GB2516322A

GB2516322A - Telecommunications cabinet or enclosure and panels therefor

Info

Publication number: GB2516322A
Application number: GB1319886.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brendan Mcdermott
Original assignee: Tyrone Fabrication Ltd
Current assignee: Tyrone Fabrication Ltd
Priority date: 2013-11-11
Filing date: 2013-11-11
Publication date: 2015-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 2033-11-11
Also published as: GB201319886D0; GB2516322B

Abstract

A panel member for assembly into telecommunications enclosures, the panel members comprising an outer skin 104, an inner skin 102 and an insulating core 106 provided between said outer and inner skins. The skins can comprise metal sheets, and the insulating layer can comprise polystyrene foam, which can be bonded to the skins using an adhesive. The panel members can be substantially planar, and may have an angle to define a corner. Each panel member may have complimentary formations capable of providing interdigiting joints at the edge of the panel for cooperation with another panel member or structural member to form a telecommunications enclosure. The complementary formations can be tongue and groove formations. Also provided is a connection member adapted to maintain respective interconnected panel members in mutual engagement, the connection member being inserted across the upper and/or lower end if the joint between adjacent panel members when in use. The connection member may be u shaped in cross section, and may cover the ends of the joints between panels.

Description

TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABINET OR ENCLOSURE AND PANELS THEREFOR

The present invention relates to telecommunications cabinets or enclosures and to panels for use in the construction of such cabinets or enclosures.

Background to the Invention

In telecommunications systems, outdoor cabinets or enclosures are required to house sensitive electronic equipment installed close to subscribers. These enclosures provide protection from the elements while allowing access to passive cross-connect modules, whereby service can be connected or disconnected to subscribers and additional service subscribers can be added. As telecommunications and data communications have evolved, the enclosures are now also required to provide a temperature regulated operating environment for numerous types of heat-generating electronic equipment. The enclosure can vary in size from small cabinets dimensioned to receive just a few electronic devices and having one or more access doors to enable connections to be made with the electronic devices, to large enclosures having one or more access doors whereby large numbers of electronic devices can be mounted therein and wherein service technicians can enter the enclosure to make connections and service and maintain the devices.

A typical small telecommunications enclosure comprises a cabinet formed from a top panel, a floor panel, a pair of opposing side panel, a front wall panel and a rear wall panel, the front wall panel including at least one access door for accessing the interior of the cabinet, racking being provided within the cabinet for mounting electrical devices and connectors thereon. The panels forming the cabinet are frequently formed from stamped steel sheets which are riveted and/or bolted together, typically using angled corner connecting sections. The panels are usually coated with a corrosion resistant finish.

The electrical devices mounted within such enclosures frequently emit considerable amounts of heat during operation. Such devices may be prone to failure or damage if allowed to get too hot Thus it is important to control the air temperature within the cabinet or enclosure, typically through the use of a ventilation system having ventilation fans and/or air conditioning systems to maintain acceptable working temperatures inside the enclosure. Without acceptable working temperatures, the life and reliability of the electrical devices may be reduced.

Conventional ventilation systems use one or more fans to draw air into the enclosure to maintain the temperature below maximum equipment limits and to return the heated air to the outside environment At or below minimum operating temperature, the fans may be turned off by a thermostat. In extremely cold conditions, an electric heater may be provided to maintain the temperature within the enclosure above a minimum equipment temperature.

Sealed enclosures provide an alternative to ventilated cabinets for housing telecommunications equipment in outdoor locations. Sealed cabinets provide maximum protection from airborne contaminants, but require special attention to the task of removing heat dissipated by the equipment. A variety of methods are used for removing the heat dissipated by the telecommunications equipment. At moderate power densities, circulation fans, air-to-air heat exchangers, or heat pipes may be used. At high power densities, or for installations where higher ambient temperatures may be experienced, an air-conditioner having a refrigeration system may be required. In extremely cold weather, electric heaters are often required to maintain the minimum equipment temperature.

3D All of these methods for thermal conditioning have certain disadvantages or limitations. A problem with most known telecommunications enclosures is that the metal panels from which the enclosure is formed are good conductors of heat, and thus changes in the external ambient temperature can cause equivalent temperature changes within the enclosure which must be countered by the ventilation or air conditioning system of the enclosure.

Furthermore, where the enclosure is located in direct sunlight, the outer skin of the enclosure can absorb a considerable amount of solar energy which in turn heats the interior of the enclosure. Thus a more powerful ventilation or air conditioning system is required. Such systems, required to maintain the temperature within the enclosure within safe operating limits, can take up a significant amount of space and the enclosure must usually be made larger to accommodate it. Furthermore, such high power ventilation or air conditioning system may interfere with the sensitive electronic components of the telecommunications system within the enclosure.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a plurality of panel members for assembly into a telecommunications enclosure, each panel member comprising an outer skin, an inner skin and an insulating core provided between said outer and inner skins.

Preferably, said inner and outer skins comprise metal sheets.

In a preferred embodiment said insulating core comprises a layer of polystyrene foam.

Preferably, the inner and outer metal skins are bonded to the sides of the polystyrene core by means of a suitable adhesive.

In one embodiment, each panel member is substantially planar defining two side edges and two end edges.

Preferably, each panel member is substantially rectangular.

In one embodiment, panel members maybe angled to define corner members.

Preferably at least the said side edges of each panel member are provided with complimentary formations capable of providing an interdigitating joint with S respective side edges of an adjacent panel member or other structural member for forming a telecommunications enclosure.

Preferably, said complementary formations comprise corresponding tongue and groove formations.

In one arrangement, portions of said inner and outer skins adjacent one side edge of the panel member are formed to define complimentary halves of an elongate groove while portions of said inner and outer skins adjacent the other said side edge of the panel member are formed to define complimentary halves of an elongate tongue or projection receivable within said groove. In this way, a panel may comprise a groove formation along one side edge and a tongue formation along the opposing side edge.

In another arrangement, portions of said inner and outer skins adjacent both side edges of the panel member may be formed to define complimentary halves of an elongate groove or an elongate tongue. In this way, panels may comprise a groove formation along both side edges, or a tongue formation along both side edges.

Preferably, said portions of the inner and outer skins defining said tongue and groove formations are arranged such that a gap is maintained between said inner and outer skins whereby no part of the outer skin is in direct contact with any part of the inner skin.

Preferably, the insulating core extends into the tongue formation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an enclosure for telecommunications equipment comprising a top panel, a floor panel, a pair of opposing side panel, a front panel and a rear panel, at least one of the front, rear or opposing side panels including at least one access door for accessing an interior of the enclosure, mounting means being provided within the enclosure for mounting electrical devices and/or connectors thereon, wherein said panels each comprise one or more panel members in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that such enclosures may comprise cabinets, containers, units or the likes, and may be vehicle mounted, mobile, or static.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a connection member adapted to maintain respective interconnected panel members in mutual engagement, the connection member being inserted across the upper and/or lower end of the joint between adjacent panel members in use.

Conveniently, the connection member covers the upper and/or lower end of the joint between interconnected panel members.

Preferably, the connection member is formed having a generally U-shaped cross-section having a base and opposing sides extending therefrom.

Ideally, the base of the connection member is formed having an indentation arranged to protrude at least partially into the interlocked groove and tongue region adjacent interlocking panels in use.

Advantageously, each opposing side is bifurcated to define spaced apart fingers adapted to insert into adjacent panels in use. In this way, the connection member restrains adjacent panels are from moving apart Conveniently, connection member is formed having an outward spring bias such that opposing sides must be pressed inwardly towards each other to allow insertion to a panel or panels.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary telecommunications cabinet according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a front view of the cabinet of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side view of the cabinet in direction A of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a side view of the cabinet in direction B of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary panel member of the cabinet according to a preferred embodiment; Fig. 6 is a detailed view of one side edge of the panel member of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the opposite side edge of the panel member of Fig. 5; Fig. B illustrates the interface between two adjacent panel members; Fig. 9 shows the adjacent panel members of Fig. 8 separated from one another; Fig. 10 shows a telecommunications enclosure according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and Figs. 11 and 12 show a connection member adapted to maintain respective interconnected panel members in mutual engagement

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

As illustrated in Figs 1 to 4. an exemplary telecommunications cabinet 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises a top panel 4, a floor panel 6, a pair of opposing side panels 8,10, a front panel 12 and a rear panel 14, the front panel 12 including a pair of access doors 16,18 for accessing an interior of the cabinet 2, mounting means (not shown) in the form of racking being provided within the enclosure for mounting electrical devices and/or connectors thereon.

A pair of fan units 20 are mounted on a lower region of each door 16,18 while an outlet vent 22 is provided in an upper region of each door 16,18 whereby ambient air can be blown through the interior of the cabinet 2 to cool any electronic devices mounted therein. Filters are provided on the intake vents of the fans units 20.

Locking means 24 are provided for locking the doors 1618 in a closed position.

Each of the top, floor, side, front and rear panels of the cabinet 2, as well as the doors 16,18, are formed from one or more panel members 100, as illustrated in Fig. 5.

Each panel member 100 comprises an inner skin or cover 102, an outer skin or cover 104, each skin or cover being formed from pressed or punched steel sheet, separated by an insulating core 106 of high density expanded polystyrene. During assembly, the inner and outer steel skins 102,104 are bonded to the sides of the polystyrene core 106 by means of a suitable adhesive, the assembled panel member being pressed together during curing by means of a vacuum bagging technique, The outer and inner skins are coated in a corrosion resistant finish such as a powder coated or other suitable finish.

Each panel member 100 is substantially rectangular in shape, having two long side edges 110,112 and two shorter end edges 114,116. Each side edge 110,112 is formed to engage an adjacent side edge of an adjacent panel member, or other section of the enclosure, such that a plurality of panel members can be assembled to form a continuous planar section, if required. To achieve this, as illustrated in Figs. 6 to 9, portions of the inner and outer skins 102.104 adjacent the side edges 110,112 are shaped to define complimentary halves of cooperating tongue and groove formations.

S

As shown in Fig. 6, portions of the inner and outer skins 102,104 adjacent a first side edge 110 of the panel member are bent to define sides of an elongate channel or groove 120 extending along said first side edge. As shown in Fig. 7, portions of the inner and outer skins 102,104 adjacent a second, opposite, side edge 112 are bent to define sides of an elongate projection or tongue 130 engageable in the channel or groove 120 of the first side edge 110 of an adjacent panel member, as illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9.

As shown in Fig.11, the insulating core 106 extends into the tongue formation 130.

In the small enclosure shown in Fig. 1, it may be possible to form each panel of the cabinet from a single panel member 100, the panel members being joined together by simple angled corner brackets attached to the outer skin of each panel member 100.

However, the interlocking nature of the side edges 110,112 of the panel member enables a plurality of panel members 100 to be assembled in a modular nature of form an enclosure of any desired size. As shown in Fig. 10, the panel members can be assembled to form a larger enclosure or cabin 200, where it is required to house a large number of electrical devices and to provide shelter for service personnel within the enclosure.

The enclosure 200 comprises a plurality of panel members 100 joined together to define a base, a roof, opposing sides and opposing ends to define a cabin within which can be mounted numerous electrical devices. A door 210 is provided on at least one side of the cabin to provide access for service personnel. An air conditioning unit 220 is mounted on one end of the cabin 200 to maintain the temperature within the cabin at a desired level for the correct operation of the electrical devices therein.

In order to maintain the insulation properties of the construction, angled corner members 300 may be formed having an identical construction to that of the panel members 100. each corner member having inner and outer steel sheet skins separated by an insulating core of high density expanded polystyrene and having corresponding tongue and groove formations on side edges of the corner members for receiving corresponding formations provided on the side edges of the panel members 100, thus avoiding the formation of any thermal bridging between the inner and outer skins of the assembly.

To create a watertight seal, a rubber seal and/or a mastic sealant is preferably located between the interconnecting tongue and groove formations of adjacent panel members and/or corner members. As shown in Figs. 6 to 9, cooperating holes 40, 41 are formed in the panels in the regions of the tongue and groove formations to permit the insertion of bolts to secure the assembly.

The assembly may be provided with integrated guttering and down pipes as well as brackets for mounting ancillary components, such as antennae, and for lifting.

Non-slip tiles may be adhered to the outer skin of the roof panels.

As illustrated herein, the present invention provides an improved panel for forming a telecommunications enclosure having enhanced thermal insulation properties, while at the same time providing a more robust and secure assembly and a more compact and lightweight construction than known enclosures. The enhanced thermal insulation provided by the improved panel greatly reduces the thermal demands placed upon the ventilation or air conditioning system due to changes in external weather conditions and thus reduces the size of the required cooling equipment for a given size of enclosure, maximising the space available for electronic devices within the enclosure and minimising the size of the enclosure. :10

As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, in accordance with the invention there is provided a connection member 400 adapted to maintain respective interconnected panel members 100A, OOB in mutual engagement and to cover the upper and/or lower S end of the joint 500 between said panel members. In Fig. 12, connection member is shown fully inserted between adjacent panel members. Connection member 400 is formed having a generally U-shaped cross-section having a base 401 and opposing sides 402, 403. Base 401 is formed having an indentation 401a arranged to protrude at least partially into the interlocked groove and tongue region adjacent interlocking panels in use. The opposing sides 402, 403 are each bifurcated to define spaced apart fingers 402a, 402b and 403a, 403b. When connection member 400 is inserted across the upper and/or lower end of the joint between adjacent panel members bOA, 100B as shown in Fig 11, fingers 401a and 402a insert into panel bOA, and fingers 40Th and 402b insert into panel 1008. In this way, the adjacent panels are restrained from moving apart The edges of fingers 401a, 40th, 402a, 402b are chamfered to enable easy insertion into the panel members. Connection member 400 is formed having a size and/or geometry which creates an outward spring bias such that opposing sides 402, 403 must be pressed inwardly towards each other to allow insertion to a panel or panels. Thus, when inserted into panels in use, tension is imparted transverse the joint 500 thereby increasing the strength of the interlock between the respectively engaged elongate channel and elongate tongue.

Conveniently, the outward spring bias of connection member 400 causes the fingers to press outwardly against the respective inner and outer skin or cover 102, 104 and so the core material 106 is not crushed. In this way, the insulating effect of the core is maintained. Connection member 400 may be formed from metal or a suitable polymer or composite material. When formed from polymer, the effect of thermal bridging across the joint is mitigated.

Various modifications and variations to the described embodiment of the inventions will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. A panel member for assembly into a telecommunications enclosure, the S panel member comprising an outer skins an inner skin and an insulating core provided between said outer and inner skins.
2. A panel member as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner and outer skins comprise metal sheets.
3. A panel member as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the insulating core comprises a layer of polystyrene foam.
4. A panel member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the inner and outer metal skins are bonded to the sides of the insulating core by means of an adhesive.
5. A panel member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the panel member is substantially planar in shape defining two side edges and two end edges.
6. A panel member as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the panel member is angled to define a corner member having two side edges and two end edges.
7. A panel member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least the side edges of each panel member are provided with complimentary formations capable of providing an interdigitating joint with respective side edges of an adjacent panel member or other structural member for forming a telecommunications enclosure.
8. A panel member as claimed in claim 7, wherein the complementary formations comprise corresponding tongue and groove formations.
9. A panel member as claimed in claim 8, wherein portions of the inner and outer skins adjacent one side edge of the panel member are formed to define complimentary halves of an elongate groove while portions of said inner and outer skins adjacent the other said side edge of the panel member are formed to define complimentary halves of an elongate tongue or projection receivable within said groove.
10. A panel member as claimed in claim 8, wherein portions of said inner and outer skins adjacent both side edges of the panel member are formed to define complimentary halves of an elongate groove.
11. A panel member as claimed in claim 8, wherein portions of said inner and outer skins adjacent both side edges of the panel member are formed to define complimentary halves of an elongate tongue.
12. A panel member as claimed in any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the portions of the inner and outer skins defining said tongue and/or groove formations are arranged such that a gap is maintained between said inner and outer skins whereby no part of the outer skin is in direct contact with any part of the inner skin.
13. A panel member as claimed in any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the insulating core extends into the tongue formation.
14. An enclosure for telecommunications equipment formed from one or more panel members as claimed in any preceding claim.
15. A connection member adapted to maintain respective interconnected panel members in mutual engagement, the connection member being inserted across the upper and/or lower end of the joint between adjacent panel members in use.
16. A connection member as claimed in claim 15, wherein the connection member adapted to covers the upper and/or lower end of the joint between interconnected panel members.
17. A connection member as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the connection member is formed having a generally U-shaped cross-section having a base and opposing sides extending therefrom.
18. A connection member as claimed in claim 17, wherein the base of the connection member is formed having an indentation arranged to protrude at least partially into the interlocked groove and tongue region adjacent interlocking panels in use.
19. A connection member as claimed in claim 18, wherein each opposing side is bifurcated to define spaced apart fingers adapted to insert into the respective adjacent panels in use.
20. A connection member as claimed in any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the connection member is formed having an outward spring bias such that opposing sides must be pressed inwardly towards each other to allow insertion to a panel or panels.
21. A panel member as generally as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
22. An enclosure for telecommunications equipment as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
23. A connection member adapted to maintain respective interconnected panel members in mutual engagement as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows: Claims 1. A connection member adapted to maintain respective interconnected panel members in mutual engagement, the connection member being inserted across the upper and/or lower end of the joint between adjacent panel members in use, wherein the connection member is adapted to cover the upper and/or lower end of the joint between interconnected panel members, wherein the connection member is formed having a generally U-shaped cross-section having a base and opposing sides extending therefrom, and wherein the base of the connection member is formed having an indentation arranged to protrude at least partially into an interlocked groove and tongue region adjacent the interconnected panels in use.2. A connection member as claimed in claim 1, wherein each opposing side is C\J bifurcated to define spaced apart fingers adapted to insert into the respective adjacent panels in use. a)3. A connection member as claimed in any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the connection member is formed having an outward spring bias such that opposing sides must be pressed inwardly towards each other to allow insertion to a panel or panels.4. A connection member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connection member is formed from metal.5. A connection member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connection member is formed from polymer material.6. A connection member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connection member is formed from composite material.7. A connection member as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the panel members are panel members of a telecommunications enclosure.8. A connection member adapted to maintain respective interconnected panel members in mutual engagement as hereinbelore described with reference o and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. (4 r a)