Claims:WE CLAIM:

01. A Framework (100) for a switchgear cabinet, characterizes in that the framework (100) comprises harmonized constituents consisting of:

- a plurality of combination channel (200) comprising:
(i) a receptacle channel (240) further comprising a first arm (241) and a second arm (281) at an angle of 135 degree with respect to a middle arm (261), forming an unoccupied zone (250), the middle arm (261) having a middle stem (262), and
(ii) at least two L-channels (210), each L-channel (210) further comprising two flanges (211) having an engagement end (214) all along a length of the L-channel (210), a plurality of entry slots (212) having a slot width (216) and a slot length (215), and a plurality of engagement holes (213),

wherein the flanges (211) of one L-channel (210) engage with a first jaw (243) and a first middle jaw (263) of the receptacle channel (240), while the flanges (211) of another L-channel (210) engage with a second jaw (283) and a second middle jaw (265) of the receptacle channel (240), so as to form the combination channel (200);

- a plurality of channel connector (300) further comprising a plurality of pair of anchors (312, 313, 314) orthogonal to one another, a plurality of receptacles (322, 323, 324) complementary to a contour and a volume of the middle stem (262) of the middle arm (261) of the receptacle channel (240);

- a plurality of slidable support (400) further comprising a fixing surface (401), at least an active surface (402) and at least a passive surface (403), the fixing surface (401) further comprising an integrated bush (405) with a through hole (406) therein, the active surface (402) comprising a plurality of mounting provisions (404);

- a plurality of nested hinge assembly (500) further comprising a nesting hinge plate (520), a nested hinge plate (510) and a hinge pin (503), the nested hinge plate (510) having a nested tubular cylinder (511) at its one end such that the nested tubular cylinder (511) is tangential to a mating surface (512) of the nested hinge plate (510), the nesting hinge plate (520) having a nesting tubular cylinder (521) at its on end such that the nesting tubular cylinder (521) is tangential to a non-mating surface (522) of the nesting hinge plate (520), a nesting width (525) and a nesting height (524) of the nesting hinge plate (520) is larger than a nested width (515) and a nested height (514) of the nested hinge plate (510) respectively;

- a trapnut (600) further comprising a first wall (601) and a second wall (602), an engagement nut (603) built onto the second wall (602), a trapnut width (615) being lesser than the slot length (215) of the entry slot (212) on the L-channel (210),

wherein a summation of a trapnut gap (616A) and a first wall width (616B) is such coordinated with the slot width (216) of the entry slot (212) of the L-channel (210) that the trapnut (600) is insertable from any entry slot (212) of the L-channel (210) and such that the engagement nut (603) is accessible from the next engagement hole (213) on the L-channel (210),

wherein

each channel connector (300) joins three combination channels (200) to form a corner of the framework (100), by sliding the combination channels (200) on the corresponding pair of anchors (312, 313 or 314) of the channel connector (300) with a force Fa till an end (289) of each combination channel (200) rests against a base surface (331) of the channel connector (300) when at least two constraining means (332) of the channel connector (300) become accessible through the entry slot (212) of at least two L-channels (210) of the combination channel (200) being joined and the each combination channel (200) is constrained, a portion of the middle stem (262) of the middle arm (261) pertaining to the combination channel (200) being joined gets accommodated in the corresponding receptacle (322, 323 or 324);

- a mounting depth (410) of a plurality of mounting surface (450) provided with the plurality of slidable support (400) is altered by sliding the plurality of slidable supports (400) on the plurality of combination channels (200); and

- a door (470) rotatably mounted on the first arm (241) or the second arm (281) of the combination channel (200) opens up to 105 degrees when a minor overhang (471) of the door (470) gets accommodated in the unoccupied zone (250), the door (470) clears a frontal access (460) of a front of the switchgear cabinet when opened by 80 degrees.

02. The Framework (100) for the switchgear cabinet as claimed in claim 01, wherein the combination channels (200) of two switchgear cabinets disposed adjacently form a triangular zone (110) resultantly an adjacent and facing doors (470A and 470B) from both switchgear cabinets open up to 90 degrees when the minor overhang (471) of each door (470) gets accommodated in the triangular zone (110), the doors (470A and 470B) clear the frontal access (460) of a front of a respective switchgear cabinet when opened by 80 degrees.

03. The Framework (100) for the switchgear cabinet as claimed in claim 01, wherein the harmonized constituents are made of non-metal in an engineering plastic without or with glass reinforcement up to 60%.

04. The Framework (100) for the switchgear cabinet as claimed in claim 01, wherein the first arm (241) and the second arm (281) of the receptacle channel (240) are symmetrical about a channel axis (260).

05. The Framework (100) for the switchgear cabinet as claimed in claim 01, wherein the channel connector (300) has a lifting provision (315) on at least one roof (316) of the channel connector (300), the lifting provision (315) being a threaded hole when the channel connector (300) is made of an engineering plastic, the threaded hole is either directly threaded in the engineering plastic or is a metallic insert.

06. The Framework (100) for the switchgear cabinet as claimed in claim 01, wherein the channel connector (300) has a boundary (320) parallel to a periphery (255) of the receptacle channel (240).

07. The Framework (100) for the switchgear cabinet as claimed in claim 01, wherein the plurality of slidable support (400) is fixed by providing screws through the plurality of mounting provisions (404) and the best suited engagement holes (213) to be tightened with the trapnut (600) assembled using an adjacent entry slot (212).

08. The Framework (100) for the switchgear cabinet as claimed in claim 01, wherein the nesting hinge plate (520) is disposed with its nesting mating surface (523) on the first arm (241) or the second arm (281) of the receptacle channel (240) of the combination channel (200), while the nested hinge plate (510) is disposed with its nested mating surface (512) on the inside of the door (470).

09. The Framework (100) for the switchgear cabinet as claimed in claim 01, wherein the combination channel (200) has a plurality of pre-formed locations (205).

10. The Framework (100) for the switchgear cabinet as claimed in claim 01, wherein the L-channels (210) has the plurality of entry slots (212) and the engagement holes (213) all along its length deployable for electrical and mechanical supports in the switchgear cabinet.

11. The Framework (100) for the switchgear cabinet as claimed in claim 01, wherein the framework (100) and the harmonized constituents made of non-metal joining with doors (470), covers, the plurality of mounting surfaces (450) made of sheet metal and / or metal prohibit current flow through an ingress of moisture in between the joints resultantly minimizing corrosion and rusting of metal and sheet metal.
, Description:Form 2

The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules 2003
Complete Specification
(See section 10 and rule 13)
Title of the Invention:
AN IMPROVED FRAMEWORK WITH HARMONIZED CONSTITUENTS FOR SWITCHGEAR CABINET

Applicant: Integra Engineering India Limited
Nationality: India
Address: P.O. Box No. 55, Chandrapura Village, Taluka Halol, Panchmahal-389350, Gujarat,
India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to cabinets, particularly cabinets for housing electrical control and distribution equipment, generally known as switchgear. This invention also relates to outdoor and indoor cabinets particularly used for housing telecom and data storage/management equipment, respectively.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Electricity is life in current world. Once bulk electricity reaches a customer, it requires a reliable control and distribution equipment. Such equipment as switching devices like MCCBs, contactors, relays, timers et cetera are generally housed in an enclosure, commonly known as a Cabinet. Cabinets are essentially enclosures with certain degree of protection against solid & fluid ingress, and impact. Such Cabinets are termed as Switch Cabinets or panels or Switchgear cabinets, et cetera. These cabinets are such that the switchgear housed can be compartmentalized as per safety statutes, can be maintained and replaced.
[0003] There are numerous disclosures related to switchgear cabinets and related components, illustratively 3933/DELNP/2007, 3258/DEL/1997, 3252/DEL/1997, 3246/DEL/1997, 3256/DEL/1997, IN/PCT/2000/000284/MUM, 2714/MUM/2010, US8746465, WO2004088805, 532/MAS/1997, US6516955, US20110163648, 201817013245, 201817013246, 201617025961 and 4643/DELNP/2014.
[0004] Almost all disclosures focus on sheet metal parts.
[0005] Switchgear cabinets are expected to provide unhindered access to switchgear for maintenance and replacement. Manufacturing challenges and inaccuracies in modular parts results in economic loss.
[0006] Present invention provides inventive solution to panel builders and users’ agonies.

OBJECTIVES
[0007] The objective is to invent a Switchgear cabinet that has corrosion proof framework.
[0008] Another objective is to invent a switchgear cabinet that has maximum utilization of volume enclosed.
[0009] Another objective is to invent a switchgear cabinet that effectively supports load of switchgear components.
[0010] Another objective is to invent a switchgear cabinet that facilitates easy alignment between switchgear and corresponding door mounted coupler.
[0011] Another objective is to invent a switchgear cabinet that makes available better access to all components, linkwork and wiring mounted in the cabinet for maintenance and replacement.
[0012] Another objective is to invent a switchgear cabinet that has high aesthetics without compromising on function.

SUMMARY

[0013] A Framework for a switchgear cabinet, the Framework comprises harmonized constituents consisting of a plurality of combination channel. The plurality of combination channel comprises (i) a receptacle channel with a first arm and a second arm at an angle of 135 degree with respect to a middle arm, forming an unoccupied zone. The middle arm has a middle stem. (ii) at least two L-channels, each L-channel comprises two flanges with an engagement end all along a length of the L-channel. A plurality of entry slots has a slot width and a slot length, and a plurality of engagement holes. The flanges of one L-channel engage with a first jaw and a first middle jaw of the receptacle channel, while the flanges of another L-channel engage with a second jaw and a second middle jaw of the receptacle channel, so as to form the combination channel.
[0014] A plurality of channel connector comprises a plurality of pair of anchors orthogonal to one another, a plurality of receptacles complementary to a contour and a volume of the middle stem of the middle arm of the receptacle channel. A plurality of slidable support comprises a fixing surface, at least an active surface and at least a passive surface. The fixing surface further comprises an integrated bush with a through hole therein. The active surface comprises a plurality of mounting provisions. A plurality of nested hinge assembly comprises a nesting hinge plate, a nested hinge plate and a hinge pin. The nested hinge plate has a nested tubular cylinder at its one end such that the nested tubular cylinder is tangential to a mating surface of the nested hinge plate. The nesting hinge plate has a nesting tubular cylinder at its on end such that the nesting tubular cylinder is tangential to a non-mating surface of the nesting hinge plate wherein nesting width and a nesting height of the nesting hinge plate is larger than a nested width and a nested height of the nested hinge plate respectively.
[0015] A trapnut further comprises a first wall and a second wall, an engagement nut built onto the second wall, a trapnut width being lesser than the slot length of the entry slot on the L-channel. A summation of a trapnut gap and a first wall width is such coordinated with a slot width of the entry slot of the L-channel that the trapnut is insertable from any entry slot of the L-channel and such that the engagement nut is accessible from the next engagement hole on L-channel.
[0016] Each channel connector joins three combination channels to form a corner of the Framework, by sliding the combination channels on the corresponding pair of anchors of the channel connector. A portion of the middle stem of the middle arm pertaining to the combination channel being joined gets accommodated in the corresponding receptacle. A mounting depth of a mounting surface provided with the slidable support is altered by sliding the slidable supports on the plurality of combination channels. A door which is rotatably mounted on the first arm or the second arm of the combination channel opens up to 105 degrees when a minor overhang of the door gets accommodated in the unoccupied zone, the door clears a frontal access of a front of the switchgear cabinet when open by 80 degrees.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a Framework for switchgear cabinet.
[0018] Figure 1B shows a top view of a combination channel when disposed back to back forming a triangular zone.
[0019] Figure 2 is a top view of the combination channel having a receptacle channel and two L-channels.
[0020] Figure 3A shows enlarged view of the receptacle channel.
[0021] Figure 3B shows a perspective view of a periphery of the receptacle channel.
[0022] Figure 4 shows enlarged perspective view of L-channel of the combination channel.
[0023] Figure 5A-5C shows various angles of a channel connector.
[0024] Figure 6A shows perspective view of the channel connector coupled to the receptacle channel.
[0025] Figure 6B shows an exploded view of the Framework for switchgear cabinet.
[0026] Figure 6C shows an exploded view of the channel connector and three frame members joining to form a corner of the framework.
[0027] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a trapnut, a harmonized constituent of the framework.
[0028] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a slidable support, another harmonized constituent of the framework.
[0029] Figure 9A shows a perspective view of a varying mounting depth of a mounting surface.
[0030] Figure 9B shows an exploded view of the mounting surface and the slidable support.
[0031] Figures 10A-10C show perspective view of a nested hinge assembly
[0032] Figure 11 shows a plurality of pre-formed locations on the combination channel.
[0033] Figures 12A-12D show disposal of nesting hinge plate and nested hinge plate and door openings.
[0034] Figure 13 shows plurality of entry slots and engagement holes provided on the L-channels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0035] The present invention shall now be described with the aid of drawings. It is to be expressly understood that several variations are possible based on present invention and the description and or drawings should not be construed to limit the invention in any manner whatsoever.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, most of the components described below are made of non-metal, preferably in engineering plastic without or with glass content up to 60%. However, nothing prevents from making these parts using metal and or sheet metal.
[0037] Figure 1A, the present invention is a Framework (100) for switchgear cabinet. The framework (100) deploys harmonized constituents, namely, a plurality of combination channel (200), a plurality of channel connector (300) and a plurality of slidable support (400).
[0038] Figure 1B, the combination channel (200) when disposed back to back, a triangular zone (110) is formed, which facilitates doors opening as described later.
[0039] Figure 2, the combination channel (200) comprises a receptacle channel (240) and at least two L-channels (210).
[0040] Figure 3A, the receptacle channel (240) has a first arm (241), a middle arm (261) and a second arm (281). The first arm (241) and the second arm (281) are preferably at an angle of 135 degree with respect to the middle arm (261). Importantly, an inventive unoccupied zone (250) is thus formed, contributing to the triangular zone (110) mentioned above. In a preferred embodiment, the first arm (241) and the second arm (281) are symmetrical about a channel axis (260). The first arm (241) comprises a first jaw (243) with a first arm axis (242). The middle arm (261) has a middle stem (262). The middle stem (262) has a first middle jaw (263) with a first middle axis (264) and a second middle jaw (265) with a second middle axis (266). The second arm (281) comprises a second jaw (283) with a second arm axis (282).
[0041] Figure 4, the L-channel (210) comprises two flanges (211) having an engagement end (214) all along a length of the L-channel (210), a plurality of entry slots (212) having a slot width (216) and a slot length (215) and a plurality of engagement holes (213).
[0042] Flanges (211) of one L-channel (210) engage with the first jaw (243) and the first middle jaw (263), while flanges (211) of another L-channel (210) engage with the second jaw (283) and the second middle jaw (265), so as to form the combination channel (200).
[0043] Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, the channel connector (300) comprises a pair of X-anchors (312), a pair of Y-anchors (313) and a pair of Z-anchors (314), collectively and in individually referred to as a pair of anchors. The pair of X-anchors (312), the pair of Y-anchors (313) and the pair of Z-anchors (314) is orthogonal to one another. There are provided X-receptacle (322), Y- receptacle (323) and Z-receptacle (324) between the pair of X-anchors (312), the pair of Y-anchors (313) and the pair of Z-anchors (314) respectively. The X-receptacle (322), the Y-receptacle (323) and the Z-receptacle (324) are essentially an accommodating room complementary to a contour and a volume of the middle stem (262) of the middle arm (261) of the receptacle channel (240). There is provided a lifting provision (315) on at least one roof (316) of the channel connector (300). The lifting provision (315) is a threaded hole when the channel connector (300) is made of engineering plastic. The threaded hole may be either directly threaded in the engineering plastic or is a metallic insert. The engineering plastic is either a thermoplastic or a thermosetting plastic, without glass reinforcement or with up to 60% glass reinforcement.
[0044] Figure 6A, a boundary (320) of the channel connector (300) is parallel to a periphery (255) of the receptacle channel (240), seen from Figure 3B, as described later.
[0045] A switchgear cabinet is generally an enclosing cuboid which houses switchgear. The switchgear cabinet is generally built around a framework. Figure 6B, any framework (100) for a typical switchgear cabinet deploys at least four width members (293), at least four depth members (292) and at least four vertical members (291), collectively termed here as a frame member. In the present invention, all the width members (293), all the depth members (292) and all the vertical members (291) are derived from the combination channel (200) by merely varying a length of the combination channel (200). The framework (100) as per present invention deploys at least four width members (293) of same length, at least four depth members (292) of same length and at least four vertical members (291) of same length, along with eight channel connectors (300).
[0046] Figure 6C, each channel connector (300) joins three frame members to form a corner of the framework (100). To join the frame member, the frame member (291, 292 or 293) is slid on the corresponding pair of anchors (312, 313 or 314) with a force Fa, the design preferably being an interference fit design, till an end (289) of the frame member (291, 292 or 293) rests against a base surface (331) of the channel connector (300). At least two constraining means (332) of the channel connector (300) become accessible through the entry slot (212) of at least two L-channels (210) pertaining to the frame member (291, 292 or 293) being joined and the frame member (291, 292 or 293) is constrained using any dowel pin or screw or any solidifying resin or fluid. A portion of the middle stem (262) of the middle arm (261) pertaining to the frame member (291, 292 or 293) being joined gets accommodated in the corresponding receptacle (322, 323, 324) of the channel connector (300). Such joining arrangement provides robust constrain and strength, which is also adequate when a switchgear cabinet is lifted with an overhead crane using appropriate sling through a plurality of hooks (not shown) disposed on the lifting provision (315) of the channel connector (300).
[0047] Figure 7, the trapnut (600) is another harmonized constituent of framework (100) as per present invention. The trapnut (600) comprises a first wall (601) and a second wall (602). The trapnut (600) further comprises an engagement nut (603) built onto the second wall (602). A trapnut width (615) is lesser than the slot length (215) of the entry slot (212) on L-channel (210). A summation of a trapnut gap (616A) and a first wall width (616B) is such coordinated with the slot width (216) of the entry slot (212) of L-channel (210) that the trapnut (600) is insertable from any entry slot (212) of L-channel (210) and such that the engagement nut (603) is accessible from the next engagement hole (213) on L-channel (210).
[0048] Figure 1A, a plurality of mounting surfaces (450) are provided in any switchgear cabinet, at different planes, depending on schematic and physical size and mounting constraints of switchgear deployed that needs to be mounted on any of the mounting surface (450). The framework (100) ought to be modular and quickly adaptable to such constructional needs. Particularly, many switchgear are mounted on the mounting surface (450) within the switchgear cabinet, while they are operated from outside a door (470). It is often that the switchgear panel builders need to vary a mounting depth (410) of the mounting surface (450), Figure 9A. The mounting surface (450) bears a weight of several switchgear components to the tune of 150 kg at times, or more.
[0049] Figure 8, the present invention deploys the slidable support (400), another harmonized constituent of the framework (100) as per present invention. The slidable support (400) comprises a fixing surface (401), at least an active surface (402) and at least a passive surface (403). The fixing surface (401) further comprises an integrated bush (405) with a through hole (406) therein. The active surface (402) comprises a plurality of mounting provisions (404).
[0050] The mounting surface (450) is bolted, at least at its four corners with the slidable support (400) through the integrated bush (405). The mounting surface (450) along with the plurality of slidable supports (400) is then disposed on the frame members (291, 292 or 293) at a desired depth. The mounting depth (410) is easily varied by simply sliding the slidable support (400) on the frame members (291, 292 or 293). The slidable support (400) is fixed by providing screws through the mounting provisions (404) and the best suited engagement holes (213) to be tightened with the trapnut (600) assembled using the adjacent entry slot (212), Figure 9B.
[0051] Figures 10A, 10B and 10C, another harmonized constituent of the framework (100) as per present invention is a nested hinge assembly (500) comprising a nesting hinge plate (520), a nested hinge plate (510) and a hinge pin (503).
[0052] The nested hinge plate (510) has a nested tubular cylinder (511) at its one end such that the nested tubular cylinder (511) is tangential to a mating surface (512) of the nested hinge plate (510). The nested hinge plate (510) has a plurality of nested plate mounting provisions (518).
[0053] The nesting hinge plate (520) has a nesting tubular cylinder (521) at its one end such that the nesting tubular cylinder (521) is tangential to a non-mating surface (522) of the nesting hinge plate (520). The nesting hinge plate (520) has a plurality of nesting plate mounting provisions (528).
[0054] A nesting width (525) and a nesting height (524) of the nesting hinge plate (520) is larger than a nested width (515) and a nested height (514) of the nested hinge plate (510) respectively.
[0055] Figures 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, the nesting hinge plate (520) is disposed with its nesting mating surface (523) on the first arm (241) or the second arm (281) of the receptacle channel (240) of the combination channel (200), while the nested hinge plate (510) is disposed with its nested mating surface (512) on the inside of any door (470) or cover to be rotatably mounted.
[0056] Any door (470) or cover so rotatably mounted opens up to 105 degrees because a minor overhang (471) of the door (470) or the cover gets accommodated in the unoccupied zone (250).
[0057] Many times, more than one switchgear cabinet is deployed and such multiple switchgear cabinets are placed adjacently, whence adjacent combination channels (200) form the triangular zones (110) as shown in Figure 1B. Figures 12A and 12B, any door (470) or cover rotatably mounted opens up to 105 degrees because the minor overhang (471) of the door (470) or the cover gets accommodated in the inventive unoccupied zone (250) of adjacent combination channels (200), collectively the triangular zone (110), for such situation. Importantly, when there are adjacent doors (470A, 470B) or covers as shown in Figure 12C they can still open up to 90 degrees. This is generally not possible but for combination channel (200) as per present invention providing the unoccupied zone (250). This inventive feature facilitates optimal use of enclosed space of the switchgear cabinet, for crucial activities like replacement and maintenance of switchgear mounted in the switchgear cabinet.
[0058] Figure 12D, the door (470) clears a frontal access (460) of a front of the switchgear cabinet when opened by 80 degrees.
[0059] Figure 11, there may be provided a plurality of pre-formed locations (205) on the combination channel (200) for creating provision for mounting doors (470) and covers of varying heights. The pre-formed locations (205) are coordinated with the nesting plate mounting provisions (528) such that the door (470) clears the frontal access (460) of a front of the switchgear cabinet when open by 80 degrees.
[0060] Figure 13, the plurality of entry slots (212) and engagement holes (213) provided on the L-channels (210) are usable for providing supports and brackets as required due to electrical and mechanical considerations.
[0061] While framework (100) and harmonized constituents are made of non-metal, doors (470), covers, mounting surfaces (450) are generally made of sheet metal. Consequently, most joints are either between metal to non-metal or between non-metal to non-metal. In both conditions, ingress of moisture in between joints has little impact since no current flow is possible in such joints. The switchgear cabinet deploying framework (100) and harmonized constituents as per present invention has minimum probability of getting corroded or rusted.