Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2005
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
A SWITCHBOARD STRUCTURE FOR DOUBLE DOOR CONSTRUCTION
2. APPLICANTS:
(a) Name (b) Nationality (c) Address
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED An Indian Company C-56, Mayapuri Industrial Area, Phase II, New Delhi – 110064, India
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
PROVISIONAL
The following specification describes the invention. COMPLETE
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to switch board assembly in electrical engineering, and more particularly the invention relates to a switchboard structure for double door construction with better usable area thereon.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, in Low voltage Switchboards, the power distribution circuit is divided into two segments: a Power Control Centre (PCC) in the upstream side and a Motor Control Centre (MCC) in the downstream side. The Power Control Centre (PCC) distributes power to different Motor Control Centre and Motor Control Centre distributes this power to different motor loads, lamp loads using feeders/modules.
For indoor applications, a switchboard is configured with a single door construction for degree of protection (DOP) of IP54. At present there is requirement for DOP of IP55 for indoor and outdoor applications which calls for a double door construction. In order to provide double door construction in switchboard, an external frame is built on existing structure for fixing the external door. In Ti switchboards, vertical pillars made from rolled form channels are typically employed at all four corners to act as support members for the switchboard. To convert a single-door structure into a double-door configuration, an add-on kit is necessary. This entails the installation of end covers on both sides to create the external frame assembly. It is a meticulous task that requires the expertise of a skilled individual, as the resulting external frame will be substantial and heavy, and precise door alignment is essential.
A prior art technique, as disclosed in US8727459B2, involves a multiple-door switchgear cabinet that includes a cabinet housing containing electrical equipment and can be connected to a power source. The doors attached to the cabinet housing provide access to the electrical equipments and include a first door and secondary doors. The first door, when closed, provides for electrical continuity through a main electrical power switch, and removes electrical continuity in open state. A mechanical interlock controls the order in which the doors are closed. The mechanical interlock is mounted to the cabinet and is in contact with the doors when they are closed, the interlock being biased by a biasing device to bear against the first door when any of the other doors is opened. A locking bar is movably attached to the first door, and releasably attached to the secondary door. wherein attachment to the secondary door prevents both doors from inadvertent opening.
Further another prior art document CN203103794U discloses a double-door type power distribution box comprising a box body. An opening of the box body is provided with an inner door. Outer doors are arranged outside the inner door. The middle of the inner door is provided with a rectangular window which is installed with a convex lens, and the two sides of the window are provided with sliding grooves which are inserted with baffles used for blocking the convex lens. There are two outer doors which are provided with locks in cooperation. According to the double-door type distribution box, the exposure of electrical parts in the power distribution box is reduced, and the security of the power distribution box is raised.
The techniques mentioned in these documents only focus on the structural arrangement for a double-door enclosure in the switchboard setup. To achieve a double-door construction in the switchboard, an external frame is added to the existing structure to accommodate the external door. Typically, in a Ti switchboard, rolled form channels are used as vertical pillars at the four corners, acting as support members for the switchboard. Converting a single-door structure into a double-door one requires an add-on kit. This involves the installation of end covers on both sides for assembling the external frame. The process can be challenging and requires skilled personnel since the external frame tends to be huge, heavy, and demands precise alignment of the doors.
Accordingly, there is a need for a switchboard structure for double door constructions, that would eliminate the issues associated with the prior art techniques.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a switchboard structure for switchboard with better usable area that is best suitable for single door as well as for double door construction.
Another object of the present invention is to simplify the manufacturing complexities and minimize the assembly time of a switch board.
Yet, another object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for end covers for mounting an external frame in a switch board panel assembly.
Yet another object of the present invention is to eliminate the end cover needed in coupling area when coupling multiple switchboards together.
Yet another object of the present invention is to keep the overall width and transfer unit length of a switchboard constant in both single door and double door constructions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a switchboard structure suitable for double door construction, having a consistent overall width and usable area suitable for both single-door or double-door constructions.
The switchboard structure comprising a plurality of frames includescomprising a top frame mounted with a signature header, and a base frame mounted on a plinth, a plurality of vertical components, a plurality of channels horizontally fitted on the plurality of vertical components and an external frame formed from the front vertical pillar, a top flange and a bottom flange. The external frame is configured to house an external door. The plurality of vertical components includes a front vertical pillar, a mid-vertical pillar and a rear vertical pillar together fitted with the top frame at the top end and the base frame at the bottom end forms a rigid vertical structure. The plurality of channels is configured to receive at least one horizontal partition plate thereon to form a plurality of compartments vertically one above the other.
The front vertical pillar is designed in a unique shape with a first surface fitted to the top frame and the base frame, a second surface configured to fix the internal compartment doors by means of a hinge device thereon, a third surface configured to allow resting of internal compartment doors thereon; a sixth surface configured to facilitate coupling of an external frame of an adjacent switchboard structure, a fourth surface configured to provide an opening angle of rotation for the external door of the adjacent switchboard structure and a fifth surface configured to receive a hinge device thereon and allow easy rotation of external doors. The second surface fitted with the hinge device allows the internal compartment doors to rotate for an opening angle of a desired value.
The front vertical components are configured into a profile that integrates front vertical pillar and external frame into a single unit. This eliminates the need for an end cover during the assembly of the external frame when coupling multiple switchboards of the same type.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The implementation of various embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding elements throughout the different views.
Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these specific embodiments.
The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of switchboard structure for PCC, in a switchboard structure for double door construction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 2 illustrates a pictorial representation of profile of vertical pillar in the switchboard structure for double door construction in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of switchboard structure for PCC, in the switchboard structure for double door construction in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of panel coupling between two PCC, in the switchboard structure suitable for double door construction in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished, and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail. For clarity of the description, known construction and functions will be omitted. Elements of the description may be presented in terms of operations performed by an Electrical/Electronic system, consistent with the manner commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention, as described in the claim.
The present invention provides a switchboard structure suitable for double door construction with better usable area therein. The vertical components are configured into a unique profile, which combines the front vertical pillar and external frame into a single entity. This design eliminates the need for end covers during the assembly of the external frame when coupling multiple switchboards of the same type. As a result, the overall width of the switchboard remains constant, whether it is for single-door or double-door construction. With this arrangement, the usable area of the switchboard structure remains unaffected, as there is practically no reduction in the height of any compartment of the switchboard after assembling the external door. Also, the design of major components of switchboard structure like top frame, base frame, horizontal partitions, gland plates and cross members remains the same for single and double door constructions.
In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems.
Furthermore, connections between components and/or modules within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components and modules may be modified, re-formatted or otherwise changed by intermediary components and modules.
Throughout this application, with respect to all reasonable derivatives of such terms, and unless otherwise specified (and/or unless the particular context clearly dictates otherwise), each usage of:
“a” or “an” is meant to read as “at least one.”
“the” is meant to be read as “the at least one.”
References in the present invention to “one of the embodiments” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
If the specification states a component or feature "may' can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a, an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
In the description of the present disclosure, It's important to clarify that terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inside," "outside," and similar expressions are used within this context to describe directions or positional relationships. They are based on the orientation or positioning depicted in the accompanying drawings or the standard orientation commonly observed when using the invention's product. These terms are employed for the sake of clarity and simplifying the description rather than indicating any requirement for the device or elements referred to having specific orientations or operating exclusively in particular orientations. Thus, it is important not to interpret these terms as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, terms like "first," "second," and so forth are solely used for distinction and should not be interpreted as signifying relative importance.
In the description of this disclosure, it is important to note that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "attachment" "connection," "installation," and "setting," should be interpreted broadly. For instance, they may refer to a permanent connection, a detachable link, or an integral coupling. These terms can encompass mechanical direct or indirect associations through intermediaries, and even the internal communication between two components. The precise meaning of these terms within the context of this disclosure can be discerned based on specific circumstances by those skilled in the field.
Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skilled in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
The process described herein is explained using examples with specific details for better understanding. However, the disclosed embodiments can be worked on by a person skilled in the art without the use of these specific details.
The technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be thoroughly and comprehensively explained in the following sections, accompanied by references to the drawings. It's important to note that these described embodiments constitute a portion of the total embodiments within this invention, rather than an exhaustive representation. Any other embodiments that can be reasonably derived by a skilled individual in this field from the disclosed embodiments, without requiring inventive ingenuity, are also covered by the protection scope of this invention.
The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding elements in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in brackets in the following description and in the table below.
Table:
Component Name Component Number Component Name Component Number
Top frame 1 Rear vertical pillar 7
Signature header 2 Depth wise channels 8
Front vertical pillar 3 Width wise channels 9
First surface 3.1 External door 10
Second surface 3.2 Top flange 11
Third surface 3.3 Internal compartment doors 12
Fourth surface 3.4 External frame 13
Fifth surface 3.5 Bottom Flange 14
Sixth surface 3.6 Horizontal partitions 15
Plinth 4 Gland Plates 16
Base frame 5 Cross members 17
Mid vertical pillar 6 Switchboard structure 100
The present invention provides a switchboard suitable for double door construction, wherein usable area of the switchboard remains constant for both the applications.
Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a switchboard structure suitable for double door constructions is disclosed in accordance with the present invention (“switchboard structure (100)”, hereinafter). The switchboard structure (100) comprises of a plurality of frames, an external door (10), a plurality of vertical components, a plurality of channels, a plurality of internal compartment doors (12) and an external frame (13) houses external door (10).
The plurality of frames includes a top frame (1) that forms the top surface and a base frame (5) that forms the bottom surface of the of the switchboard structure (100) of the present invention. The top frame (1) is mounted with a signature header (2) that may be used to display the identification of the switchboard. The base frame is mounted on a plinth (4) that gives rigid support to the overall frames and a plurality of vertical components mounted thereon.
The plurality of vertical components includes a front vertical pillar (3), a mid-vertical pillar (6) and a rear vertical pillar (7) together forms a rigid vertical structure of predefined height. The rigid vertical structure formed by the plurality of the vertical components, receives the top frame (1) at the top end and the base frame (5) at the bottom end.
The plurality of vertical components is firmly fitted to the plurality of channels. In the embodiment, each of the plurality of channels is horizontally fitted onto the plurality of vertical components. The plurality of channels is configured to accommodate at least one horizontal partition (15) on each of them, forming a series of compartments being positioned one above the other. The plurality of channels includes a plurality of depth wise channels (8) and a plurality of width wise channels (9) together forms a base for providing at least one horizontal partition (15). This forms a plurality of compartments aligned vertically one above the other.
Referring to figure 1, a perspective view of switchboard structure for power control centre (PCC) with external door in closed position is illustrated in accordance with one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The switchboard structure includes a base formed by a plinth (4) and assembly of a base frames (5). The base frames (5) are mounted with a rear vertical pillar (7) and a front vertical pillar (3) thereon, and are coupled by a plurality of channels (8,9). The plurality of channels (8,9) includes a channel arranged in depth wise (8) and a channel arranged in width wise (9), to form a base for fixing a mid-vertical pillar (6). The plurality of channels (8,9) is further configured to receive partition plates thereon.
Referring to Figure 2, a perspective view of a profile of the front vertical pillar (3) in the switchboard structure suitable for double door construction is illustrated in accordance with one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The front vertical pillar (3) is designed in a shape similar to a question mark, featuring a series of surfaces serving specific functions. The unique shape of the front vertical pillar (3) seamlessly integrates the switchboard structure with an external frame (13) of an adjacent switchboard structure, forming a cohesive single unit. In the embodiment, the front vertical pillar (3) comprising a first surface (3.1) configured to securely fit with the top frame (1) and base frame (5), a second surface (3.2) configured to accommodate a hinge device for the internal compartment doors (12), allowing internal compartment doors (12) to rotate to a desired angle in clockwise and anticlockwise directions. The front vertical pillar (3) further comprises, a third surface (3.3) is configured to provide a resting place for the internal compartment doors (12), a sixth surface (3.6) facilitates coupling of the external frame (13) from the adjacent switchboard structure and a fourth surface (3.4) is designed to help achieve the desired opening angle for the external door (10) of the adjacent switchboard structure once it is connected. Furthermore, a fifth surface (3.5) is specifically configured in the front vertical pillar (3) to receive a hinge device, enabling smooth rotation of the external door (10) in clockwise and anticlockwise directions while ensuring IP55 Degree of Protection (DOP).
Referring to figure 3, a perspective view of switchboard structure for power control centre (PCC) with an external door in open position, in the switchboard structure suitable for double door construction is illustrated in accordance with one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment with double door arrangement, a top flange (11) is fixed on top frame assembly (1) and a bottom flange (14) is fixed on the base frame assembly (5). Further, the front vertical pillar (3) forms side flanges for the external frame (13) that houses an external door (10). In the embodiment, the front vertical pillar (3) is configured as a profile similar to question mark as shown in figure 2. In the embodiment, the top flange (11) and bottom flange (14) helps in facilitating IP55 DOP from top and bottom side and side flange ensures IP55 DOP from left and right side and also helps in coupling of two switchboard structure.
Referring to the figure 4, a perspective view of panel coupling between two PCC in the switchboard structure suitable for double door construction is illustrated in accordance with one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment, coupling of two switchboard structures having external door (10) is facilitated.
The switchboard structure (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having the top frame (1), the base frame (5), the plurality of horizontal partitions (15), the plurality of gland plates (16) and the plurality of cross members (17) remains same for single door and double door constructions. The gland plates (16) are fixed on base frame (5) and facilitates cable entry in PCC/MCC. Cross members are connected between front vertical pillar (3) and Mid-vertical pillar (6) to form a PCC structure.
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the external door (10) assembled on the external frame (13) provides an opening angle up to of 120°. Similarly, the internal compartment door (12) is configured with an opening angle up to 105°. This facilitates access to the internal compartments within the switchboard structure after opening the external door
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
a) In the switchboard structure (100), the end covers with a 40mm width, which were present for panel coupling in existing embodiments, have been eliminated. This results in a reduction of the panel width by 80mm. As a result, the panel footprint will decrease in increments of 80mm, as two panels can be coupled directly.
b) The embodiments of the present invention facilitate in offering same panel width for single door construction as well as for double door constructions. Thus, standardized the panel components like plinth (4), signature header and width wise channels (8,9) are employed and provide a standardization of TU length.
c) The external frame (13) used in the present invention facilitates in achieving anti-theft feature and maintain consistent pressure for accomplishing IP55 degree of protection.
d) In the switch board switchboard structure (100) of the present invention the usable feeder height remains unchanged for double door construction.
e) In the switch board switchboard structure (100) of the present invention, no special tools are required for fixing of external door (10)
f) In the switchboard structure (100) of the present invention, no special processes are required for implementation apart from the multi-fold design, simplifying the overall design.
g) The switchboard structure (100) of the present invention can be assembled in a reduced time due to the ease of access to each of the compartments, providing simplicity in installation and effective utilization of the panel volume.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A switchboard structure (100) suitable for double door construction, the switchboard structure (100) comprising:
a plurality of frames, the plurality of frames includes a top frame (1) mounted with a signature header (2), and a base frame (5) mounted on a plinth (4);
a plurality of vertical components, the plurality of vertical components includes a front vertical pillar (3), a mid-vertical pillar (6) and a rear vertical pillar (7) together fitted with the top frame (1) at the top end and the base frame (5) at the bottom end forms a rigid vertical structure;
a plurality of channels horizontally fitted on the plurality of vertical components, wherein the plurality of channels is configured to receive at least one horizontal partition plate thereon to form a plurality of compartments vertically one above the other; and
an external frame (13) formed from the front vertical pillar (3), a top flange (11) and a bottom flange (14), wherein the external frame (13) houses an external door (10);
wherein the front vertical components are configured into a profile that integrates front vertical pillar (3) and external frame (13) into a single unit that eliminates the need for end cover during the assembly of the external frame (13) when coupling multiple switchboards of the same type.
2. The switchboard structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of channels includes a plurality of depth wise channels (8), cross members (17) and a plurality of width wise channels (9) together forms a base to fix a horizontal partition (15).
3. The switchboard structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front vertical pillar (3) is configured in a shape resembling a question mark.
4. The switchboard structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the front vertical pillar (3) having,
a first surface (3.1) fitted to the top frame (1) and the base frame (5);
a second surface (3.2), the second surface (3.2) configured to fix the internal compartment doors (12) by means of a hinge device thereon wherein the second surface (3.2) fitted with the hinge device allows the internal compartment doors (12) to rotate for an opening angle of a desired value;
a third surface (3.3), the third surface (3.3) configured to allow resting of internal compartment doors (12) thereon;
a sixth surface (3.6), the sixth surface (3.6) configured to facilitate coupling of an external frame (13) of an adjacent switchboard structure;
a fourth surface (3.4), the fourth surface (3.4) configured to provide an opening angle of rotation for the external door (10) of the adjacent switchboard structure; and
a fifth surface (3.5), the fifth surface (3.5) configured to receive a hinge device thereon and allow easy rotation of external doors (10).
5. The switchboard structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front vertical pillar (3) is configured to attach an external door (10) and an internal compartment door (12) wherein,
the fifth surface (3.5) is configured to enable smooth rotation of the external door (10) in clockwise and anticlockwise directions by means of a hinge device coupled thereto, and
the second surface (3.2) is configured to receive the internal compartment door (12) by means of a hinge device allowing them to rotate to clockwise and anticlockwise directions for a desired angle.
6. The switchboard structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external door (10) assembled on the external frame (13) provides an opening angle up to 120°.
7. The switchboard structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internal compartment door (12) is configured with an opening angle up to 105°.
Dated this on 28th day of October, 2023

Ragitha. K
(Agent for Applicant), IN-PA/2832