Multiple interlocking systems with cams
The multiple interlocking system
Switchgear and control cabinets and other enclosures are available in many designs – from small and compact to single and row cabinets to particularly large enclosures. These devices are required to meet stringent requirements and must provide maximum protection for the electronics and other components contained within. On the one hand, dust, dirt and/or water must not permeate, and unauthorised persons must be prevented from gaining access.
Therefore, the right choice of locking solution is important if the door or flap must maximise its function. Large doors with a height of 2,000 mm and more often have the problem that they do not seal properly, especially at the corners, and do not offer adequate protection against break-in. Multiple interlocking systems with cams with an inside seal is the preferred design since it enables a better distribution of closing forces due to the numerous locking points.
This distinguishes the locking system from those without cams, as the latter only have a maximum of two locking points with round bars or three locking points if a control element with a cam is used. If installing particularly large doors, these locking points are usually far apart and thus often do not offer the best solution.
However, if a multiple interlocking system with cams is installed, the doors close much more securely and tightly, as three or up to seven locking points can be implemented. For particularly large doors the number of locking points can even be increased. Locking expert EMKA also offers this locking system with compression function. The solution can be extended by a corner drive.
One handle for all locking points
There are many advantages to using multiple interlocking systems, particularly in areas that are difficult to access. The problem: if large enclosures are installed, for example, as a suspended distribution variant with conventional individual locks, the locking processes of these enclosures are associated with an increased amount of time. Operating these locks individually is cumbersome. Also, usually difficult to access are underfloor containers, which are installed underneath a railway carriage or locomotive. Until now, the operator has had to operate all the locks on the flap one after the other in order to open the container lid and close it again securely. The multiple interlocking system with cams makes it a lot easier. Only one operating element needs to be actuated to open the door of an enclosure or the lid of an underfloor container.
The rod drive on the inside of the door converts the rotational movement that starts when the handle is operated into a translational movement of the rod. This activation also moves the three, five, seven or more cams installed, depending on the application. This results in the cabinet or box being locked or opened simultaneously at these locking points. Errors or delays in the uniform movement cannot occur because a continuous rod leads from one locking point to the next. This sets the system apart from conventional multiple interlocking systems in which several rods are used to connect the individual locking points. In this case, the individual locking points often do not close synchronously but are slightly offset due to clearance.
For maximum safety also with corner drive
When using the multiple interlocking system with cams, users benefit from its convenient operation, the amount of time saved and the system’s maximum flexibility. As a result, the main drive can be positioned anywhere along its mounting spacing dimension parallel to the door’s edge. For example, it is possible to mount the swinghandle or another operating element at the very top or very bottom outside the door. It is therefore not required to place the handle in the centre of the door and to mount the same number of locking points above and below the drive element.
The arrangement can be selected according to requirements and thus enables convenient operation. The system is compatible with all locking components including accessories from EMKA. Whether swinghandle, T-handle, or knob handle – the closure expert provides a wide selection of operating elements and matching products.
Compression unit as an option
The multiple interlocking system with cams is also available with a compression unit. Locking points with compression function pull the door securely and smoothly into the surrounding door sealing via the cams, compressing the seal to 4.5 millimetres. This requires a closing travel of 180 degrees at the actuation unit.
During the first 90 degrees, the cams are brought into the closing position without making any contact. Rotating the latch an additional 90 degrees, the axial stroke movement of the cams compresses the seals. Another compression version made by EMKA requires a closing travel of only 90 degrees.
The rotary and stroke movements are combined so that a seal compression of the market standard 4 millimetres can be generated after only 90 degrees.
With the rotary compression function, the system is thus particularly suitable for applications where larger doors and flaps are to be closed with high sealing pressure. By incorporating EMKA‘s optional corner drive, vertical closing points are extended by horizontal ones. With this closing principle, the closure expert provides additional security. The corner drive is available in a hybrid design made of plastic/zinc die-cast. It can be used inside and outside the seal. The flat rod used for the drive can be designed without crankings and unwindings. When using the corner drive, both the 90 degree or the 180 degree compression versions can be combined.
Product advantages of Multi-Cam Locking Systems with compression
Multi-Cam Locking Systems with compression by compression function offer the following extras in addition to the advantages of the versions without compression:
- Even higher closing comfort due to split or combined rotary and compression movement
- Particularly suitable for cabinets with high sealing pressure
- When using the seesaw as a corner guide, a complete stainless steel version is also available to fulfill increased fire protection, corrosion and safety standards
Of course, the following product advantages also apply to the Multi-Cam Locking Systems with compression by compression function:
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Detail views of Multi-Cam Locking Systems with compression
Simple quick installation
It takes only a few simple steps to install the multiple interlocking system with cams on the inside of the door. Therefore, all cam locks are located within the circumferential sealing profile of the door. Each locking point is mounted as a threaded connection (e.g., on weld studs) and connected to each other using an attached flat rod. Here, bearing bushes are used for multiple interlocking without compression, whereas compression units are installed for multiple interlocking with compression. These components as well as the corner drives are screwed onto weld studs on the inside. The rocker lever is also attached to the door using bearing bushes in the same way.
Conclusion: Multiple interlocking systems with cams from EMKA are an excellent solution to ensure large doors are locked evenly over their entire height or circumference. When operating just one handle, several locking points are locked synchronously. As a result, users will find it easier to use this design. The locking system meets the requirements of protection class IP65 according to DIN EN 60529 and is thus dust tight as well as protected against water jets.
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