Supports: cabinet structure – Knockdown or setup type – Connecting panels
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-15
2001-06-05
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3624)
Supports: cabinet structure
Knockdown or setup type
Connecting panels
C312S296000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241331
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a sheet-metal casing having a plastic seal according to the preamble of claim
1
. Such casings are used in particular for electrical appliances in which sealing and electromagnetic screening to the outside is important.
2. Discussion of Background
In known designs of casings of this type, the seal is clamped in place between the sheets of the casing parts. The casing parts are then pressed against one another, so that the seal is compressed. Excessive compression, however, should be avoided in order to avoid damage to the seal. However, compression which is too weak or settling of the seal leads to undesirable slackening of the connection. In addition, for electromagnetic screening, contact strips covering the sealing gap must be attached.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, one object of the invention is to provide a novel sheet-metal casing of the type mentioned at the beginning in such a way that these problems are avoided in the simplest possible way. This object is achieved by a sheet-metal casing as claimed in claim
1
. One of the casing parts therefore forms a step along the seal and comes into contact with the other casing part. The arrangement is selected in such a way that, in addition to the step, a gap for accommodating the seal forms between the casing parts. In this design, the step thus performs two functions: on the one hand, it ensures a prominence for forming the electrical contact between the casing parts, so that good electromagnetic screening is ensured. On the other hand, it forms the mechanical contact and thus the bearing region between the casing parts. If the casing parts are pressed against one another, it absorbs the corresponding forces, and excessive compression of the seal is avoided.
The configuration according to the invention of the sealing region may be achieved merely by bending or folding the casing parts, which simplifies manufacture.
In this case, the sheet is preferably bent over to form a fold, which forms the step and at the same time reinforces the marginal region of the sheet.
The two casing parts are preferably bent inward in the sealing region and form sealing surfaces, between which the seal comes to lie. In addition, the inner margin of the, preferably bottom, casing part may be bent over in such a way that it covers the fold to the inside. As a result, better screening and, if need be, water sealing are achieved.
To more effectively prevent ingress of water, the sealing surfaces may also be arranged in such a way that they rise inward toward the top.
Suitable tension means are preferably provided in order to press the two casing parts against one another.
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Kammerl Kurt
Kolbl Gustav
Munoz Enrique
Vestner Markus
Asea Brown Boveri AG
Burns Doane Swecker & Mathis L.L.P.
Cuomo Peter M.
Tran Hanh V.
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