Device bracket assembly

Abstract

A bracket assembly for releasably attaching a pilot panel to an electrical enclosure, the bracket assembly comprising: a bracket adapted to support the pilot panel in an open position and a closed position, the bracket including a hook extending form the bracket; a hanger bracket attached to the enclosure, the hanger bracket including a first flange and a second flange depending from the first flange, the hook releasably engages the first flange to support the pilot panel in the closed position and releasably engages the second flange to support the first flange to support the pilot panel in the open position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] Electrical enclosures (e.g., motor control centers, switchboards, and the like) generally contain electrical devices having associated pilot devices for providing auxiliary functions along with motor protection and control. The pilot devices are mounted on a display panel that is located in front of the electrical devices providing motor protection and control. The pilot devices in the form of display lamps and push buttons, for example, are usually arranged on the display panel.

[0002] The electrical enclosure is often accessed to remove, inspect and repair the electrical devices providing motor protection and control, however, the display panel requires removal from the electrical enclosure interior to access the electrical devices. The display panel is typically supported by two brackets attached to one side of the enclosure that must first be unscrewed allowing the display panel to be removed and later re-connected when the repair is completed.

[0003] It would be economically beneficial if the wire and equipment located behind the support bracket could be more readily accessed without requiring a substantial investment in time.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] The above and other drawbacks and deficiencies are overcome or alleviated by a bracket assembly for releasably attaching a pilot panel to an electrical enclosure, the bracket assembly comprising: a bracket adapted to support the pilot panel in an open position and a closed position, the bracket including a hook extending from the bracket; a hanger bracket attached to the enclosure, the hanger bracket including a first flange and a second flange depending from the first flange, the hook releasably engages the first flange to support the pilot panel in the closed position and releasably engages the second flange to support the first flange to support the pilot panel in the open position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] Referring to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:

[0006] FIG. 1 is a front view of a single motor control center lineup having a plurality of motor control units;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a motor control unit shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a pilot panel;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bracket assembly;

[0009] FIG. 4 is an end view of a bracket from the bracket assembly of FIG. 3; and

[0010] FIG. 5 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] A single motor control center lineup 10 is depicted in FIG. 1 and includes a cabinet 12 in which motor control units, drawout units or electrical enclosures 14 are contained. Each enclosure 14 includes a door 16 that is pivotally attached to cabinet 12. The handle 18 within a handle support 20 operates an electrical device such as a switch or circuit breaker mounted within enclosure 14. A handle interlock (not shown) interfaces with handle 18 to allow door 16 to be pivotally moved between open and closed positions to access the interior of enclosure 14. A pilot device panel 27, hereinafter “pilot panel” extends partially through a slot 30 in door 16 and carries pilot devices 106 such as ground fault relays, phase unbalance relays, elapsed time meters, keypads, displays, indicating lamps 32, and dial knobs 33 for activating associated electrical devices and for indicating the ON-OFF states of the electrical devices. Enclosure 14 is shown removed from control center 10 in FIG. 2. It will be appreciated that electrical enclosure 14 includes any enclosure having electrical pilot devices which monitor and/or control other devices therein, and is not limited to a motor control center. Electrical enclosure 14 comprises a housing 50 defining interior volume 60. Disposed within the interior volume 60 is a plurality of electrical components and devices 36. Pilot panel 27 is disposed at one face of housing 50 and is releasably connected to housing 50 by way of a pair of device bracket assemblies 100 (one of which is best seen in FIG. 3). A plurality of electronic pilot devices 106 is mounted on pilot panel 27. Electronic pilot devices 106 are electrically connected to electrical devices 36 via wires (not shown). Each electronic pilot device 106 includes an interface portion 108 that is visible when pilot panel 27 is mounted for normal operation (i.e., a closed position), and an electrical portion 107 that is accessible by removing pilot panel 27. When opened, pilot panel 27 allows access to electrical devices 106 and to the electrical portion 107 of electronic pilot devices 106.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 3, bracket assembly 100 includes bracket 112 releasably engaged by a hanger bracket 114. Pilot panel 27 is attached to bracket 112, and hanger bracket 114 is attached to a complementary hanger bracket 114 attached to side channel 118 which is a portion of housing 50 using fasteners 151. Fasteners 151 include rivets, bolts, screws, welds and the like. Bracket assembly 100 supports pilot panel 27 in either a closed position or an open position (and vice versa) or allows pilot panel 27 to be removed as is hereinafter described.

[0013] In FIGS. 4 and 5, the bracket 112 of bracket assembly 100 is shown removed from pilot panel 27 and hanger bracket 114. Bracket 112 comprises a first flange 120 and a second flange 122 extending generally perpendicularly from first flange 120. Second flange 122 includes a third flange 124 extending generally perpendicularly therefrom in an opposite direction of the extension of first flange 120 and in a perpendicular plane to first flange 120. Disposed on an end 126 of first flange 120 is a hook 128 for releasable engagement with hanger bracket 114 (FIG. 3). Flange 124 includes a “U”shaped cutout 130 for releasable engagement with hanger bracket 114 discussed hereinafter.

[0014] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, engagement between bracket 112 and hanger bracket 114 of device bracket assembly 100 can be described. Hanger bracket 114 comprises a first flange 134 and a second flange 136 extending generally perpendicularly from first flange 134. First flange 134 includes an aperture 140 defined by a surface 164. Aperture 140 receives hook 128 for releasably securing bracket 112 against first flange 134 of hanger bracket 114. Aperture 140 receives hook 128 and a slot 144 formed by an interior portion 145 of hook 128 which slidably engages first flange 134. Thus, the bracket 112 is releasably secured to the hanger bracket 114 by way of hook 128 engaging first flange 134 through aperture 140 and the first flange 134 providing support to an edge surface 150 on end 126 of bracket 112. Second flange 136 includes a second slot 154, which is defined by inside surface 166 and is dimensioned to receive and securably engage hook 128 of bracket 112. It will be appreciated that slot 154 is optionally configured as an aperture 140 disposed in second flange 136 to receive hook 128. It will also be noted that edge 150 of bracket 112 interfaces second flange 136 when hook 128 is disposed in slot 154.

[0015] Hanger bracket 114 includes a protrusion 160, such as a rod, dowel, and the like, positioned to be received and releasably retained in cutout 130 when hook 128 is fully engaged within aperture 140 (i.e., when pilot panel 27 is in a closed position). In an exemplary embodiment, protrusion 160 is a brass wheel rivet. Protrusion 160 includes a lip 162 distal from surface 134 that prevents translation of third flange 124 along a longitudinal axis of protrusion 160. More specifically lip 162 has a larger dimension (e.g., cross sectional width) than cutout 130, thereby preventing translation of the third flange 124 along the length of protrusion 160 and maintaining edge 150 of third flange resting against first surface 134 of hanger bracket 114.

[0016] When pilot panel 27 is in the closed position, rotation of pilot panel 27 is prevented by inside surface 164 and protrusion 160. Inside surface 164 is dimensioned to slidably engage hook 128 such that inside surface 164 abuts opposing sides of hook 128 to prevent rotation of pilot panel 27 when pilot panel 27 is in the closed position. Furthermore, one surface of third flange 124 abuts first surface 134 of hanger bracket 114 while an opposite surface of third flange 124 abuts lip 162 to prevent rotation of pilot panel 27 when pilot panel 27 is in the closed position.

[0017] When pilot panel 27 is in the open position, rotation of pilot panel 27 is prevented by inside surface 166, which is dimensioned to slidably engage interior portion 145 of slot 144 so as to abut opposing surfaces of hook 128. Furthermore, third flange 124 proximate edge 150 abuts second surface 136 of hanger bracket to prevent rotation of pilot panel 27 when pilot panel 27 is in the open position.

[0018] Bracket assembly 100 supports pilot panel 27 in a closed position or in an open position (and vice versa), while allowing the removal of pilot panel 27 from electrical enclosure 14. Pilot panel 27 with bracket 112 attached can be opened by pushing up pilot panel 27 in direction 170 until slot 144 clears a portion of surface 164 defining a lower portion of aperture 140. Once the slot 144 is clear of the lower portion of aperture 140, pilot panel 27 is removed by pulling pilot panel 27 in direction 171 until hook 128 is removed from aperture 140. After hook 128 is removed from aperture 140, pilot panel 27 can be pivoted generally 90 degrees to an open position and held in this position by disposing hook 128 in slot 154 of hanger bracket 114. In the embodiment shown, the open position is approximately 90 degrees from the fully closed position. In this manner, electrical devices disposed inside of enclosure 14 can be accessed without disengaging electrical wiring to pilot panel 27. If removal of pilot panel 27 is required, the wiring connected to pilot devices 106 is simply disconnected and hook 128 is removed from slot 154 by lifting pilot panel 27 in direction 170. Thus, in the fully open position, the pilot panel 27 is held against the force of gravity in a position that is convenient for technicians to install and maintain the electrical devices 36 mounted within the enclosure 14 and the pilot devices 106 mounted to the pilot panel 27. It will be appreciated that the pilot panel 27 can be reengaged with hanger bracket 114 and secured thereto by reversing the steps outlined above.

[0019] It will be appreciated that the bracket assembly disclosed herein is not limited to use with an electrical enclosure for a motor control center. The bracket assembly described herein has wide applicability to any enclosure having electrical pilot devices and an interior volume requiring access thereto or system whereby a door may be allowed to rotate over an angular extent to a prescribed position and optionally removed from the enclosure or system without any need for tools or additional expenditure of time.

[0020] While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bracket assembly for releasably attaching a pilot panel to an electrical enclosure, the bracket assembly comprising:

a bracket adapted to support the pilot panel in an open position and a closed position, said bracket including a hook extending therefrom; and

a hanger bracket attached to the enclosure, said hanger bracket including a first flange and a second flange depending from said first flange, said hook releasably engages said first flange to support the pilot panel in said closed position and releasably engages said second flange to support the first flange to support the pilot panel in said open position.

2. The bracket assembly in claim 1 wherein said hanger bracket includes a support surface defining an aperture; said hook extends through said aperture and said hook contacts a portion of said support surface when the pilot panel is in said open position and said closed position to support the pilot panel against a force of gravity.

3. The bracket assembly in claim 1 wherein said hanger bracket includes a support surface defining a second slot; said hook extends through said second slot and said hook contacts said support surface when the pilot panel is in said open position and said closed position to support the pilot panel against a force of gravity.

4. The bracket assembly in claim 1 wherein said hanger bracket comprises a first surface and a second surface generally extending perpendicularly therefrom.

5. The bracket assembly in claim 4 wherein said hanger bracket comprises:

a support surface defining an aperture formed in said first surface; said hook extends through said aperture and said hook contacts a portion of said support surface when the pilot panel is in said closed position to support the pilot panel against a force of gravity; and

a second support surface defining a second slot formed in said second surface;

said hook of said bracket extends through said second slot and contacts said second support surface when the pilot panel is in said open position to support the pilot panel against a force of gravity.

6. The bracket assembly in claim 5 wherein said bracket includes a flange generally extending perpendicularly therefrom, said flange offers support resting against said first surface in said closed position and offers support resting against said second surface in said open position.

7. The bracket assembly in claim 6 wherein said hanger bracket includes a protrusion extending therefrom on said first surface, and said flange includes a cutout configured and aligned to releasably engage said protrusion when the pilot panel is in said closed position to support the pilot panel against a force of gravity.

8. The bracket assembly in claim 7 wherein said protrusion includes a lip having a larger cross section width than a cross section width of said protrusion and said cutout, said lip prevents translation of flange relative to a longitudinal axis of said protrusion.

9. The bracket assembly in claim 1 wherein said pilot panel comprises a plurality of pilot devices mounted thereon.

10. The bracket assembly in claim 5 wherein said bracket includes a first flange generally extending perpendicularly therefrom, said first flange includes a second flange generally extending perpendicularly therefrom, said second flange offers support resting against said first surface in said closed position and offers support resting against said second surface in said open position.

11. The bracket assembly in claim 10 wherein said hanger bracket includes a protrusion extending therefrom on said first surface, and said second flange includes a cutout configured and aligned to releasably engage said protrusion when the pilot panel is in said closed position to support the pilot panel against a force of gravity.

12. The bracket assembly in claim 11 wherein said protrusion includes a lip having a larger cross section width than a cross section width of said protrusion and said cutout, said lip prevents translation of said flange relative to a longitudinal axis of said protrusion.

13. An electrical enclosure comprising:

a housing defining an interior volume; and

a pilot panel including,

a bracket adapted to support the pilot panel in an open position and a closed position, said bracket including a hook extending therefrom; and

a hanger bracket attached to the enclosure, said hanger bracket including a first flange and a second flange depending from said first flange, said hook releasably engages said first flange to support the pilot panel in said closed position and releasably engages said second flange to support the first flange to support the pilot panel in said open position.

14. The electrical enclosure in claim 13 wherein said hanger bracket includes a support surface defining an aperture; said hook extends through said aperture and said hook contacts a portion of said support surface when the pilot panel is in said open position and said closed position to support the pilot panel against a force of gravity.

15. The electrical enclosure in claim 13 wherein said hanger bracket includes a support surface defining a second slot; said hook extends through said second slot and said hook contacts said support surface when the pilot panel is in said open position and said closed position to support the pilot panel against a force of gravity.

16. The electrical enclosure in claim 13 wherein said hanger bracket comprises a first surface and a second surface generally extending perpendicularly therefrom.

17. The electrical enclosure in claim 16 wherein said hanger bracket comprises:

a support surface defining an aperture formed in said first surface; said hook extends through said aperture and said hook contacts a portion of said support surface when the pilot panel is in said closed position to support the pilot panel against a force of gravity; and

a second support surface defining a second slot formed in said second surface;

said hook of said bracket extends through said second slot and contacts said second support surface when the pilot panel is in said open position to support the pilot panel against a force of gravity.

18. The electrical enclosure in claim 17 wherein said bracket includes a flange generally extending perpendicularly therefrom, said flange offers support resting against said first surface in said closed position and offers support resting against said second surface in said open position.

19. The electrical enclosure in claim 18 wherein said hanger bracket includes a protrusion extending therefrom on said first surface, and said flange includes a cutout configured and aligned to releasably engage said protrusion when the pilot panel is in said closed position to support the pilot panel against a force of gravity.

20. The electrical enclosure in claim 19 wherein said protrusion includes a lip having a larger cross section width than a cross section width of said protrusion and said cutout, said lip prevents translation of flange relative to a longitudinal axis of said protrusion.

21. The electrical enclosure in claim 13 wherein said pilot panel comprises a plurality of pilot devices mounted thereon.

22. The electrical enclosure in claim 17 wherein said bracket includes a first flange generally extending perpendicularly therefrom, said first flange includes a second flange generally extending perpendicularly therefrom, said second flange offers support resting against said first surface in said closed position and offers support resting against said second surface in said open position.

23. The electrical enclosure in claim 22 wherein said hanger bracket includes a protrusion extending therefrom on said first surface, and said second flange includes a cutout configured and aligned to releasably engage said protrusion when the pilot panel is in said closed position to support the pilot panel against a force of gravity.

24. The electrical enclosure in claim 23 wherein said protrusion includes a lip having a larger cross section width than a cross section width of said protrusion and said cutout, said lip prevents translation of said flange relative to a longitudinal axis of said protrusion.