Common structure and door for multiple door electrical enclosure latching systems

#The present invention relates generally to the field of electrical enclosures. More particularly the invention relates to mechanisms for latching electrical enclosures in a closed position to house power electronic and other electrical circuit components within a controlled volume.

#A wide range of applications exist for electrical enclosures of all types. Such enclosures are used heavily in industry, but also in mobile applications, offshore applications, consumer and commercial applications, and so forth. In general, electrical enclosures typically include a shell or box made of a heavy gage sheet metal. The enclosures are configured to support electrical circuitry and electrical components therein, and to receive and send electrical power and data signals. The internal components of the enclosure are accessible through doors, hatches and other openings. An important feature in such enclosures is that the doors can be readily opened, but closed and latched securely to prevent intrusion or tinkering with the components in an unauthorized manner.

#A range of mechanical latch mechanisms have been developed for electrical enclosures. These often include various types of handles, some of which may be locked into position, or that may permit physical lock-out by means of a pad lock or other security device. One type of latching device makes use of a bayonet-type pin arrangement that offers advantages over more traditional latches. For example, such arrangements have been made that permit venting of gasses from the enclosure in the event of an electrical fault.

#These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary electrical enclosure incorporating a latching system in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a portion of the system of FIG. 1 illustrating an exemplary manner in which a pin-type latching mechanism may be accommodated by a corresponding latch plate;

#Turning now to the drawings, and referring first to FIG. 1, an enclosure 10 is illustrated on which a multi-latch compatible system 12 is installed. The enclosure may be any suitable type and size. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the enclosure may house an industrial motor control center. The enclosure generally includes a shell 14 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is divided into compartments 16, each having a corresponding door 18. The doors 18 may be opened and closed to gain access to an interior volume 20.

#It should be noted that the present techniques are in no way limited, however, to any particular enclosure type or style. The invention will find application with enclosures made of conventional sheet metal, but may also be used with fiberglass enclosures, plastic enclosures, and so forth. The multi-latch compatible system described below may also be suitable for enclosures with a single door or with multiple doors and compartments. Similarly, the system may be used with enclosures designed to house both power electronic components, with or without data (e.g., computer) components, or with data components alone. Finally, the enclosure may be of a sealed type, or may be vented and unsealed, as desired.

#In the embodiment illustrated, enclosure 10 further includes a wireway 22 over which a door 24 may be closed. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, electrical system components are typically disposed within the interior volume 20 of the compartments, while power and communication wiring may be routed through the wireway.