° to the lateral sealing areas, an inner fastening wall, an inner fastening flank, an inner fastening flange, an outer fastening wall, an outer fastening flank and a central barrier.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of application of metal profiles for structural elements, more precisely to the field of metal profiles for electrical cabinets and cupboards. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrical cabinets and electrical cupboards are widely used in industry. Their basic functions consist of providing a useful area for the assembly of electrical and electronic components, preventing inappropriate access to these components by unauthorized persons, and in some cases protecting such electrical and electronic components from dust and external moisture.

[0003] Several types of construction are used in the construction of electrical cabinets, such as welded, fused, tubular and metal profile constructions. Metal profiles are an important form of construction that is widely used in the manufacture of cabinets, as they are easy to handle and can also be easily transported and assembled at the installation site.

[0004] Given their industrial use and the high currents and voltages to which they are subjected, some electrical cabinets have a set of safety regulations designed to prove their ability to withstand possible short circuits without spreading a flame or exploding. The metal profile, together with the other elements that form the structure of the electrical cabinet, should therefore be able to promote the insulation of the interior of the electrical cabinet from the external environment.

[0005] Another important feature in electrical cabinet profiles is the space they occupy. The more space a profile occupies, the less usable area is available for use with the components assembled. Thus, in addition to meeting the needs of assembling components and providing a solid structure, it is important that the profile is compact and offers the largest possible usable area.

[0006] The state of the art presents profiles with different formats and characteristics, among which can be mentioned those described in documents US 6231142, US 6808240, WO 2003105552 and WO 2015117597.

[0007] The document US6231142 presents a complex format profile with several edges that make it difficult to build. In addition, said profile has several curvatures and changes in direction on its sides, occupying a large space and thus reducing the useful area of ​​the cabinet. Another problem with the cabinet presented in said document is that its seal can be compromised by the fastening holes, which can result in intrusion.

[0008] The document WO2015117597 presents a very simple profile. However, when manufactured from folded sheet metal, welding is required to provide structural rigidity. Another problem with the profile of this document is the narrow sealing area, which may allow penetration. The problem with the profile presented in said document is its structural weakness, which is due to the absence of internal elements that would attribute rigidity to the profile, which leads to the need to use larger profiles, which would result in a reduction in the useful area inside the cabinet.

[0009] It can thus be seen that the solutions presented in the state of the art do not completely solve the condition of providing a metal profile that is easy to manufacture and does not require the need for welding, and in addition, they fail to provide a profile that occupies the smallest possible space and, as a result, provides a larger usable area in the cabinet. Finally, no profile is provided that provides complete insulation between the interior and exterior areas. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,231,142 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 6,808,240 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2003105552 Brochure [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2015117597 Brochure Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention relates to a metal profile which is easy to manufacture, has its own shape and high structural rigidity, allowing the use of smaller widths and thus providing maximum usable area for assembly inside the cabinet.

[0012] One object of the present invention is to provide a metal profile without welds.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a metal profile capable of providing a high degree of insulation between the interior and exterior areas of an electrical cabinet.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a metal profile which is easy to manufacture and low cost.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a metal profile that facilitates the assembly of electrical cabinets and the internal and external components installed therein.

[0016] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a metal profile which takes up less space during transportation and storage, primarily offering maximum usable area within the cabinet.

[0017] The subject matter of the present specification will become fully apparent in its technical aspects from the detailed description given below based on the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a profile, where one can see the structure of a single folded plate with overlapping layers that form a closed tubular profile. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a detail of the assembly of the panels in a profile using a sealing element, where the definition between the inner and outer areas can be observed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the profile, where the inner fixing wall and the means for fixing to the inner fixing tab can be seen. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the profile, in which another variant of the means for fastening the external part can be seen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cutaway top view of one embodiment of a profile, where one can observe the width of the profile, the assembly width and the front opening that said profile offers for an electrical cabinet for a given standard size. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a cutaway top view of an embodiment of a profile with an example of assembly using fastening tabs, where the use of an assembly width can be observed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] According to the above figures, the present invention "Structural profile for electrical cabinets" comprises a profile (P) having a front sealing area (VF) and a side sealing area (VL) preferably arranged at 90° thereto, with a central barrier (6), an inner fixing wall (1), an inner fixing side (2), an inner fixing tab (F), an outer fixing wall (3) and an outer fixing side (4) which, in addition to giving the profile structural rigidity, provide areas for fixing both internal and external elements of the cabinet.

[0020] The inner fixed wall (1) and the inner fixed side surface (2) are connected to each other forming a 90° angle.

[0021] The inner fixed wall (1) has a sealing tab (11) on the side opposite the inner fixed side (2). The sealing tab (11) is a U-shaped section that presents as one of its tabs a continuation of the inner fixed wall (1). Pressed between its sides, the sealing tab (11) has an initial crimping tab (5). At its curved end, the sealing tab (11) has a front sealing area (VF).

[0022] The initial crimp tabs (5) have connecting sides (7) which are connected to the initial crimp tabs forming a 90° angle therebetween, said connecting sides (7) moving away from the inner fixed wall (1) until they connect with the central barrier.

[0023] Such central barrier (6) moves towards the inner fixed side (2) and away from the inner fixed wall (1). As it approaches the inner fixed side (2), said central barrier (6) connects to a first side of an inner tab (8) forming an obtuse angle therebetween. Said inner tab (8) forms a 90° angle with respect to the inner fixed side (2).

[0024] The inner tab (8) has a fold that forms an angle of 180° and has a second side connected to a spacing side (10) that is parallel to the inner fixed side (2), preferably in the same plane.

[0025] The spacing side (10) is connected to the outer fixed wall (3) at a 90° angle, the outer fixed wall (3) being arranged parallel to the inner fixed wall (1) and preferably having the same length.

[0026] The outer fixed wall (3) has in its part close to the spacing side (10) a side sealing region (VL) which is a non-perforated area where sealing takes place.

[0027] The outer fixed wall (3) is connected at a 90° angle to an outer fixed side (4) which is opposite and parallel to the spacing side (10). In the final section at the end opposite the outer fixed wall (3), said outer fixed side (4) and said connecting side (7) abut until said outer fixed side (4) connects to one of the sides of the sealing tab (11).

[0028] Around the inner tab (8) is arranged an outer tab (9) which is also U-shaped. The outer tab (9) is connected with one of its sides to the inner fixed side (2). The other side of the outer tab (9) is a tab for the final crimping of the profile. The inner and outer tabs (8 and 9) form a four-fold layer called the fixed tab (F).

[0029] The inner fixed wall (1), the inner fixed side (2), the spacing side (10), the outer fixed wall (3) and the outer fixed side (4) essentially form a quadrangle, preferably a rectangle, as shown in FIG. 1, with the central barrier (6) passing diagonally or partially diagonally through its interior.

[0030] The inner and outer fixing walls (1 and 3), the inner and outer fixing sides (2 and 4) and the fixing tabs (F) have fixing means (12), which are preferably holes, but can also be equipped with other elements such as nuts or studs. The holes can be of various shapes, preferably circular, rectangular and Approximately oval The use of holes throughout the profile (P) or a combination of these with nuts or studs offers the possibility of installing and changing the position of any element without the need for additional drilling in the profile (P), which would require protecting the component from sparks and chips and possibly requiring the dismantling of other parts.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the profile (P) is constructed of a single folded plate, without the need for welding, and has an initial crimped tab (5) as one end and an outer tab (9) as the other end.

[0032] The profile (P) can provide complete insulation of assembly holes and cutouts between the interior area (AI) and exterior area (AE) through the front and side sealing areas (VF and VL), the central barrier (6), and any sealing elements (EV) used in the assembly of the cabinet, as shown in Figure 2. In addition to mechanical isolation between the interior and exterior areas (AE and AI), the central barrier (6) provides the profile (P) with greater structural rigidity to the interior center.

[0033] The overlap occurring between the inner tab (8) and the outer tab (9) forming said four-fold layer increases the structural rigidity of the profile (P) in addition to providing a stable inner fastening tab (F), said inner fastening tab (F) having a number of means (12) for fastening an external element, preferably holes, which can be square, rectangular, circular or a combination thereof.

[0034] The overlap of the front sealing area (VF) and the initial crimp tabs (5) forming three layers improves and guarantees the seal in addition to promoting structural reinforcement in the profile (P).

[0035] The structural reinforcement facilitated by the overlap of the fixing and sealing tabs (F and 11), in addition to the presence of the central barrier (6), allows the profile (P) to be constructed with a smaller width (L), thus providing the cabinet with a maximum front opening (AF), which, in addition to providing a larger useful area for the assembly of the components inside it, provides sufficient free front access for the passage of equipment and components. Such an increase in usable area is substantially noticed when using several cabinets or when the assembly of a cabinet requires several profiles.

[0036] In addition to the assembly of components within the inner fixed wall (1) allowing the occupation of the entire front opening area (AF), the invention allows the assembly of components on the fixing tabs (F) which, due to their four-fold layer, provide reinforcement to withstand weight elements and have access to screws through both sides of the profile (P). These fixing tabs (F) define an assembly width (AM) that is larger than the front opening (AF) and therefore provide an even larger assembly area, as shown in Figure 6.

[0037] The present invention provides a larger front opening (AF) and a larger assembly width (AM), thus allowing maximization of the useful assembly area for the same standard size (DP) that the cabinet has exterior dimensions that are used as a standard for electrical cabinets and that many manufacturers use to name their cabinet models.

[0038] The profile configuration (P) presented here, in addition to providing complete insulation between the interior and exterior areas (AI and AE), can facilitate the assembly of cabinets or electrical panels, thus providing higher security.

[0039] The present invention also highlights the possibility of construction without the need for welding, eliminating a process step and therefore reducing manufacturing costs.

[0040] The profile concept (P) is specially designed to be used in the assembly of electrical cabinets and is therefore able to meet short circuit requirements, in particular the requirements of IP54 degree of protection, where said profile (P) does not exceed a width of 25 mm.

[0041] It is to be understood that the present specification does not limit the application to the details set forth herein, and that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways, within the scope of the claims. Although specific terms are employed, such terms should be construed in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A structural profile (P) for an electrical cabinet, characterized in that the profile (P) has a front sealing area (VF) and a side sealing area (VL) arranged at 90° thereto, an inner fixing wall (1), an inner fixing side (2), an inner fixing tab (F), an outer fixing wall (3), an outer fixing side (4) and a central barrier (6).

2. 2. Profile according to claim 1, characterized in that the profile (P) has the inner fixed wall (1) and the inner fixed side surface (2) connected to each other forming an angle of 90°.

3. 3. Profile according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inner fixing wall (1) has a sealing tab (11) on the side opposite the inner fixing side (2).

4. 4. Profile according to claim 3, characterized in that the sealing tab (11) has as one of its tabs a U-shaped portion which represents a continuation of the inner fixing wall (1).

5. 5. Profile according to claim 4, characterized in that the sealing tab (11) has reinforcing tabs (5) between its sides.

6. 6. Profile according to claim 5, characterized in that the sealing tab (11) has, at its curved end, the front sealing area (VF).

7. 6. Profile according to claim 5, characterized in that the reinforcing tabs (5) have connecting sides (7) which are connected to the reinforcing tabs forming an angle of 90° between them.

8. 8. Profile according to claim 7, characterized in that the connecting side (7) moves away from the inner fixed wall (1) until it joins with the central barrier (6).

9. 9. Profile according to claim 8, characterized in that the central barrier (6) moves away from the inner fixed wall (1) and tracks towards the inner fixed side surface (2).

10. 10. Profile according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that when approaching the inner fixing side (2), the central barrier (6) connects with a first side of the inner tab (8) forming an obtuse angle therebetween.

11. 11. Profile according to claim 10, characterized in that the inner tab (8) forms an angle of 90° with the inner fixing side (2).

12. 12. Profile according to claim 11, characterized in that the inner tab (8) has a second side with a fold at an angle of 180° and connected to a spacing side (10) parallel to and in the same plane as the inner fixing side (2).

13. 13. Profile according to claim 12, characterized in that the spacing side (10) joins with the outer fixed wall (3) to form an angle of 90°.

14. 14. Profile according to claim 13, characterized in that the outer fixed wall (3) is arranged parallel to the inner fixed wall (1) having the same width.

15. 15. Profile according to claim 14, characterized in that the outer fixed wall (3) has in its part near the spacing side (10) the side sealing area (VL).

16. 15. Profile according to claim 14, characterized in that the outer fixed wall (3) joins with the outer fixed side surface (4) to form an angle of 90°.

17. 17. Profile according to claim 16, characterized in that the outer fixing side (4) lies opposite and parallel to the spacing side (10).

18. 18. Profile according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the outer fixing side (4) and the connecting side (7) abut in their final part at an end opposite the outer fixing wall (3), at which end the outer fixing side (4) connects with one of the sides of the sealing tab (11).

19. 13. Profile according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the profile (P) has an outer tab (9) around the inner tab (8), said outer tab being U-shaped.

20. 20. Profile according to claim 19, characterized in that the outer tab (9) has one of its sides connected to the inner fixed side (2) and the other side of the outer tab (9) is a free tab.

21. 21. Profile according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the inner tab (8) and the outer tab (9) form a four-fold layer constituting the inner fastening tab (F).

22. 19. Profile according to any one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the profile (P) has the inner fixed wall (1), the inner fixed side (2), the spacing side (10), the outer fixed wall (3) and the outer fixed side (4) which form a rectangular quadrilateral, the central barrier (6) spanning its interior diagonally.

23. 23. Profile according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterised in that the profile (P) has the inner (1) and outer (3) fixing walls, the inner (2) and the outer (4) fixing side walls, and the inner fixing tabs (F) have holes as fastening means (12).

24. 24. Profile according to claim 23, characterized in that said profile (P) has a combination of circular, rectangular and substantially elliptical holes as fastening means (12).

25. 21. Profile according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that said profile (P) is constructed of a single folded plate, having as one of its ends said reinforcing tab (5) and as its other end said outer tab (9), without the use of welding.

26. 26. Profile according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile (P) does not exceed a width (L) of 25 mm.

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