Covering device for covering a roof opening

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover device (1) for covering a roof opening (21), in particular of a motorhome or caravan, with a trough-shaped housing (3) having a base (5) and a shell wall (7), wherein at least one opening (9) for the passage of a cable (11) is formed in the shell wall (7), and wherein the shell wall (7) has at least one adhesive groove (15) on its end face (13) facing away from the base (5), which is laterally bounded by two spaced-apart ribs (17) projecting from the end face (13). It is provided that at least one spacer (19) projecting beyond the ribs (17) is arranged on the end face (13), wherein the spacer (19) ensures a gap (25) between the ribs (17) and the roof (23) when the cover device (1) is placed on a roof (23) having the roof opening (21).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a covering device for covering a roof opening, in particular of a motorhome or caravan.

[0002] Such a cover device is used, for example, to seal a roof opening subsequently added to a motorhome roof for the routing of a cable for a retrofitted solar panel. The cover device has a trough-shaped housing comprising a base and a outer wall. The outer wall has at least one opening for the cable. Furthermore, the outer wall has at least one adhesive groove on its end face facing away from the base, which is laterally bounded by two spaced-apart ribs projecting from the end face.

[0003] During the installation of the cover device, an adhesive is applied to at least one of the adhesive grooves, extending beyond the ribs. The cover device is then placed on a roof with the roof opening and pressed into place. One then waits until the adhesive has cured, thereby bonding the cover device to the roof.

[0004] A covering device according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in DE 10 2022 117 393 A1. Another covering device is disclosed in DE 35 46 221 A1.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating an improved covering device for covering a roof opening, in particular of a motorhome or caravan, which in particular enables a quick and permanently tight fastening on the vehicle roof.

[0006] The problem underlying the invention is solved by the features of claim 1 in that a cover device for covering a roof opening, in particular of a motorhome or caravan, is provided with a trough-shaped housing comprising a base and a shell. The shell has at least one opening for the passage of a cable. Furthermore, the shell has at least one adhesive groove on its end face facing away from the base, which is laterally bounded by two spaced-apart ribs projecting from the end face. At least one spacer projecting beyond the ribs is arranged on the end face, the spacer ensuring a gap between the ribs and the roof when the cover device is placed on a roof containing the roof opening.The spacer ensures that a gap remains between the ribs and the roof during installation. This gap allows ambient air to come into contact with the adhesive, which advantageously cures the adhesive quickly and completely, resulting in a particularly fast and effective seal between the covering device and the roof.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the cover device has at least three, preferably at least four, and in particular exactly four spacers. In particular, the cover device, with its trough shape, has an insertion opening for the cable at its end face. A cable can be guided into the cover device through this insertion opening and out again through the opening in the casing wall. This advantageously ensures secure guidance and protection of the cable. In particular, the end face is annular in shape, forming the insertion opening. In particular, the two webs extend completely around the insertion opening along the end face, especially without interruption. In particular, an inner web of the two webs is adjacent to the insertion opening or is spaced apart from it. In a preferred embodiment, the cover device has two openings, each for the passage of a cable.In particular, the openings are formed parallel to the end face in the casing wall. In one embodiment, the spacer is formed by means of one of the two ribs, which projects beyond the other rib at the end face. In another embodiment, the cover device has only one of the two ribs. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive groove has a depth of 1 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably 1.5 mm. In particular, the at least one spacer projects 1 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably 1.5 mm, beyond the ribs.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the end face is preferably formed by a collar projecting laterally beyond the casing wall. The collar advantageously enlarges the end face without requiring an increase in the thickness of the casing wall to increase the surface area of ​​the end face, thus also allowing the at least one adhesive groove to be made wider. This results in a more stable adhesive bond between the covering device and the roof—compared to a covering device without a collar—when the adhesive groove is completely filled with the adhesive. Preferably, the collar extends over the entire circumference of the end face or the covering device. In a preferred embodiment, the collar laterally delimits the insertion opening, thus bordering the insertion opening and thereby forming part of the end face.In particular, the collar runs along one edge of the insertion opening.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spacer is preferably arranged or designed to overlap at least one of the webs. This represents a particularly space-saving way of providing the spacer. In particular, this reduces the amount of material required for manufacturing the cover device, and the spacer is additionally supported by the web. In a preferred embodiment, the four spacers are arranged or designed to overlap the inner web of the two webs.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one spacer is cylindrical in shape. A cylindrical spacer can be manufactured cost-effectively, for example, by injection molding. Furthermore, the cylindrical shape ensures a uniform and secure bearing surface for the spacer on the roof in two spatial directions. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer has a diameter of 1 mm to 3 mm, particularly preferably 2 mm.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the casing wall is preferably U-shaped and formed from at least three casing sections. In this embodiment, a first casing section and a second casing section are arranged opposite each other and spaced apart. The first casing section and the second casing section are connected to each other by a third casing section oriented transversely to them. Advantageously, this results in a particularly stable housing, whereby forces occurring, especially during operation of the motorhome or caravan equipped with the cover device, can be transferred to the roof via the webs without damaging the cover device. In a preferred embodiment, the third casing section is oriented orthogonally to both the first and second casing sections.In particular, the first and second shell sections are arranged parallel and, in particular, congruently with each other. Specifically, the first, second, and third shell sections are oriented transversely, and in particular at least substantially orthogonally, to the end face. Specifically, two of the three shell sections abut each other at an edge of a shell section oriented transversely, and in particular orthogonally, to the end face. Specifically, the four spacers are each arranged in a corner of a cuboid base face of the cuboid formed sectionally by the first, second, and third shell sections. In a preferred embodiment, the cover device has a longitudinal length of 68 mm to 78 mm, preferably 72 mm to 75 mm, more preferably 73 mm, and most preferably 73.4 mm.In particular, the longitudinal extent is oriented parallel to the first and second outer walls. In a preferred embodiment, the cover device has a width of 55 mm to 75 mm, preferably 60 mm to 70 mm, more preferably 62 mm to 68 mm, and most preferably 65 mm in its transverse extent. In particular, the transverse extent is oriented transversely, and more preferably orthogonally, to the longitudinal extent and particularly parallel to the third outer wall, and more preferably transversely, and more preferably orthogonally, to the first and second outer walls. In a preferred embodiment, the cover device has a height of 33 mm to 53 mm, preferably 38 mm to 48 mm, more preferably 40 mm to 46 mm, and most preferably 43 mm. In particular, the height is oriented transversely, and more preferably orthogonally, to the longitudinal extent and transversely, and more preferably orthogonally, to the transverse extent.In particular, the vertical extension is oriented transversely, especially orthogonally, to the front face.

[0012] According to a further development, the first and second shell sections each have a curvature on their side facing away from the end face, along which the base extends from the end of the third shell section furthest from the end face to the end face. Advantageously, due to the curvature, branches are guided over the cover device in the event of a collision. The curved base acts as a ramp. This reduces the probability of damage and / or the potential extent of damage. Furthermore, the flow resistance of the cover device is reduced. In particular, the curvature forms an imaginary and convexly curved boundary line of the first and second shell sections. Specifically, the boundary lines each extend from the end of the third shell section furthest from the end face to the end face.In particular, the curved base extends transversely in a section adjacent to the end face, and in particular at least substantially orthogonally to the end face. Alternatively or additionally, the base extends at least substantially parallel to the end face in its end furthest from the end face, i.e., in particular in a section adjacent to the third shell wall. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first shell wall and the second shell wall preferably each have a straight line on their side furthest from the end face, along which the base extends from the end of the third shell wall furthest from the end face to the end face.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the outer wall and the base are each curved and seamlessly merge into one another, resulting in a housing with a spherical segment shape. The spherical segment shape advantageously reduces the air resistance of the cover device. In particular, the spherical segment-shaped housing represents an alternative to the housing with a U-shaped outer wall.

[0014] According to a further development of the invention, at least one protective projection is preferably formed on the casing wall. This protective projection extends outwards, so that at least one opening is located between the end face and the protective projection in the casing wall. Advantageously, the protective projection protects the cable or connector socket passing through the opening from collisions with branches. In particular, it prevents the cable or connector socket from being kinked or sheared at the opening. In the event of a collision with branches, the protective projection guides the branches over the cable or connector socket. This offers the particular advantage that the compressive forces exerted by the branches are directly transferred into the roof by means of the spacer.This prevents, in particular, the pressure forces acting on the protective projection from being transferred into the adhesive and thereby damaging it, especially causing it to break out and become leaky in sections. In a preferred embodiment, the connector socket is attached to the casing wall, particularly by means of a screw connection. Specifically, the connector socket has a thread, particularly an external thread, which engages a cable passing through the connector socket, with a corresponding nut being screwed onto the connector socket. In another embodiment, the connector socket is preferably attached to the casing wall by means of snap-in elements. In a preferred embodiment, a sealing element is arranged between the cable or the connector socket and the casing wall, sealing the cable or the connector socket and the casing wall from each other.In a preferred embodiment, the protective projection extends 20 mm to 40 mm, preferably 25 mm to 35 mm, preferably 29 mm to 34 mm, and particularly preferably 31.5 mm from the shell wall.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one opening is formed in the third outer wall. In a preferred embodiment, two openings are formed in the third outer wall.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the ground transitions seamlessly into the protective projection. This advantageously ensures that branches are guided completely over the covering device – from the front face to one end of the protective projection. This also advantageously prevents branches from becoming entangled in the covering device and tearing it off the roof.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the protective projection is associated with at least one support element, in particular a support wall, which extends from an outer surface of the casing wall to the protective projection. Advantageously, this supports the protective projection against the casing wall by means of the support element. This ensures that the protective projection can withstand higher forces than without the support element and is not pressed against the cable(s) or connector socket(s) in the event of a collision.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the protective projection is associated with at least two support elements, wherein a first support element, in particular as a first support wall, extends from the first shell section and a second support element, in particular as a second support wall, extends from the second shell section to the protective projection. This represents a particularly advantageous realization of the two support elements because it allows any forces acting on the protective projection to be advantageously transferred into the shell sections and thus to the vehicle roof. In particular, the first shell section transitions seamlessly into the first support wall and the second shell section transitions seamlessly into the second support wall.

[0019] According to a further development, the protective projection is associated with at least one additional support element, in particular a support wall, which is arranged, in particular, centrally between the first and second support elements and parallel to them. Advantageously, this improves the stability of the protective projection. In a preferred embodiment, the additional support element is arranged between the two openings and extends, in particular, transversely, and especially orthogonally, to the protective projection. In a preferred embodiment, at least one support wall, selected from the first support wall, the second support wall, and the additional support wall, has a concave curvature in the area of ​​the protective projection. In particular, an edge line of the selected support wall is concavely curved. In particular, the support elements extend transversely, and in particular orthogonally, to the protective projection.

[0020] According to a further development, at least one positioning marker is arranged on the outer side of the cover device, indicating the target position of the cover device relative to the roof opening. Advantageously, this allows the cover device to be positioned particularly precisely on the roof with the roof opening for the installation of the roof opening and for the bonding of the cover device to the roof. The positioning marker is preferably arranged at such a distance from the opening in the casing wall that a cable can be safely guided through the roof opening, the cover device, and out through the opening to the outside without kinking, when the roof opening is positioned at the level of the positioning marker. This facilitates the correct installation of the cover device on the roof for the user.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, two positioning markers are preferably arranged on the outside of the cover device, wherein a connecting line linking the two positioning markers is spaced a distance A, oriented transversely to the connecting line, from the at least one opening. This advantageously ensures easy orientation for the user during assembly. It also ensures that a minimum bending radius of a cable inserted through the cover is not undercut during assembly. In particular, it prevents the cable from kinking or the cable insulation from being damaged during assembly. Specifically, the two positioning markers are arranged opposite each other, with the insertion opening located between them.In a preferred embodiment, the distance A corresponds to a distance B from the center of the opening to the front face multiplied by a factor of 1.6 to 2.4, more particularly 1.8 to 2.2, more particularly 2. In a preferred embodiment, the distance A is 30 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 35 mm to 45 mm, more preferably 37 mm to 43 mm, more preferably 40 mm. More particularly, the distance B is 10 mm to 30 mm, more preferably 15 mm to 25 mm, more preferably 18 mm to 22 mm, more preferably 20 mm.

[0022] According to a further development, the cover device is designed as a single piece, specifically made of a single material. Advantageously, the cover device is an injection-molded part. This makes the cover device particularly easy to manufacture using an injection molding process, eliminating the need for additional assembly steps. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for fasteners that would be required in a multi-part design.

[0023] According to a further development, the cover device is made of a UV-resistant plastic, in particular acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, or is itself made of a UV-resistant plastic, in particular acrylonitrile styrene acrylate. Advantageously, this makes the cover device UV-resistant and prevents it from becoming porous due to sunlight. In particular, this prevents the cover device from deteriorating and becoming leaky during prolonged use.

[0024] Further advantages and preferred features and feature combinations result from what has been described above and from the claims.

[0025] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a cover device in a first view, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the cover device of Fig. 1 in a second view, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the cover device of Fig. 1 in a third view, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the cover device of Fig. 1 in a fourth view, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a covering device.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a cover device 1 in a first view.

[0027] The cover device 1 has a trough-shaped housing 3, which includes a base 5 and a shell wall 7. The shell wall 7 has two openings 9, each for the passage of a cable 11 (see figure). Fig. 3) formed. Furthermore, the casing wall 7 has at least one adhesive groove 15 on its end face 13 facing away from the ground 5, which is laterally bounded by two spaced-apart webs 17 projecting from the end face 13. Four spacers 19 projecting beyond the webs 17 are arranged on the end face 13, each spacer 19 ensuring a gap 25 between the webs 17 and the roof 23 when the cover device 1 is placed on a roof 23 having a roof opening 21 (see Figure 3). Fig. 3).

[0028] In one embodiment not shown, the cover device 1 has fewer than the two openings 9 shown. In another embodiment not shown here, the cover device 1 has fewer than the four spacers 19 shown, in particular at least one spacer 19, preferably three spacers 19. Optionally, the cover device 1 has more than the four spacers 19 shown. Preferably, the spacers are arranged evenly distributed around the circumference of the cover device 1.

[0029] The two openings 9 are formed parallel to the end face 13, side by side, in the sheath wall 7. The end face 13 is formed by a collar 27 projecting laterally beyond the sheath wall 7. The collar 27 forms an insertion opening 29 for inserting at least one cable 11. In particular, the collar 27 extends along an edge of the insertion opening 29.

[0030] The four spacers 19 have an internally extending web 17.1 overlapping the two webs 17. Furthermore, the four spacers 19 each have a circular cylindrical cross-section.

[0031] In an embodiment not shown, the four spacers 19 are arranged spaced apart from the two webs 17.

[0032] The shell wall 7 is U-shaped and consists of three shell sections 31. The U-shape is schematically represented by three dashed lines 8. Of the three shell sections 31, a first shell section 31.1 and a second shell section 31.2 are arranged opposite each other and spaced apart. The first shell section 31.1 and the second shell section 31.2 are connected by a third shell section 31.3 oriented transversely to them. The two openings 9 are formed in the third shell section 31.3.

[0033] A protective projection 33 is also formed on the outer wall 31.3. The protective projection 33 extends outwards, so that the two openings 9 are formed between the end face 13 and the protective projection 33 in the outer wall 7. Three support elements 35, in particular retaining walls 37, are associated with the protective projection 33, extending from an outer surface 39 of the outer wall 7 to the protective projection 33.

[0034] In an embodiment not shown, at least one support element 35, in particular a retaining wall 37, is associated with the protective projection 33.

[0035] In the present case, a first of the support elements 35.1, in particular as a first retaining wall 37.1, extends in extension of the first shell section wall 31.1 and a second of the support elements 35.2, in particular as a second retaining wall 37.2, extends in extension of the second shell section wall 31.2 to the protective projection 33.

[0036] The first retaining wall 37.1 and the second retaining wall 37.2 each have a concave curvature 41 in the area of ​​the protective projection 33. In particular, an edge line 43 of the first retaining wall 37.1 and the second retaining wall 37.2 is concavely curved.

[0037] A further support element 35.3, in particular a retaining wall 37.3, is arranged centrally between the first support element 35.1 and the second support element 35.2 and parallel to them. The further support element 35.3 is arranged between the two openings 9 and extends, in particular, transversely to the protective projection 33.

[0038] In the present case, the cover device 1 is formed in one piece, in particular of a single material. Particularly preferably, the cover device 1 comprises a UV-resistant plastic, in particular acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, or is formed from a UV-resistant plastic, in particular acrylonitrile styrene acrylate.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the cover device 1 of Fig. 1 in a second view.

[0040] Identical and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols in all figures, so that reference is made to the preceding description in each case.

[0041] The first shell section 31.1 and the second, here concealed, shell section 31.2 each have a curvature 42 along which the base 5 extends from the end 45 of the third shell section 31.3, facing away from the end face 13, to the end face 13. The first shell section 31.1 and the second shell section 31.2 are convexly curved. In particular, the base 5 transitions seamlessly into the protective projection 33.

[0042] In an embodiment not shown, the first shell part wall 31.1 and the second shell part wall 31.2 preferably each have a straight line 44 (shown in dashed lines) on their side facing away from the end face 13, as an alternative to the curvature 42, along which the bottom 5 extends from the end 45 of the third shell part wall 31.3 facing away from the end face 13 to the end face 13.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the cover device 1 of Fig. 1 in a third view.

[0044] The roof 23, which has a roof opening 21, is also shown schematically. A connector socket 47 is attached to the third sheath wall 31.3, in particular by means of a screw connection. The connector socket 47 has a thread 49, in particular an external thread, which engages the cable 11 passing through the connector socket 47, with a corresponding nut 51 being screwed onto the thread 49 of the connector socket 47.

[0045] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the cover device 1 of Fig. 1 in a fourth view.

[0046] Two positioning markers 53 are arranged on an outer surface 39 of the cover device 1, indicating a target position of the cover device 1 relative to the roof opening 21 shown with dashed lines. In an embodiment not shown, only one positioning marker 53 is arranged on the outer surface 39 of the cover device 1.

[0047] In the present case, a dashed connecting line 55 connecting the two positioning markers 53 is spaced apart by a distance A from the two openings 9, which are covered here by the floor 5, and which is oriented perpendicular to the connecting line 55 and is represented by a dimension line.

[0048] The distance A corresponds to a distance B of the center of the opening 9 from the front face 13 multiplied by a factor of 1.6 to 2.4, in particular 1.8 to 2.2, in particular 2 (cf. Fig. 3).

[0049] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a cover device 1.

[0050] In contrast to the first embodiment of the cover device 1, the outer wall 7 and the base 5 are each curved in such a way that they merge seamlessly into one another, so that the housing 3 is spherically segmented.

[0051] According to a further embodiment, not shown here, the cover device 1 according to the second embodiment also has Fig. 5 a protective projection 33 with support elements 35 and retaining walls 37, wherein the openings 9 between the protective projection 33 and the end face 13 are formed in the shell wall 7.

Claims

[1] Covering device (1) for covering a roof opening (21), in particular of a motorhome or caravan, with a trough-shaped housing (3) having a base (5) and a shell wall (7), wherein at least one opening (9) for the passage of a cable (11) is formed in the shell wall (7), and wherein the shell wall (7) has at least one adhesive groove (15) on its end face (13) facing away from the base (5), which is laterally bounded by two spaced-apart webs (17) projecting from the end face (13), characterized by , that at least one spacer (19) projecting beyond the webs (17) is arranged on the front face (13), wherein the spacer (19) ensures a gap (25) between the webs (17) and the roof (23) when the cover device (1) is placed on a roof (23) having the roof opening (21). [2] Covering device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the front face (13) is formed by a collar (27) projecting laterally over the coat wall (7). [3] Covering device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the spacer (19) is arranged or designed to overlap at least one of the webs (17). [4] Covering device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one spacer (19) is shaped in a circular cylindrical form. [5] Covering device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shell wall (7) is formed in a U-shape from at least three shell sub-walls (31), of which a first shell sub-wall (31.1) and a second shell sub-wall (31.2) are arranged opposite each other and spaced apart from each other, wherein the first shell sub-wall (31.1) and the second shell sub-wall (31.2) are connected to each other by a third shell sub-wall (31.3) oriented transversely thereto. [6] Covering device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the first mantle wall (31.1) and the second mantle wall (31.2) each have a curvature (42) or a straight line (44) on their side facing away from the end face (13), along which the bottom (5) extends from the end (45) of the third mantle wall (31.3) facing away from the end face (13) to the end face (13). [7] Covering device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the shell wall (7) and the base (5) are each curved in such a way and seamlessly merge into one another, so that the casing (3) is spherically segmented. [8] Covering device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one protective projection (33) is formed on the mantle wall (7) which projects outwards, so that at least one opening (9) lies between the end face (13) and the protective projection (33) in the mantle wall (7). [9] Covering device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one opening (9) is formed in the third mantle part wall (31.3). [10] Covering device (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the floor (5) in particular transitions without steps into the protective projection (33). [11] Covering device (1) according to claim 8 or 10, characterized by , that the protective projection (33) is associated with at least one support element (35), in particular a retaining wall (37), which extends from an outside (39) of the shell wall (7) to the protective projection (33). [12] Covering device (1) according to claim 11, characterized by, that at least two support elements (35) are assigned to the protective projection (33), wherein a first support element (35.1) of the support elements (35), in particular as a first retaining wall (37.1), extends in extension of the first shell part wall (31.1) and a second support element (35.2) of the support elements (35), in particular as a second retaining wall (37.2), extends in extension of the second shell part wall (31.2) to the protective projection (33). [13] Covering device (1) according to claim 12, characterized by , that the protective projection (33) has at least one further support element (35.3), in particular a retaining wall CA-HF (37.3), is assigned, which is arranged in particular centrally between the first support element (35.1) and the second support element (35.2) and parallel to them. [14] Covering device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one positioning marker (53) is arranged on an outer side (39) of the cover device (1) which indicates a target positioning of the cover device (1) relative to the roof opening (21). [15] Covering device (1) according to claim 14, characterized by , that on the outside (39) of the cover device (1) two positioning markers (53) are arranged, wherein a connecting line (55) connecting the two positioning markers (53) is spaced a distance A oriented transversely to the connecting line (55) from the at least one opening (9). [16] Covering device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cover device (1) is formed in one piece, in particular of a single material. [17] Covering device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the covering device (1) comprises a UV-resistant plastic, in particular acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, or is formed from a UV-resistant plastic, in particular acrylonitrile styrene acrylate.

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