Supports: cabinet structure – For particular electrical device or component
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-16
2001-04-10
Purol, David M. (Department: 3634)
Supports: cabinet structure
For particular electrical device or component
C312S138100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213576
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a window unit that is installed on a trim element of a switchgear cabinet, wherein the window unit contains a window element that is coupled to the trim element in a pivoted fashion.
2. Description of Prior Art
Window units of this type contain a window pane that is bordered by a frame along its edges, wherein the frame carries hinges. Openings are arranged in the trim element in order to attach the window unit. The hinges are inserted into the openings and subsequently mounted therein. The trim element contains a cutout behind the window pane. On a rear side of the trim element, a box covers the cutout, in which electrical components are accommodated. These installations are visible through the window pane of the window element and can, if so required, be accessed when the window unit is open.
The attachment of such a window unit needs to be carried out carefully. The hinges need to be arranged on the trim element in such a way that the hinge axes are aligned with one another. This means that it is relatively complicated to retrofit an existing switchgear cabinet with a window unit. In addition, the cutout in the trim element disadvantageously affects the stability and stiffness of the trim element.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is based on one objective of developing a window unit of the initially mentioned type which can be easily mounted on a trim element.
This objective is achieved with a frame that is attached to and mounted on the trim element, and the window element is hinged to the frame. The frame as well as the window element hinged thereon form one structural unit that can be premanufactured. This structural unit can then be attached to the trim element, for example, by means of screws. This can be easily realized because no special dimensional tolerances need to be observed. Consequently, an existing switchgear cabinet can be easily retrofitted with a window unit. If a cutout is provided in the trim element, the frame stiffens the trim element.
The frame which is mounted on the trim element has a stiffening effect, for example, a cutout does not or only insignificantly impairs the stability of the trim element.
However, it is not absolutely imperative to arrange a cutout in the trim element for the window unit according to this invention. The frame may be realized in such a way that it holds the window element at a distance from the front side of the trim element. In this case, mounting and installation space is created in front of the trim element.
According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, the window element contains a window pane that has edge profiles on at least two sides, wherein one edge profile carries hinges for connecting the window pane to the frame, and wherein the second edge profile has a locking device. In this case, the edge profiles may be realized in the form of separate parts that can be subsequently fastened to the window pane, for example, by bonding. However, it would also be conceivable to directly incorporate the edge profiles on the window pane.
In another variation of this invention the frame carries a mounting plate that is arranged parallel to and at a distance from the window element in the closed position of the window element and can be equipped with electric components. The mounting plate can be separately equipped and wired. Subsequently, the mounting plate can be attached to the frame. The formed window unit can then be attached to the trim element. The mounting plate may, for example, also have an engraved or printed circuit at the manufacturing site.
In order to increase the installation space surrounded by the window unit, it would be conceivable to install a spacer frame on the frame. In this case, the spacer frame holds the mounting plate parallel to and at a distance from the closed window element within its region that faces away from the frame.
In order to achieve an appealing optical appearance, in one embodiment of the window unit according to this invention, the frame is inserted into the cutout of the trim element, wherein the frame adjoins the front side of the trim element around the cutout with a circumferential, laterally protruding edge.
In order to simplify mounting of the window unit, a tubular door frame may be fastened to the rear side of the trim element that is realized in the form of a cabinet door, wherein the tubular door frame contains a pattern of fastening receptacles, and wherein fastening screws extend through the fastening receptacles and are screwed into the frame. The fastening receptacles of the tubular door frame are used as a drilling template for the frame because the fastening receptacles of the frame need to be adapted to the pattern of fastening receptacles on the tubular door frame.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3279871 (1966-10-01), Bright
patent: 4862324 (1989-08-01), Kalvaitis et al.
patent: 5147981 (1992-09-01), Buet et al.
patent: 5232277 (1993-08-01), Cassady et al.
patent: 5536079 (1996-07-01), Kostic
patent: 5638648 (1997-06-01), Rotondo
patent: 5761797 (1998-06-01), Besserer et al.
patent: 5905631 (1999-05-01), Winkler
Muller Matthias
Munch Udo
Schmitt Heinz
Wirbelauer Jorg
Pauley Petersen Kinne & Fejer
Purol David M.
Rittal--Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
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