Protective covering device having a flap and a sheet secured to the flap

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective cover device of variable length having at least one folding element (12), wherein a certain number of folds are configured as intermediate folds (18) in such a way that two adjacent layers (30, 32) of the folding element (12) are respectively connected to each other, wherein an L-shaped sheet (14) or other support element leg (16) is fixed between these layers (30, 32) in the intermediate fold (18) configured as a bag portion, wherein the support leg (16) has a gap (36) for fixing to the folding element (12). To achieve simple mounting of the support leg (16) onto the folding canopy while maintaining a small self-weight and dimensions for the protective covering device, it is stipulated that the two layers (30, 32) of the intermediate folding portion (18) have a connecting area in which the two layers (30, 32) are materially locked together, and the support leg (16) of the sheet (14) or other load-bearing element (36) has a gap (36) with a large lateral opening such that the support leg (36) can be inserted into the bag portion (35), wherein the connecting area (34) enters the gap (36), wherein at least partially hook-shaped or serrated structures (48) are provided on the edges (42, 46) of the gap (36), which engage with the edges of the connecting area (36) in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner in the assembled position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective cover device of variable length having at least one folding element, wherein a certain number of folds are configured as intermediate folds and the remaining folds are configured as freely pull-out folds, wherein, in order to form the intermediate folds, every two adjacent layers of the folding element are respectively connected to each other, wherein, between these layers, in the intermediate folds configured as bag portions, legs of L-shaped sheets or other support elements are fixed, wherein the legs have gaps for fixing to the folding element. Background Technology

[0002] For example, to provide protection within a folding canopy in a machine tool, the assembly is preferably made of thin steel sheets, which significantly improve mechanical stability even under the harshest operating conditions. These steel sheets must connect to the various folds of the folding canopy body so that the maximum tensile strength and overall dimensions of the folding canopy are affected as little as possible. Furthermore, the connection points themselves must not damage the folding canopy body during movement. The connection locations should also not cause perforation of the folding canopy body, thus ensuring the best possible seal against the cooling lubricant used in the machine's working space. Moreover, to ensure uninterrupted, defect-free function of the folding canopy, the installed steel sheets are pressed together with a sufficiently large prestress, thus preventing chips and other debris from reaching the back of the steel sheets.

[0003] DE102016103985A1 discloses a variable-length protective cover device of the type described above. One embodiment is described therein, in which a sheet leg with an L-shaped gap is suspended in the middle fold of a folding element from a retainer disposed there, connecting the folded layer. There are difficulties in arranging the retainer in the middle layer, which is typically only achievable by additional form-locking elements (e.g., rivets) that penetrate the folding layer and thus impair its protective function against liquid penetration. The retainer also results in an increase in overall dimensions.

[0004] Another protective covering device is known from DE102013210407A1. There, all folds near the bending position are riveted to the legs of the sheet. Consequently, the pull-out length is significantly limited compared to the minimum overall length.

[0005] Finally, JP2007-144534A discloses a protective cover device in which the sheets are connected by spring clips and held in position with each other. A folding canopy is additionally provided, which is secured to the central fold by means of rivets and separate retaining plates on both sides. This solution ensures very good orientation of the sheets, but also significantly increases the overall length and weight of the protective cover device, which in turn impairs its dynamic performance.

[0006] WO2019 / 215191A1 discloses a protective cover device in which an overlapping sheet is located on one side of the fold of the intermediate fold and is not inserted into the bag from the open side. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a protective covering device that enables a reliable connection between the sheet and the folding body while maintaining a small weight and being easy to manufacture.

[0008] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a protective cover device of the type described at the beginning, wherein the two layers of the intermediate fold have a connecting region in which the two layers are locked together, and the legs of the sheet or other support element have a gap having a large lateral opening, allowing the legs to be inserted into the bag portion, wherein the connecting region reaches into the gap, and wherein the edge of the gap has at least partially a hook-shaped or serrated structure, which engages with the edge of the connecting region in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner in the assembled position.

[0009] The advantage of the solution according to the invention is that the sheet can be mounted on the folding canopy without additional components via its legs. Prior to insertion of the sheet, it is preferable to form a material-locked connection of the sheet layers in the region of the connection area by welding the two layers. Preferably, in the case of a suitable plastic material, the two layers of the intermediate fold are material-locked together in the connection area by ultrasonic welding or high-frequency welding, thereby implementing the connection area as a welded part. These connection areas can no longer be detached without damage. Alternatively, these layers can also be material-locked together in the connection area by means of an adhesive.

[0010] In the case of fixing with a thin sheet, the pleated structure itself no longer needs to be penetrated, thus maintaining its protective function, for example, relative to liquids flowing out of the workspace, particularly well.

[0011] When the hook-shaped or serrated structure is inserted in a barbed manner, it preferably grips the material of the connection area in a non-detachable manner, so that the legs are non-detachably connected to the folding element before the protective cover device is assembled.

[0012] The protective covering device according to the invention is particularly advantageous because it can be manufactured more automatically, for example, by one of the welding methods described in the welding method, where it is problematic to arrange the metal retaining element in the intermediate fold due to the unstable fold structure.

[0013] The connection area can be implemented flat without functional defects, so that the overall size of the compressed protective cover does not increase.

[0014] Typically, each intermediate fold has at least two, and optionally more, connecting areas, in which the outriggers to be assembled have a corresponding number of corresponding gaps.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support leg of the sheet is inserted through the open edge of the bag portion.

[0016] The open pocket section allows for the use of legs that extend virtually across the entire width of the pocket section, thus utilizing the connection area to achieve particularly good retention within the pocket section.

[0017] To ensure that the outrigger is held particularly well in the connection area, a first hook-shaped or serrated structure is arranged on the first edge of the gap, wherein, relative to the first edge, a second edge of the gap is provided parallel to the first edge orientation, the second edge being constructed to be smooth or having another hook-shaped or serrated structure.

[0018] To facilitate the reliable attainment of the leg's final position defined within the bag section, it is stipulated that one end of the gap is provided as a stop between the edges of the gap, the end abutting against the corresponding connection area of ​​the two layers and defining the final position of the sheet.

[0019] An alternative to setting a hook-shaped or serrated structure on the edge of a channel-shaped section with parallel edges in the gap can be proposed, wherein a first hook-shaped or serrated structure is set on a first edge of the gap, wherein, relative to the first edge, another edge of the gap is set, the other edge being configured to be smooth or having another hook-shaped or serrated structure, wherein the distance between the two edges decreases along the pushing direction of the leg.

[0020] In this variant, it is important to achieve precise insertion depth. The deeper the leg is inserted, the more firmly the hook or serrations grip the material in the connection area.

[0021] A particularly advantageous improvement of the present invention specifies that the gap is configured in an L-shape, wherein the gap has an insertion section extending perpendicularly to the edge of the leg and a locking section extending parallel to the leg, and a hook-shaped or serrated structure is provided in the locking section.

[0022] Here, these gaps, together with the connecting area, form a snap-fit ​​connection similar to a locking mechanism, in which the legs can first be inserted into the pocket with almost no effort and then move parallel to their final position.

[0023] Advantageously, at least one edge of the locking section is constructed with a hook-shaped or serrated structure, which allows the leg to be anchored to the canopy element at this location.

[0024] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention specifies that the hooks or serrations of the hook-like or serrated structure are constructed with elastic flexibility. With this construction, the hooks or serrations can yield upon insertion of the leg, thus placing less load on the material of the connection area during insertion. In the pull-out direction, the increased pull-out force due to the barb effect and / or the locking of the form-locking mechanism makes pull-out difficult or impossible.

[0025] Accordingly, one preferred embodiment of the invention is wherein the hook, with its hook-like or serrated structure, is constructed as a resilient barb or spring tongue. Due to its resilient construction, the hook yields when the leg is initially pushed into the connection area, but is extremely effective at preventing pull-out because the hook reinforces itself when a reverse upward force is applied and grips the material of the connection area with its tip. Here, a retaining force acting in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner can be established.

[0026] The hooks in the gaps can be arranged in a herringbone pattern, parallel to each other.

[0027] The locking mechanism can be achieved, for example, by having a hook-shaped or serrated structure with at least one movable hook element that engages in or can move to the locking position after insertion.

[0028] Elasticity can be achieved, for example, in a simple structural manner by providing a gap in the leg in the region behind at least one portion of the hook-shaped or serrated structure, so that the edges of the gap with the hook-shaped or serrated structure have elastic flexibility. This, of course, requires that the material used for the leg have a certain degree of elasticity.

[0029] An example of a locking design with a form-locking mechanism is a resilient latch that engages with a corresponding undercut portion.

[0030] The manually operable element can be formed or mounted on the legs, but it is also possible that the movable element is constructed separately from the legs and can be inserted into the bag portion after the legs are inserted. Regardless of its special construction, the advantage of the manually operable element is that it can also be constructed such that it can be disassembled without damage after being released. In the case of the purely elastic element according to the foregoing embodiment, it is also possible, for example, to cancel the locking by means of a suitable tool, so that, for example, when the corresponding sheet is defective and must be replaced, the corresponding sheet can be removed from the bag portion of the intermediate fold.

[0031] Typically, outriggers are made of steel plates, but they can also be made of suitable plastics, for example.

[0032] In addition to many other materials that can be used for pleated elements, thermoplastics, such as polypropylene, have proven particularly suitable for welding and can also be used as pleated materials in other cases. Pleated structures made entirely of one or more of these thermoplastics should be mentioned exemplarily here, which can be constructed in multiple layers and / or have reinforcements, for example, in the form of embedded fabric structures.

[0033] Another particularly preferred embodiment of the invention specifies that a single pleated element extends along the entire length and width of the protective covering device and forms the only connecting element between the sheets.

[0034] This variant consists of very few components and a full-face fold protects a thin sheet positioned inside, facing, for example, the workspace of a machine tool, on the outside. This thin sheet is insensitive to mechanical influences, such as flying chips, during the cutting of the workpiece.

[0035] However, the folding element here can also be considered as an individual folding element that does not extend across the entire surface of the protective cover, such as a folding element configured to limit the extension. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the claims and the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. (Display:)

[0037] Figure 1 This is a view of a first embodiment of a protective cover for the workspace of a machine tool;

[0038] Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 Detailed image of a folding canopy without a protective cover;

[0039] Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 3c This shows the assembly sequence of the sheets on the folding frame;

[0040] Figure 4 An exemplary overview of other possible design options for the gap is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1 The diagram shows a protective cover device 10 of variable length, as used in machine tools, to shield a workspace in which, for example, metal workpieces are machined. Here, the protective cover device 10 is adapted to a variable size, wherein the pleated element 12 is formed by a pleated element that extends across almost the entire variable surface of the protective cover device 10.

[0042] For reinforcement, an L-shaped steel sheet 14 is provided on the side facing the workspace. This sheet is secured to the central fold 18 of the folding canopy 12 by legs 16, which will be discussed in detail later. The sheet 14 overlaps with each other in a scale-like manner using sheet segments 19, thereby forming a high-load-bearing, variable-length protection for the corrugated sleeve 12 against chips, which can be very hot and may have significant impact velocities. Through the scale-like overlap, adhering chips are scraped off by the edges of adjacent sheets during compression of the protective cover and cannot advance all the way to the sensitive folding canopy.

[0043] Flange elements 20 and 22 are provided at both longitudinal ends of the protective cover device 10, through which the protective cover device 10 can be mounted on a movable part of a machine tool (not shown). The overall shape shown should be understood as exemplary, as the protective cover device 10 can be individually adapted to a specific purpose. For example, an L-shaped embodiment with two connected, right-angled folding canopies is also possible.

[0044] Figure 2 A magnified detailed view shows the folded section 10 without the sheet. It can be clearly seen that a pouch-like intermediate fold 18 is formed between the normal pull-out folds 26. The intermediate fold 18 is constituted by two corrugated layers 30, 32 connected by bending portions 28, which are secured to each other by a defined number of connecting areas 34. This is not a case of layers 30, 32 being fixed together entirely; rather, to achieve the pouch-like structure of the intermediate fold 18, only specific areas should be connected to each other, leaving gap-like free spaces 34 between these areas. These free spaces have openings between the two layers 30, 32 into which the sheet's legs 16 can be inserted.

[0045] The connection regions 34 of the embodiment described herein, which has a pleated section 12 made of polypropylene, are interconnected by ultrasonic welding material locking, such that the material strength of the connection regions corresponds to the material strength of the pleated section material. Ultrasonic welding can be used in all suitable plastic materials as pleating materials. Fabrics covered with weldable plastic can also be used.

[0046] Now Figures 3a to 3c The diagram illustrates the assembly of sheet 14 with its legs 16 within a bag-shaped intermediate fold 18. For better illustration, the front layer 30 of the fold 12 is omitted from the diagram, and only the connecting area on the rear layer 32 of the fold 12 is shown. Figure 3aThe image first shows a leg 16 of a sheet 14 with an L-shaped gap 36. The L-shaped gap 36 is divided into an insertion section 38 that opens towards the edge of the leg and a right-angled locking section 40 connected to the insertion section, the locking section being parallel to the longitudinal extension of the leg 16. An edge 42 facing the sheet section 19 forms a first stop and guides to the end 44 of the locking section 40. An edge 46 with a hook-like structure 48 is connected to this end. The leg has gaps 50 in the area of ​​the hook-like structure 48, these gaps providing a certain degree of elastic flexibility to the structure 48.

[0047] When assembling the support leg 16 onto the folding canopy 12, the support leg is first positioned such that the connecting area 34 of the mating intermediate fold 18 is oriented toward the insertion section (see [link]). Figure 3a Next, the outrigger 16 is pushed into the bag-shaped intermediate fold 18 until the connecting area 34 abuts against the edge 42 of the gap 36. Then, the outrigger 16 can be moved parallel to its longitudinal extension direction, wherein the connecting area 34 reaches the locking section 40 of the gap 36 (see...). Figure 3b ).

[0048] As from Figure 3b As can be seen, the distance from the tip 52 of the hook-shaped structure 48 to the opposite edge 42 is chosen to be slightly less than the height of the connecting section 34. Upon insertion, the hook-shaped structure 48 yields slightly due to its prescribed elasticity, and the material in the connecting area 34 may also yield slightly. Due to the geometry of the hook, the force required for insertion is significantly less than the force required in the opposite direction, thus permanently securing the leg to the connecting section. According to the design, disassembly can be achieved after mechanical intervention if necessary.

[0049] The end 42 of the locking section defines the insertion path and defines the leg 16 in the intermediate fold 18. Figure 3c The final position shown in the image.

[0050] exist Figure 4 The diagram illustrates possible non-enclosed options for the gaps, which are suitable for locking in the connection area of ​​the respective implementation. The gaps 36a to 36d shown should not be combined on a single leg, which is... Figure 4 The diagram is for illustrative purposes only. However, in principle, different gaps can be combined on a single leg.

[0051] Void 36a in Figure 4 This corresponds to the implementation method described above.

[0052] The gap 36b is also L-shaped, but hook-shaped structures 48b are provided on the two edges 42b and 46b of the gap. There is no gap behind the hook-shaped structures.

[0053] exist Figure 4 The intermediate sheet 14c shown illustrates another locking scheme, where the gaps 36c and 36d have only one locking section 40c, 40d extending perpendicularly to the edge of the leg. Therefore, locking is achieved directly when the leg 16c is inserted into the intermediate fold 18. Hook-like structures 48c, 48d are respectively provided on one edge 42c, 42d of the locking section, with opposing edges 46c, 46d arranged parallel to and smoothly formed thereto. The difference between the two variations is that a gap 50c is provided behind the smooth edge 46c in the gap 36c. Therefore, increased elasticity is provided here by the elastic, opposing edges 46c. This solution can also be used in other embodiments.

[0054] Figure 4 Another embodiment of the sheet 14e is further shown, its legs 16e again having L-shaped gaps 36e, each L-shaped gap having an insertion section 38e and a locking section 40e. Furthermore, this view corresponds to... Figure 3c However, the connecting area located in the gap is not shown here. Due to the different orientation of the locking section 40e, the push-in also... Figures 3a to 3c In contrast, proceeding in the opposite direction.

[0055] A distinctly different implementation is the hook-shaped or serrated structure 48e, which here has flexible spring tongues 54. These spring tongues are arranged parallel to each other in a herringbone pattern, though this is not necessary. The spring tongues 54 themselves are so flexible and flexible that the gap behind the hook-shaped or serrated structure 48e can be completely eliminated. When the outrigger is inserted into the connecting area, the spring tongues yield slightly and provide only minor resistance, while under force loading they stand upright in the opposite direction and grip the connecting area in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner (also known as a shape-oriented locking device) and require a very large lifting force to release the outrigger again after assembly onto the folding element.

[0056] The invention is not limited to one of the foregoing embodiments, but can be modified in various ways. Thus, for example, hooks or serrations can be constructed as elastic elements as a substitute for or supplement to the open portion itself. Here, they can also be constructed as snap hooks that snap onto the rear of the connecting area 34 and thereby serve as a locking mechanism. Locking elements independent of the legs can also be used, which are inserted only after the legs are inserted into the pocket portion to lock the legs.

[0057] To achieve improved flexibility, these openings can be constructed with a larger area than shown in the figure. Therefore, hook-shaped or serrated structures can be provided on the connecting piece, which is connected to the remainder of the leg as a spring element.

[0058] Other folding elements with corresponding connection areas can also be connected to the gaps in the legs, such as locking parts, which may simply connect adjacent sheets to each other. These legs may also be equipped with retaining elements or purely reinforcing elements.

[0059] All the features and / or advantages derived from the claims and description (including structural details, spatial arrangement and method steps) can be consistent with the nature of the invention not only in themselves but also in various different combinations.

[0060] List of reference numerals

[0061] 1. Variable length protective cover device

[0062] 12-fold folding components

[0063] 14 thin slices

[0064] 16 thin-plate support legs

[0065] 18. Middle fold section

[0066] 19 thin sections

[0067] 20 and 22 flange components

[0068] 26 Pull out the folding section

[0069] 28. The bending part of the middle fold

[0070] 30-fold and 32-fold shed layers

[0071] 34 connection areas

[0072] 35 Free Space / Pocket Section

[0073] 36L-shaped gap

[0074] 38 Insertion Section

[0075] 40-blocking section

[0076] 42. Edge of the gap

[0077] 44. End / stop portion of the gap

[0078] 46. ​​Edge of the gap

[0079] 48 Hook-shaped or serrated structures

[0080] 50 blank sections

[0081] 52. Tips of hook-like structures

[0082] 54 Spring Tongue / Barb

Claims

1. A protective cover device of variable length, having at least one folding element (12), wherein a defined number of folds are configured as intermediate folds (18) such that every two adjacent layers (30, 32) of the folding element (12) are respectively connected to each other, wherein, Between these layers (30, 32), in the intermediate fold (18) forming the bag portion, there is a leg (16) of an L-shaped sheet (14), wherein the leg (16) has a gap (36) for fixing to the folding element (12), characterized in that the two layers (30, 32) of the intermediate fold (18) have a connecting region in which the two layers (30, 32) are materially locked to each other, and the gap (36) has a large lateral opening such that the leg (16) can be inserted into the bag portion (35), wherein the connecting region (34) enters the gap (36), wherein at least partially, a hook-shaped or serrated structure (48) is provided on the edge (42, 46) of the gap (36), which engages with the edge of the connecting region (34) in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner in the assembled position.

2. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection area (34) is formed by welding.

3. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The legs (16) of the sheet (14) are inserted through the open edge of the bag portion (35).

4. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A first hook-shaped or serrated structure (48) is arranged on the first edge (42) of the gap, wherein, relative to the first edge, another edge (46) of the gap (36) is arranged parallel to the first edge, the other edge being smoothly constructed or having other hook-shaped or serrated structures.

5. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A corresponding end (44) of the gap (36) is provided between the edges (42, 46) of the gap as a stop, which abuts against the respective connection area (34) of the two layers (30, 32) and defines the final position of the sheet (14).

6. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A first hook-shaped or serrated structure (48) is arranged on the first edge of the gap (36), wherein, relative to the first edge, another edge of the gap is arranged, which is smoothly constructed or has other hook-shaped or serrated structures, wherein the distance between the two edges decreases along the pushing direction of the leg (16).

7. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The gap (36) is L-shaped, wherein the gap has an insertion section (38) extending perpendicular to the edge of the leg (16) and a locking section (40) extending parallel to the leg (16), and the hook-shaped or sawtooth structure (48) is provided in the locking section.

8. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one edge (42) of the locking section (40) is constructed with the hook-shaped or serrated structure (48).

9. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The hook (54) or serrated structure of the hook or serration is elastically flexible.

10. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The hook or serrated structure is configured as a flexible barb (54).

11. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the region behind at least a portion of the hook-shaped or serrated structure (48), a gap (50) is provided in the leg (16) such that the edges (42, 46) of the gap (36) having the hook-shaped or serrated structure (48) are elastically flexible.

12. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The hook-shaped or serrated structure has at least one movable element that is either snapped into a locked position or movable into a locked position after insertion.

13. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The movable element is constructed separately from the support leg and can be inserted into the bag portion after the support leg is inserted.

14. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The single folding shed extends along the entire length and width of the protective covering device (10) and constitutes the only connecting element between the sheets (14).

15. The variable-length protective cover device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least one folding element is configured to extend the limiting device.

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