Cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet

Abstract

A cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on a cladding element of an electrical cabinet is described, comprising a housing (1) connected to a fixing plate (2), the housing (1) comprising a front wall (3) connected to two side parts (4) and to an upper part (5), the fixing plate (2) comprising a perimeter frame (6) and fixing screws (7), at least one pair of hooks (8) integral with the fixing plate (2) which are linked with respective opposite hooks (9) integral with a pair of lateral flaps (10) fixed to the lateral parts (4), wherein the perimeter frame (6) comprises at least one pair of inclined ribs (11) to intercept and guide a portion of the lateral wall (12) of the pair of lateral flaps (10), to facilitate centering during assembly and to ensure a stable seal of the gasket (13).

Description

[0001]COVER FOR FILTERING AND VENTILATION DEVICES MOUNTED ON CLADDING ELEMENTS OF AN ELECTRICAL CABINET The present invention relates to a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet. In general, the present invention relates to protective covers for filtering and ventilation devices installed on electrical cabinets, with particular attention to solutions that improve the sealing and stability of the assembly, preventing the ingress of contaminants and ensuring greater durability of the system. In particular, the present invention relates to covers that utilize FDA-compliant silicone receiving wings and gaskets, providing mounting solutions that improve centering, dust and water sealing, and compatibility with various standardized filters and filter assemblies. The state of the art is represented by EP2559328B1 concerning a cover for air conditioning devices installed on electrical cabinets. The cover comprises a housing with a front wall and side parts that keep the front wall spaced from the cabinet cladding element. The materials used are V2A steel or plastic. The mounting system uses a U- frame fixed to the cladding element with vertical hooks on which the cover can be suspended in the direction of gravity. Receiving profiles are connected to the sides of the cover and extend along the sides, with profiled sections that facilitate the insertion of the hooks. Sealing elements are integrated into the receiving profiles, providing an effective seal against dust and water. The seals are compressed when the cover is mounted and also act as elastic elements, contributing to the stability and tightness of the cover. The cover can be easily mounted and dismounted, requiring a minimum of space for the operation thanks to the profiles and hooks designed for quick and safe insertion. The U-shaped structure of the stand, with two vertical legs and a connecting section, ensures stability and easy positioning. In addition, the state of the art is represented by patent application DE102021124426A1 regarding a cover system for air conditioning devices installed on electrical cabinets. The cover comprises a structure with two plate holders that are inserted into an opening in a wall. The gasket, located between the two holders, provides an effective seal thanks to the presence of a double seal and a profiled gasket. This gasket prevents gas transfer and ensures thermal and acoustic insulation between the inside and outside of the cabinet. The holders are fixed to the wall by means of a series of locking devices that facilitate installation and removal, allowing adaptation to different wall thicknesses. The gasket is made of a flexible material, such as polyurethane, and comprises a double seal with a sealing lip that fits the edge of the holders, ensuring a hermetic seal against dust, water and other contaminants. The gasket is fixed to the cover by means of a receiving groove in the edge of the holders, into which the gasket can be inserted and locked, ensuring a stable and long-lasting seal. Additionally, the gasket features a sealing lip that elastically deforms to accommodate varying wall thicknesses, further improving the seal and stability of the cover. The gasket is designed not only to provide a physical barrier, but also to absorb vibrations, thereby reducing noise transmission and improving sound insulation. The gasket can also compensate for slight irregularities in the mounting surface, ensuring a continuous and reliable seal even on surfaces that are not perfectly flat. In addition, the state of the art includes: DE 10 2017 105923 B4, which describes a cover for openings of electrical cabinets that includes a housing and a fixing frame with integrated locking elements. The housing is connected to the frame by a snap-fit system using projections and locking holes; DE 196 41553 C2, which shows a cover system with vertical guides for fixing the housing to a frame. The cover also includes integrated fixing elements and a simplified assembly system; MP Gamma, "STAINLESS STEEL PROTECTION COVERS AND GRILLES FOR FANS", which presents stainless steel protection devices for fans, designed to ensure protection against dust, water and impacts. In EP2559328B1, the profiled sections called "assembly assistance" interact with the hook elements to facilitate the insertion and attachment of the housing to the bracket. In particular, these profiled sections are bent at an angle at their free end, creating a tilted guide. During assembly, as the housing is lowered in the direction of gravity, the hook elements slide along these inclined guides. This directed movement from the profile sections helps to correctly position the hook elements in the hook receptacles, ensuring that the housing is securely hooked and correctly aligned with the bracket. The angle of the profile sections then acts as an insertion ramp, making the hooking process easier and quicker, reducing the risk of misalignment and ensuring a stable connection between the housing and the bracket. However, this guiding effect ends when the parts are hooked together. The problem to be solved is then to maintain the guide even when the two elements are hooked. Another problem in the state of the art is that the silicone gasket must be glued to the walls of one of the two hooked elements. The use of adhesives does not guarantee a perfect seal and leads to problems of possible detachment of the gasket from its seat. Adhesives can deteriorate over time due to changes in temperature, humidity and other environmental conditions, reducing the effectiveness of the seal and compromising the stability of the gasket. Furthermore, the application of adhesives requires a complex and precise assembly process to ensure uniform adhesion across the entire contact surface, which can increase production times and costs. Instead of adhesives, as in the case of EP2559328B1, the gasket can be enclosed in a housing, crushing it between two flaps of walls. However, this solution is also susceptible to movement and ease of detachment of the gasket from its seat, thus compromising the seal and stability of the cover. The problem of the guiding effect that is missing when the parts are interlocked is solved with a perimeter frame that includes at least one pair of receiving wings. These receiving wings intercept and guide a portion of the side wall of the pair of lateral flaps, promoting centering and keeping the housing mated with respect to the attached perimeter frame. The second problem, related to the ineffective seal of the adhesives and the possible detachment of the gasket, is solved by exploiting the solution of patent application DE102021124426A1. A silicone gasket is used positioned between the perimeter frame and the housing, which has a double seal structure comprising a sealing lip that adapts to the free edge of the two side parts and to that of the upper part, providing an effective seal against dust, water and other contaminants. Object of the present invention is solving the above prior art problems by providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet that improves centering by using a perimeter frame with receiving wings to intercept and guide the side walls, ensuring precise and stable centering of the housing with respect to the frame. An additional object is providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on the cladding elements of an electrical cabinet that ensures a reliable seal by placing a silicone gasket between the perimeter frame and the housing, with a double-sealed structure to provide an effective barrier against dust, water and other contaminants. A further object is providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet that prevents the detachment of the gasket by eliminating the use of adhesives to secure the gasket, preventing the risk of deterioration and detachment of the gasket. A further object is providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet that facilitates assembly by reducing the complexity of the assembly process ensuring continuous guidance even after attachment, improving the efficiency and safety of the connection. An additional object is providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on the cladding elements of an electrical cabinet which improves the stability of the cover by ensuring that the cover remains firmly in place even after assembly, reducing the risk of unwanted movement. An additional object is providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on electrical cabinet cladding elements that increases the durability of the system by using resistant materials and mounting solutions that increase the longevity and resistance of the cover in variable environmental conditions. A further object is providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet that ensures quick and easy assembly by designing the system in such a way as to reduce installation times and simplify assembly operations. An additional object is providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on electrical cabinet cladding elements that reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs by eliminating the need for adhesives and minimizing the complexity of the assembly process, helping to reduce the overall manufacturing and maintenance costs of the system. A further object is providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet which is made of AISI 304 stainless steel. A further object is providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on the cladding elements of an electrical cabinet which is designed to be compatible with filters and filter assemblies of sizes FF08, FF12, FF13, FF15 and FF20. A further object is providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on electrical cabinet cladding elements3 which includes an FDA compliant silicone sealing element, with properties of high temperature resistance, chemical stability, and flexibility, ensuring a hygienic and safe seal for use in the food industry. An additional object is providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet that prevents the penetration of water into the electrical cabinet, while maintaining water resistance in accordance with IPX6. A further object is providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on casing elements of an electrical cabinet wherein a cover element is connected at an angle to the front wall of the housing, forming a horizontal support section bent towards the casing element, wherein a bar is provided protruding from the inner surface of the cover element towards the casing element, spaced from the support section and defining a horizontal sealing receiver open towards the casing element, into which a sealing element can be inserted which protrudes at least partially towards the casing element. A further object is providing a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet in which the receiving profiles comprise a profiled section which is bent into an L-shape and is adjacent to the bearing section, forming a vertical sealing receiver which extends along the lateral parts of the housing and is open towards the cladding element, into which a sealing element can be inserted which protrudes at least partially towards the cladding element. The above and other objects and advantages of the invention, as will result from the following description, are achieved with a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet, such as that described in claim 1. Preferred embodiments and non-trivial variations of the present invention form the subject matter of the dependent claims. It is understood that all attached claims form an integral part of this description. It will be immediately obvious that countless variations and modifications can be made to what is described (for example relating to shape, dimensions, arrangements and parts with equivalent functionality) without departing from the scope of the invention as appears from the attached claims. The present invention will be better described by some preferred embodiments, provided by way of example and not by way of limitation, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: - FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet, according to the present invention; - FIG. 2 shows an axonometric view of the cover components, of the construction of the cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet, according to the present invention; - FIG. 3 shows an axonometric view of the housing, of the embodiment of the cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet, according to the present invention; - FIG. 4 shows an axonometric view of the fixing plate, of the construction of the cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet, according to the present invention; - FIG. 5 shows a front view of the cover, of the embodiment of the cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet, according to the present invention; - FIG. 6 shows a sectional view along line VII-VII of FIG. 5; - FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of portion VII of FIG. 6; - FIG. 8 shows a sectional view along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 5; - FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of portion IX of FIG. 8; - FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of portion X of FIG. 8; - FIG. 11 shows a sectional view along line XI-XI of FIG. 8; - FIG. 12 shows a sectional view of portion XII of FIG. 11; - FIG. 13 shows a sectional view along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 5; - FIG. 14 shows a sectional view of portion XIV of FIG. 13; - FIG. 15 shows a sectional view of portion XV of FIG. 13; - FIG. 16 shows a sectional view along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 13; and - FIG. 17 shows a sectional view of portion XVII of FIG. 16. Referring to the figures, it can be noted that a cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on a cladding element of an electrical cabinet, comprises a housing 1 connected to a fixing plate 2. The housing 1 comprises a front wall 3 connected to two side parts 4 and an upper part 5, the side parts 4 and the upper part 5 being provided to keep the front wall 3 at a distance from the cladding element. The fixing plate 2 comprises a perimeter frame 6 and fixing screws 7. At least one pair of hooks 8 fixed to the fixing plate 2 are linked with respective opposite hooks 9 fixed to one pair of lateral flaps 10 fixed to the lateral parts 4. Advantageously, the perimeter frame 6 comprises at least one pair of inclined ribs 11 provided to intercept and guide a portion of the side wall 12 of the pair of lateral flaps 10, to aid centering and to keep the housing 1 in alignment with the attached perimeter frame 6. The perimeter frame 6 comprises at least one pair of ribs 14 orthogonal to the lying plane of the perimeter frame 6, provided to guide a further portion of the side wall of the filtering and ventilation device, to facilitate the assembly of the filtering and ventilation device on the cladding element of the electrical cabinet. A gasket 13 with a double seal construction comprises a sealing lip that fits the free edge of the side portions 4 and the top portion 5, providing an effective seal against dust, water and other contaminants, and is held in place by a retaining / guide / track surface design machined into the housing 1, allowing for quick functional assembly of the gasket 13. The gasket 13 has a flat sealing profile designed to ensure compression as it slides on a sealing surface, such as an electrical cabinet. The design of the fixing surface / guide / rail obtained in the housing 1 allows for a quick functional assembly of the gasket 13. The gasket 13 is designed to prevent water penetration into the electrical enclosure while maintaining water resistance to IPX6 and UL NEMA 4X. Housing 1 and fixing plate 2 are made of AISI 304 stainless steel. The cover is designed to be compatible with filters and filter assemblies of sizes FF08, FF12, FF13, FF15 and FF20. The cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on the cladding elements of an electrical cabinet has some distinctive features compared to previous and competing products. The cover is made of AISI 304 stainless steel, known for its corrosion resistance and suitability for harsh environments. It uses an FDA compliant silicone gasket, making it safe for use in the food industry. The gasket is designed specifically for this application and maintains mounting compatibility with previous gaskets. The cover is designed to protect filters and fans from direct impact of water jets and rain, limiting the penetration of water into the electrical cabinet. It is tested to withstand standardized IPX6 water jets, ensuring that no water enters the enclosure during testing. The cover helps increasing the protection class of the equipment to IP56, effectively protecting against dust and water jets. The cover is mounted via a hooking system with a perimeter frame to the filter group and fixed to the cabinet with four screws. This design ensures optimal compression of the gasket, improving water tightness and resistance to external agents. The structure includes ribs for horizontal and vertical reinforcement, facilitating assembly and improving the precision and speed of installation. It is designed to be compatible with different sizes of filters and filter groups (FF08, FF12, FF13, FF15, FF20), maintaining the same center distances as Seifert products for easy integration with existing electrical cabinets. In addition to the food industry, the cover is suitable for outdoor use and in industrial environments where robust protection against weather and harsh environmental conditions is required. It is also available with a RAL 7035 powder coated finish, which offers an aesthetic and functional alternative for specific design and protection needs. The cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on cladding elements of an electrical cabinet represents a significant improvement in terms of protection, compatibility and ease of assembly compared to existing products on the market. Its advanced technical features make it an ideal solution for the food industry and other critical applications, meeting the most stringent regulatory requirements and offering reliable protection against external elements.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Cover for filtering and ventilation devices mounted on a cladding element of an electrical cabinet, comprising a housing (1) connected to a fixing plate (2), the housing (1) comprising a front wall (3) connected to two side parts (4) and to an upper part (5), the side parts (4) and the upper part (5) provided to keep the front wall (3) at a distance from the cladding element, the fixing plate (2) comprising a perimeter frame (6) and fixing screws (7), at least one pair of hooks (8) integral with the fixing plate (2) which are linked with respective opposite hooks (9) integral with a pair of lateral flaps (10) fixed to the lateral parts (4), characterised in that the perimeter frame (6) comprises at least one pair of inclined ribs (11), said inclined ribs (11) being provided to intercept and guide a portion of the lateral wall (12) of the pair of lateral flaps (10), to facilitate centering during assembly and to ensure a stable seal of the gasket (13).

2. Covering according to claim 1, characterised in that the perimeter frame (6) comprises at leastone pair of orthogonal ribs (14) to the lying plane of the perimeter frame (6), said orthogonal ribs (14) being provided to guide a further portion of the side wall of the filtering and ventilation device.

3. Cover according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a gasket (13) with a double-seal structure comprising a sealing lip that fits the free edge of the side parts (4) and the top part (5), providing an effective seal against dust, water and other contaminants, and is held in place by a fixing surface / guide / track design formed in the housing (1) which allows for quick functional assembly of the gasket (13).

4. Cover according to claim 3, characterised in that the gasket (13) has a flat sealing profile designed to ensure compression of the gasket itself against the sealing surface.

5. Cover according to claim 3, characterised in that the design of the fixing / guide / rail surface obtained in the housing (1) allows for a quick functional assembly of the seal (13).

6. Cover according to claim 3, characterized in that the gasket (13) is designed to preventwater penetration into the electrical cabinet, maintaining a water resistance compliant with IPX6 and UL NEMA 4X grade.

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