KR20080086372A - Corner pillar for an electrical box and box equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A corner pillar for an electrical is provided to facilitate assembly of a panel without a separate tool by forming the pillar in a pyramid shape. A corner pillar(10) for an electrical box includes two side surfaces along a corner edge(14). Each of the side surfaces includes an external surface, which is surrounded by two parallel end edges, the corner edge, and an end edge at an opposite side of the corner edge, and a perpendicular surface(28), which extends from the external surface at a height of the end edge at the opposite side of the corner edge. The external surface has a trapezoid shape so that the two perpendicular surfaces are inclined to the corner edge, and the short end edges and the long end edges of the two external surfaces extend at the same side of the corner edge.

Description

Corner filler for electric box and box with corner filler {CORNER PILLAR FOR AN ELECTRICAL BOX AND BOX EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME}

The present invention relates to an enclosure adapted to receive an electrical device, such as a circuit breaker, obtained by assembling individual parts in a kit form. More specifically, the present invention relates to a filler that forms corners for joining panels of such electrical boxes.

The present invention relates to a corner pillar of a particular shape, which simplifies the manufacture of the box and enables the assembly of a tightly sealed box without changing the procedure or parts of the box.

As shown in FIG. 1, by assembling different parts, an enclosure containing an electrical device can be obtained. In particular, the electrical box 1 is orthogonal to the rear panel 2 and its rear panel 2 with a functional upright 3 having a hole for securing the electrical device (possibly by a rail). It includes four corner pillars 4 fixed. The cover here comprises four side panels 5, an upright 6 supporting the cover panel 7 and a door 8. Other parts may be provided. The electrical box 1 serves primarily to protect the device accessories contained in the box from the possession of a solid body, in particular a solid body larger than 2.5 mm (protection class of IP30).

This conventional type of construction is described, for example, in document FR 2 841 055 and other geometric shapes are known. In particular, various configurations have been developed, as far as the corner pillars, ie assembly elements, located at four corners of the box. For example, the corner pillars may be located inside the box or form part of an exterior wall panel.

For the particular use and location of the enclosure 1, it may be important for the latter to meet more stringent robustness standards than conventional IP30 ratings, in particular protection against projections of dust and liquids (eg IP54 protection class). May be required. It is difficult to design other box parts to achieve this purpose. For example, document FR 2 774 519 describes a corner pillar formed of two parts that can fit a side panel with a certain rigidity. In addition to the manufacturing costs of such parts, box assembly is also complicated.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of conventional assembly boxes and to propose a corner pillar construction which can be simply assembled according to different robustness grades.

According to one aspect, the invention relates to a corner pillar for an electrical box, preferably made of folded sheet metal, comprising a corner pillar comprising two symmetrical sides defining a corner edge. Each side comprises at least two parts, the first part of which forms an outer surface of the filler at the height of the corner edge and is trapezoidal in shape with a long side at a fixed position of the rear panel of the box, thus the effect of strength is more noticeable. do. The second portion of each side extends each outer surface in an orthogonal direction at the height of the trapezoidal inclined side by the surface inclined with respect to the corner edge.

According to a preferred embodiment, the inclined surface is covered by the seal. When a cover panel having a trapezoidal shape complementary to the side of the filler is fitted to the filler, the inclined surface of the panel can gradually compress the seal due to the inclination of the contact surface. This makes it easy to achieve firmness between the two parts, namely the filler and the panel.

In order to simplify the fitting in special cases where tightness is required, it is preferred that the filler comprises a base located on the long surface of the outer surface covering the corner. The base is advantageously provided in a hole that allows direct fixation, for example, screwing into the rear panel of the box.

To simplify assembly, each surface of the pillar is extended by a wing parallel to the outer surface, allowing the panel to press the wing in a confined space. The wing comprises hole fixing means for assembling the two boxes side by side, for example by bolting or screwing, for example connecting the cover panel to the wing or for fastening the other parallel pillars directly to the wing. It is advantageous.

In order to facilitate securing the panel to the pillar, each side of the pillar preferably comprises an assembly surface orthogonal to the corner edges, with the edges of the panel pressing on this surface and cooperating with this surface. Fastening means orthogonal to the corner edges, in particular holes having extensions provided with threaded portions at the assembly surface, allow for easy engagement and, if necessary, can evenly and quickly crush the seal placed on the inclined surface. It is advantageous for the assembly surface on both sides to be formed by a single plate closing the filler. This plate can be welded together with, for example, bracket-type reinforcing means at substantially the height of the short end of the outer surface.

In order to facilitate covering the upper part of the box, the filler further comprises a support surface of the cover, which is orthogonal to the corner edge, in particular in the extension of the assembly surface, which presses a part of the box such as an upright onto the support surface. It is desirable to be able to bond.

The present invention also relates to a side panel of a box consisting of a filler and a cover side panel of a shape complementary to the filler, in particular a side panel with a crushed seal.

It is advantageous for the fillers according to the invention to be further combined with three identical fillers, each of which is located at four corners of the rear panel of the electrical box. These rear panels can be combined with other similar rear panels, the two assemblies being secured to each other by screws at the height of the wing of the pillar to obtain a modular box assembly. The box thus obtained further comprises a side panel which closes the outer wall panel of the box as firmly as possible by the seal present at the height of the interface.

Other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description of specific embodiments of the present invention (shown in the accompanying drawings) which are given by way of non-limiting example only for illustration.

The filler according to the invention may be a part 4 of an enclosure 1 of the kind shown in connection with FIG. 1, the modification of which particular part will become apparent in the following description. Such a box 1 is generally fixed to a wall, ie a rear panel 2 in the vertical direction. However, for the sake of clarity and simplicity, other parts of the box, in particular corner pillars, are described at the assembly position of the box 1, in which the rear panel 2 is in the horizontal direction, and the filler and the side panel are in the vertical direction. These terms are by no means limiting in nature, as far as the purpose of the invention is concerned.

The filler 10 according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, shown incompletely in FIG. 2A and in different directions in FIGS. 2B-2D, forms part of the outer wall panel of the box 1, and the two orthogonal sides 12 ) Is engaged at the height of the corner edge 14. The filler 10 may be a “solid” that makes the filler heavier, but the side 12 of the filler is preferably made of a folded metal sheet, the side being of which to facilitate fitting and manufacturing Symmetrical, the upper and lower surfaces of the side 12 each extend parallel to each other. For ease of assembly, the filler 10 is advantageously closed by the base 16 at the bottom height of the filler, for example to provide a sufficient contact surface during assembly for a tightly sealed fixation. The base 16 is preferably provided with a hole 18 for fixing the filler 10 to the rear panel 2. The screws act together with the threads of the panel 2, for example to fix the filler 10. The base 16 may, for example, be made of sheet metal similar to the side 12 and may be welded to the bottom edge of the side.

At the height of the corner edge 14, each side 12 comprises in particular an outer surface 20 which forms part of the side panel of the box 1. This function should be understood in terms of functional aspects, and the outer surface 20 can be covered by an aesthetic finish if desired.

The outer surface 20 is surrounded by a bottom edge 22 parallel to the top edge 24, a corner edge 14 and a fourth end edge 26 opposite the corner edges. The side 12 extends beyond the opposite end edge 26 of the outer surface by a substantially rectangular orthogonal surface 28. When covering the box 1, the side panel 100 is fitted against the surface 28 to form a box wall. It is advantageous for the surface 28 itself to be extended by a wing 30 parallel to the outer surface 20. Thus, the panel 100 can be accommodated in the space defined by the wing 30, the surface 28 and the rear panel 2 of the box. The width of the surface 28 is preferably determined to be substantially equal to the thickness of the corresponding end edge of the panel 100 to facilitate adjustment.

The bottom edge 32 of the filler 10 extends generally flat to the bottom edge 22 of each outer surface 20 at the same height as the base 16 or slightly below the base. However, each side 12 comprises a downward protrusion 34 at an extension of the side 12 at the surface 28 or preferably at the height of the wing 30. The projection 34 fits into the corresponding recess in the rear panel 2, ensuring a reliable, easy and reproducible positioning of the filler 10.

The wing 30 of each side 12 may be provided with a hole 36 for subsequent fixing of the side panel 100, for example.

According to the invention, the same filler 10 can be used for assembly called IP54, which in principle requires a rigid seal. In particular, relative tightness must be achieved between the side 12 and the side panel 100 of the filler 10. According to the present invention, since the panel 100 tilts and engages the surface 28 of the filler 10 on which the seal 38 is located, the compression of the seal 38 takes place simply and quickly.

For this purpose the outer surface 20 of the filler 10 has a trapezoidal shape in which the opposite wall 26 is inclined with respect to the corner edge 14, ie the lower edge 22 is longer than the upper edge 24. Due to this configuration, the adjacent surface 28 is inclined with respect to the rear panel 2. In particular, the inclination angle α can vary between 75 and 89 °, preferably 80 or 82 °.

In order to obtain a box according to the invention as shown in FIGS. 2a-2d, the side panel 100 is modified slightly, with the closure panel 100 being horizontally positioned substantially apart by the height of the corner edge 14 in the same way. Two parallel end edges 102, 104 in the direction and an inclined end edge joining the edges. The inclined end edge 106 is angled with the shape, ie top edge 104, complementary to the opposite end edge 26 of the outer surface 20. In the same manner as in the case of the filler 10, the lower edge 102 of the panel 100 is provided with a protrusion 108 relative to the horizontal direction to facilitate the fitting in the corresponding housing of the rear panel 2. Can be. The side panel 100 may have a conventional configuration, in addition to a trapezoidal shape, formed of sheet metal plates folded at each end edge 102, 104, 106 as shown “solid” or as shown.

For a rigid enclosure, a seal 38 is applied to the inclined surface 28 and the side panel 100 is adjusted relative to the wing 30 of the filler 10 (no adjustment in the rear panel 2 is necessary). It is located in the space provided. In order to crush the seal 38, the panel 100 is pressed vertically, ie a force tilted against the seal 38 due to the advancing boundary of the panel 100 compresses the seal 38. Let's do it. The panel 100 is then fixed relative to the rear panel 2 and / or the filler 10.

The panel 100 can be screwed directly to the rear panel 2 in a manner similar to the filler 10. The panel 100 can be secured to the wing 30 of the pillar by the holes 36. However, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in particular in which there is a rigid seal 38, the assembly between the panel 100 and the filler 10 is done directly in the direction perpendicular to the corner edges 14 in order to optimize the rigidity. . To this end, at the height at which the panel 100 is fitted, the side surface 12 of the filler 10 is provided with an assembly surface 40 substantially parallel to the rear panel 2, and an end edge of the panel 100 ( 104 is provided with a flange 110 orthogonal to the face defined by panel 100, which is located above assembly surface 40. One means secures the two elements in an inclined direction with respect to the surface 28.

The assembly surface 40 may be located in the extension of the bottom 32 of the filler 10 and work with the bottom edge 102 of the panel 100. The assembly surface 40 is located on top of the filler 10, preferably using an empty space for fixing. The fastening means may in particular comprise screwing.

According to a preferred embodiment, the assembly surfaces 40 of the two sides 12 are identical and cover the top of the filler 10. The upper surface 40 may be a metal plate welded apart a distance substantially below the upper edge of the side 12 substantially corresponding to the thickness of the flange 110 of the panel 100. Two holes 42 are drilled in the assembly surface 40 so as to be symmetrical with respect to the bisector of the assembly surface, each hole 42 having a screw extension 44 having an axis substantially parallel to the corner edge 14. Include. In the case of IP54 assembly, it is advantageous for the seal 38 to be located along the top edge of the filler 10 on the assembly surface 40 in order to increase the firmness efficiency. In the upper corner of the side panel 100 is provided a substantially triangular flange 110 orthogonal to the surface defined by the panel 100, which flange 112 engages with the assembly hole 42. ) Is drilled. The shape of the flange 110 of the panel 100 is preferably such that the flange 110 also crushes the seal 38 on which the assembly surface 40 is placed. The panel 100 is fitted to the filler 10. A screw secures the flange 110 to the upper surface 40 of the filler 10, thereby crushing the seal 38 lying against the surface 28.

Due to the force that can be applied to the assembly surface 40 when the panel is fixed to the filler 10, the assembly is preferably stabilized by the reinforcement 46 which further increases the strength effect. In particular, the bracket 46 is welded to the corner edge 14 and below the assembly surface 40. Other configurations are possible, for example with pyramidal blocks extending from the assembly surface 40 to the base 16.

If no specific degree of protection is required, essentially similar assembly by the assembly surface 40 can be done without the seal 38. According to the panel 100 and the filler 10 according to the present invention, the configuration of the box 1 can be changed under the premise that it is used without requiring other industrial standards.

In order to facilitate the assembly of the top cover, in particular the uprights 6, it is preferred that the filler 10 is provided with suitable means. In particular, the support surface 50 is connected orthogonal to the corner edge 14 toward the top of the pillar 10. Uprights 6 and / or cover panels 7 and / or doors 8 can be placed on and connected to the support surface 50. According to an advantageous choice, the front frame is connected to the surface to form a box as described in French patent application FR 07 02074.

It is preferable that the support surface 50 is fixed downwardly and fixed to the upper assembly surface 40 to secure the space required to finish the lid. In particular, the upper sides 40, 50 of the filler 10 comprise a folded metal plate which closes, for example by welding, a portion surrounded by the outer surface 20, the surface 28 and a portion of the wing 30, and is fixed It is advantageously offset downward to extend by a projecting triangular portion 50 having a hole 52, which fixing hole has a vertical threaded extension 54. The protrusion 50 can be supported by a reinforcement 56 welded to the reinforcement bracket 46 of the assembly surface 40 and / or the wings 30 of the filler 10.

In addition to the positioning assistance function or even the fixing function of the side panel 100 in the IP30 rating mode, the two enclosures can be more easily assembled side by side by a wing 30 extending the surface 28. As shown in FIG. 3, in the case of such an assembly, one or preferably two rear panels 2 ₁ , 2 _{2 with} two pillars 10 ₁ , 10 ₂ equipped with fitting rails 3 ₁ , 3 ₂ . Is bonded at). Then, with the reinforcement fitting 62 between the two wings 30 ₁ , 30 ₂ possibly inserted, the two pillars 10 ₁ by simple engagement by the screw 60 in the wings 30 ₁ , 30 ₂ . , 10 ₂ ). If firmness is required, the two fillers 10 ₁ , 10 ₂ may include seals 38 ₁ , 38 ₂ as described above. In this configuration, it is advantageous that the bar 64 is also bonded to both fillers via the assembly surfaces 40 ₁ , 40 ₂ . The bar is in the form of a bar 64 and the seal can be supported at the length of the seal instead of the top edge 104 of the side panel 100, thereby securing the upper element of the box.

Thus, according to the construction of the filler according to the invention, the manufacture of a box in the form of a kit can be optimized:

The filler 10 provides increased strength from the cover of the box to the base,

Since the filler 10 is obtained by welding and folding, no industrial investment is necessary,

The assembly is easy due to the fitting of the panel 100 assisted by the wings 30, the easy positioning of the filler 10 through the bases 16, 18, and the simple screwing of all parts. Ergonomic,

Due to the pyramidal shape of the filler 10, the "basic" implementation by screwing the panel 100 allows the panel 100 to be easily assembled to an IP54 rigidity rating, and auxiliary elements or specially customized tools Not required,

With the same monoblock filler 10 it is possible to obtain boxes rated IP30 or IP54, thereby reducing the number of industrial standards,

No additional elements are required to join the boxes, the box joining is made by the assembly of a simple screw 60,

Since the bracket 46 is present, certain positional errors can be mitigated due to increased pressure resistance and strength,

Since the support surface 50 is present, the fixing of the top cover of the box 1 becomes easy, and this part can be changed without any problem.

1 shows, as already mentioned, a box into which a filler according to the invention can be fitted.

2A-2D show other aspects of a filler according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

3A and 3B show the assembly of a filler and a box according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

1 electrical box

14 corner edge

12 side

20 outer surface

22, 24, 26 end edge

30 wing

50 support surface

Claims (15)

A filler 10 for an electrical box 1 comprising two sides 12 forming corners of the outer wall along the corner edge 14, each side 12 being a An outer surface 20 surrounded by two end edges 22, 24 parallel to each other, a corner edge 14 and an end edge 26 opposite the corner edge; And A surface 28 that extends the outer surface 20 at the height of the opposite end edge 26 and is orthogonal toward the inside of the corner with respect to the outer surface 20. In the filler for an electrical box comprising: Each outer surface 20 has a trapezoidal shape, so that two surfaces 28 are inclined with respect to the corner edges 14, and the short end edge 24 and the long end edge 22 of the two outer surfaces 20 are inclined. Are each extending from one another on the same side of the corner edge (14). 2. The filler box according to claim 1, wherein each side (12) further comprises a wing (30) extending in the direction (28) in a direction parallel to the outer surface (20). The filler according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filler further comprises a perforated base (16) which is orthogonal to the corner edge (14) and engages the long end edge (22) of the two outer surfaces (20). Filler for electric box. 4. The filler according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filler further comprises a support surface 50 orthogonal to the corner edge 14, the support surface comprising an assembly means 52 and an outer surface ( Filler for electrical box, located at the height of the short end edge 24 of 20). 5. The filler according to claim 1, wherein the filler further comprises an assembly surface 40 orthogonal to the corner edge 14, the assembly surface being in the direction defined by the corner edge 14. A filler for an electrical box, comprising means (42) for fixing (100) to the assembly surface (40). 6. The filler box according to claim 5, wherein the fixing means of each assembly surface (40) comprises a hole (42) having a screw extension (44) parallel to the corner edge (14). The electrical box according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the two assembly surfaces 40 are identical and close the filler 12 between the two outer surfaces 20 at the short end edge 24 of the outer surface 20. Dragon filler. 8. Filler according to claim 7, comprising reinforcing means (46) between the side (12) and the assembly surface (40). 9. Filler for electrical box according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a seal (38) that can be compressed on each inclined surface (28). As a side wall of an electrical box comprising a filler 10 according to any one of claims 1 to 9 coupled with a side panel 100 on one side 12, The panel 100 has two parallel end edges 102, 104 and an outer surface 20 of the side 12 separated by a height substantially equal to the height of the corner edge 14 of the filler 10. An inclined engaging end edge 106 having a shape complementary to the shape of The panel (100) can be positioned opposite the surface (28) of the side (12). A side wall of an electrical box comprising a filler 10 according to any one of claims 5 to 8 connected to the side panel 100 on one side 12, The panel 100 has two parallel end edges 102, 104 spaced apart by a height substantially equal to the height of the corner edge 14 of the filler 10, and the outer surface 20 of the side 12. An inclined engaging end edge 106 having a shape complementary to the shape of The panel 100 comprises a fixing flange 110 orthogonal to the surface of the panel 100 and acts together with the assembly surface 40 of the side 12 of the filler 10, such that the panel 100 is A side wall of an electrical box, which can be positioned opposite the surface (28) of the side (12) and assembled to the pillar (10) by fixing at the height of the engagement hole (42). The side wall of an electrical box according to claim 11, further comprising a seal (38) compressed between the surface (28) of the side (12) of the filler and the inclined end edge (106) of the panel. A substantially rectangular rear panel 2, four pillars according to claim 1 at four corners of the rear panel 2, and four pillars between the four pillars 10. An electrical box comprising a side panel 100. An electrical box comprising a rear panel 3 and four side panels according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the panel 100 forming each side panel is also a filler 10 of the other side panel. Assembled on, electrical box. As a combination of electrical boxes, Each electrical box comprises a substantially rectangular rear panel 2 ₁ , 2 ₂ , and the two rear panels 2 ₁ , 2 ₂ are juxtapose along one of the sides of the rear panel, respectively The electrical box of each of the two corners, defining the juxtaposed side, comprises two pillars 10 according to any one of claims 3 to 9 according to claim 2 or dependent on each pillar. The wings 30 of 10 are parallel to said juxtaposed side, Two juxtaposed filler (10 _1, 10 _2), the wing (30 _1, 30 ₂₎ conjugate of the electrical box, this being joined to each other by means of screws 60 in.

Images