Protective cover for covering movable machine parts

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective cover (1) comprising at least one support profile (2) having a first longitudinal edge (21), at least one length-variable protective cover element (3), and at least one fastening means (4), wherein at least one snap connection (5) is formed between the fastening means (4) and the support profile (2) in the region of the first longitudinal edge (21) for a releasable, in particular force-fit and / or form-fit, connection of the fastening means (4), the protective cover element (3), and the support profile (2), wherein the protective cover element (3) is held by the fastening means (4) and the support profile (2). The invention further relates to a machine, in particular a machine tool, comprising at least one protective cover (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a protective cover for covering movable machine parts of a machine, in particular a machine tool, according to the preamble of claim 1 and a machine, in particular a machine tool, comprising at least one protective cover according to claim 15.

[0002] Protective covers for covering, in particular, movable machine parts of a machine, especially a machine tool, to protect machine parts and / or to prevent injuries or damage, are already known in the art. To allow the protective covers to be opened and closed and / or to follow the movements of movable machine parts, the protective covers have elements that are variable in length. It is further known that the protective cover comprises several support frames that serve to stabilize the protective cover. The frames are connected by at least one of the variable-length elements, which enables force transmission from one support profile to the next and thereby preferably allows for a more uniform movement of the protective cover.

[0003] From WO 2014 / 195283 A1, it is known to design the length-variable protective cover element to be inherently rigid and to connect it to the support profile over its entire surface. This ensures a uniform transmission of the displacement to all support profiles during operation and a torque on the support profiles to increase the contact pressure. The surface connection is achieved by elements extending laterally through the support profiles or by an adhesive bond. Furthermore, from DE 20 2023 105 371 U1, it is known to design the connection between the support profile and the protective cover element by means of a fastening element, preferably in the form of a flange, through recesses or cutouts.

[0004] From CN 2 11 102 985 U, a U-shaped fastening device is known in which hooks are formed laterally to the connecting section on the legs, which engage in recesses of support profiles in the manner of a snap connection through the protective cover element which is variable in length.

[0005] From DE 10 2023 104 131 A1 a protective cover is known in which U-shaped fastening elements have locking elements on the legs that engage in holding means of a support profile.

[0006] From DE 10 2011 113 388 A1 a protective cover with support profiles and U-shaped fastening means attached to a protective cover element which varies in length is known, wherein the U-shaped fastening means form a clip connection on the legs which engages the support profiles.

[0007] A disadvantage of the current state of the art is the complex and error-prone assembly of the protective covers. Incorrect assembly can lead to malfunction or even complete failure of the protective cover. Correction and repair involve machine downtime and are time-consuming. Another disadvantage is the way the support frame and / or the load-bearing profile are connected to the length-adjustable protective cover element, as these can normally only be separated by laboriously loosening an adhesive bond, a rivet connection, and / or a seam. Therefore, in the event of incorrect assembly and / or damage to an element and / or part of the protective cover, it is usually necessary to remove the entire protective cover and replace it with a new one, resulting in unnecessary downtime of the machine being protected and being costly and time-consuming.

[0008] Therefore, there is a great need for a protective cover that can be moved in a simple, reliable, durable, uniform, and resistance-free manner, while simultaneously enabling quick, reliable, error-free, and easy assembly and replacement of the individual elements and / or parts of the protective cover. A further focus of the protective cover is to ensure, in addition to guaranteeing the required preload force or contact pressure for the reliable and continuous sealing of the moving machine parts from the environment, that when the protective cover is opened, particularly for repair and / or maintenance work on the machine being protected, it allows maximum access to the machine compartment.Furthermore, the protective cover should be inexpensive to manufacture, durable, and individually adaptable to the area of ​​the machine to be protected. Another important aspect is designing the protective cover to be as compact and space-saving as possible. In particular, incorrect installation of the protective cover should be prevented as far as possible. The invention therefore aims to provide a protective cover that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages and, above all, ensures reliable movement of the protective cover with minimal space requirements, reduced installation, maintenance, and repair costs, and the highest quality with simple and error-free installation.

[0009] This problem is solved in a surprisingly simple but effective way by a protective cover according to the teaching of claim 1 and by a machine according to the teaching of claim 15.

[0010] According to the invention, a protective cover is proposed, wherein the protective cover comprises at least one support profile having a first longitudinal edge, at least one protective cover element of variable length, and at least one fastening means. The protective cover is characterized in that at least one snap connection for a releasable, in particular force-fit and / or form-fit, connection of the fastening means, the protective cover element, and the support profile is formed between the fastening means and the support profile in the region of the first longitudinal edge, wherein the protective cover element is held by the fastening means and the support profile.

[0011] The basic concept of the protective cover according to the invention is that the protective cover achieves improved preload, a resulting increased contact pressure, and enhanced sealing by arranging the protective cover element between the fastening element and the support profile and holding it in place as required. This allows the protective cover element to be designed with a closed surface and to be sealed against the support profile by the fastening element, whereby force and / or torque can be transmitted from the length-variable protective cover element to the support profile. Furthermore, the connection via a fastening element enables a flat design of the support profile, thereby allowing for a larger working space for accessing the machine without compromising the preload or the machine's sealing.Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​connection between the fastener, support profile, and protective cover element is quick and easy to assemble, simplifying installation. In particular, the geometries of the fastener and support profile are precisely matched to create a positive and force-fit connection, reducing the need for force, tools, movement, or a combination thereof. This also prevents incorrect assembly, as the snap-fit ​​connection cannot be closed if it is incorrectly installed. At the same time, the snap-fit ​​connection can be quickly and easily released, if necessary using force, tools, movement, or a combination thereof, allowing for fast and reliable repair and / or replacement of individual components of the protective cover.The snap-fit ​​connection ensures correct and quick installation of the protective cover.

[0012] The term "protective cover" refers in particular, but by no means exclusively, to a cover for movable machine parts of a machine. Within the scope of the invention, the term therefore denotes the entire protective cover, a section thereof, a part thereof, and / or at least one element thereof. The protective cover according to the invention comprises at least one support profile, at least one protective cover element, and at least one fastening element.

[0013] The term "support profile" is familiar to those skilled in the art and refers to a frame element that accommodates the fastening element and the protective cover element and possesses the required stiffness, torsional rigidity, and / or support capacity. According to the invention, at least one support profile, and preferably at least two or more support profiles of identical or different designs, is encompassed by the protective cover. The support profile can be part of a support frame comprising at least one support profile, preferably several support profiles, which are generally distributed at uniform intervals along the entire length of the protective cover, serve to support the protective cover element and / or the fastening element, and are movable or displaceable within the predetermined range of motion of the protective cover. The support profile can be constructed in one piece or in multiple parts. More preferably, the support profile can be adapted to the shape of the machine.Even more preferably, the protective cover and / or the machine to be protected includes a guide rail in which the support profile(s) and / or the support frame are slidably mounted.

[0014] According to the invention, the support profile comprises at least one first longitudinal edge, wherein at least one first joining element is arranged in the area of ​​the first longitudinal edge to form a snap connection with a second joining element formed on the fastening means. Preferably, the support profile in the area of ​​the first longitudinal edge comprises at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 or more identically or differently designed first joining elements for forming a corresponding number of snap connections with one and / or more fasteners. The first joining element may be reversibly elastic.The term "snap connection" is known to those skilled in the art and refers to a connection that is achieved by a temporary or permanent deformation of one or more joining parts, utilizing the elasticity of the materials used. One conceivable embodiment of a snap connection is disclosed in the dependent claims. Those skilled in the art are also aware of other conceivable embodiments of a snap connection. The term "first longitudinal edge" refers to any conceivable edge of the frame element and refers to the corresponding longitudinal edge of the frame element and not to any elements arranged and / or present in this area. The term "in the area of ​​the first longitudinal edge" refers to an area of ​​the support profile adjoining the longitudinal edge. In particular, the term "in the area of ​​the first longitudinal edge" refers to the first third of the support profile adjoining the first longitudinal edge.

[0015] The term "protective cover element" refers to an element whose length is variable and / or adjustable, protecting the movable machine parts from external influences in both the extended and retracted positions and also sealing them against the environment. Any protective cover element known from the prior art is suitable for this purpose. Furthermore, the protective cover element, together with the support profile and the fastening device, serves to generate the required preload and / or contact pressure.Preferably at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100 identically or differently designed and / or arranged protective cover elements are provided.

[0016] Within the scope of the invention, it has been further discovered that the protective cover element is arranged between the fastening element and the support profile, such that it is held securely, firmly, and sealingly between these elements as required, in particular by clamping and / or fixing. This is achieved by a force-fit and / or form-fit of the protective cover element between the support profile and the fastening element. This contributes significantly to achieving the required preload and sealing effect.

[0017] The term "fastener" refers to an element suitable for the secure, displacement-proof, and / or compliant mounting, clamping, and / or fixing of the protective cover element in the area of ​​the first longitudinal edge of the support profile. The fastener can be constructed in one piece or in multiple parts. Furthermore, the fastener incorporates a second joining element, designed to complement the first joining element, to form the snap-fit ​​connection. This second joining element can be reversibly elastic. It is also conceivable that the protective cover element runs between the first joining element of the support profile and the second joining element of the fastener, so that the snap-fit ​​connection guides the protective cover element between the first and second joining elements.Alternatively, it is conceivable that the protective cover element is designed in such a way that it does not run in the area of ​​the snap connection and allows direct engagement of the joining parts. According to the invention, the fastening means has at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100 identically or differently designed second joining elements for forming the snap connection. Even more preferably, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more fastening elements are assigned to each support profile.The number of fasteners and / or their arrangement can be identical and / or different for each support profile, in particular staggered and / or alternating. According to the invention, it has further been discovered that the snap connection is created by coordinated geometries on the first joining part and on the second joining part. This creates a detachable, in particular force-fit and / or form-fit, connection. Preferably, the first joining part and the second joining part interlock, thereby reliably holding, in particular clamping and / or fixing, the protective cover element between the support profile and the fastener.

[0018] The term "sealing" describes a degree of tightness of the moving machine parts against the environment, that is, against external influences, in particular penetrating or escaping substances, fluids, solids, and / or mixtures. The term "external influence" includes, but is by no means limited to, all influences that damage the moving machine parts, the machine, and / or the environment. In this regard, fluids such as moisture and / or gases, operating fluids such as oil or lubricants, chips, dust particles, and / or other contaminants are conceivable examples of external influences.

[0019] It is understood by those skilled in the art that the term "tightness" is a relative term and that there is no absolute seal between the moving machine parts and the environment. Within the scope of the invention, "sealing" or "tightness" is therefore to be understood as always relating to previously defined, required, and / or predetermined conditions, so that the moving machine part is reliably protected from external influences. It is therefore understandable that, due to the movement of the machine parts, it is possible for external influences to briefly penetrate to or from the machine. The possibility of such a brief penetration of external influences is of minor importance.

[0020] For a person skilled in the art in the relevant field, it is therefore obvious that the protective cover according to the invention is not intended to achieve absolute sealing. Rather, it is preferred that the passage of external influences is largely impeded in order to prevent damage to the machine and / or contamination of the surrounding area. Even more preferred is the complete impediment of the passage of external influences in any of the aforementioned directions, so that absolute sealing can be achieved at least partially and / or temporarily. The degree of sealing can also be adjusted by the design of the protective cover or the machine parts. However, this involves increased costs. Within the scope of the present invention, the degree of sealing is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8%, 99.9% or more.

[0021] Within the scope of the invention, it must be taken into account that achieving and / or maintaining the required preload force, as well as the degree of sealing of the machine parts against the environment, depend significantly on the material used, the installation location, the operating conditions, and / or the intended use of the protective cover. This is known to those skilled in the art.

[0022] The term "movable machine part" is familiar to those skilled in the art and refers to the movable and / or movable part of a machine, such as a machine tool, that requires protection from external influences. The type, size, dimensions, and / or design of the machine are of secondary importance.

[0023] According to the invention, the fastening element is U-shaped with a first leg, a second leg, and a section connecting the first and second legs. The snap connection is formed on this section. Thus, the section is the second joining element, and / or the second joining element is arranged on and / or formed on the section. The fastening element is arranged on the support profile such that the first leg and the second leg laterally surround the support profile. The protective cover element is arranged between the first leg and the second leg and the support profile. This allows for both a higher degree of sealing of the protective cover and the adjustment of the preload force.This is achieved by the protective cover element's flat contact with the support profile via the first and second legs, thereby creating a rotational effect on the support profile. Furthermore, the snap connection, located on the section connecting the first and second legs, facilitates assembly and disassembly, as it is situated on the top side of the support profile and is therefore easily accessible.

[0024] According to the invention, a recess is formed in the section, wherein a projection of the support profile can be guided through the recess to form the snap connection. Preferably, the projection is arranged on the first longitudinal edge of the support profile. Preferably, the first joining element is arranged and / or formed on the projection, and / or the projection is the first joining element. The shape and / or design of the projection is of secondary importance.Even more preferably, the support profile has at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, in the area of ​​the first longitudinal edge. 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 or more identical or differently shaped protrusions. This means the snap connection is not located inside the fastener, but on its outer surface. This allows easy access to the snap connection, simplifying both assembly and disassembly. Repair and assembly are therefore particularly easy.Preferably, the projection includes a receptacle, as described elsewhere, for a hook arranged on the fastening means.

[0025] The protective cover according to the invention thus makes it possible to ensure consistent, resistance-free, reliable, and trouble-free movement evenly across the protective cover sections distributed along its length, and to reliably seal the moving machine parts against external influences and environmental factors present at the installation site. At the same time, the compact design of the protective cover maximizes the working area it covers. Furthermore, the simpler, more compact design, reduced number of parts, and simplified assembly of the protective cover result in significant savings in manufacturing and material costs.Moreover, the protective cover according to the invention requires only a small installation space, making it suitable for covering movable machine parts where space for a corresponding protective cover is severely limited or difficult to access. At the same time, the protective cover according to the invention is lightweight. Furthermore, repair, replacement, and / or disassembly of the protective cover is easily possible.

[0026] Advantageous further developments of the invention, which can be implemented individually or in combination, are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0027] It is conceivable that the snap connection is formed by a receptacle and a hook. The receptacle at least partially receives the hook, restricts its movement in at least one direction, and thus prevents the hook from detaching from the receptacle by means of force and / or form fit. Preferably, the hook is the flexible first or second joining element. Particularly preferably, the hook and the receptacle are designed to be flat. In other words, the first and / or the second joining element is designed as a hook, and the other, second or first, joining element is designed as a receptacle.

[0028] The term "hook" refers to a component that is angled and / or bent relative to the base body. The term "receptacle" refers to a component whose geometry defines the hook.

[0029] In a further development approach, it is conceivable that the receptacle is located on the support profile and the hook on the fastener. This means the second joining element is the hook, and the first joining element is the receptacle. Since the support profile is typically many times larger than the fastener, and the positive locking is usually achieved by moving the hook into the receptacle, arranging the receptacle on the support profile and the hook on the fastener simplifies assembly. This simplifies the installation of the protective cover.

[0030] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the hook has a notch on both sides. This allows the hook to be bent over a greater area and thus be inserted more easily into the receptacle. In addition, the increased insertion path makes accidental slippage of the hook during operation less likely, resulting in more reliable assembly of the protective cover.

[0031] In a further refinement, it is also conceivable that the hook is flat, with a shoulder on both sides. This allows the hook to be tensioned in the receptacle, thereby pressing the fastener towards the support profile by spring force. This increases the force-fit and / or form-fit between the hook and receptacle, as well as between the fastener and the support profile, resulting in a secure fit of the fastener on the support profile. Furthermore, the protective cover element is also more securely and reliably attached and held in position, and the sealing of the protective cover is improved.

[0032] The term "tension" refers to a permanent mechanical stress within the component.

[0033] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the receptacle encloses the hook. This secures the hook in all directions except the release direction, thus highly restricting the fastener from slipping relative to the support profile.

[0034] This also increases the hold and thus the seal of the protective cover.

[0035] In a further refinement, it is conceivable that the first leg is longer, in particular twice as long, as the second leg. This would cause the protective cover element to engage at different points on the support profile when extended or retracted, creating a height difference. This would apply a torque to the support profiles, allowing them to be brought into an upright position. Furthermore, this increases the contact pressure.Preferably, the length of the second leg corresponds to a maximum of 98%, 97%, 96%, 95%, 94%, 93%, 92%, 91%, 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72%, 71%, 70%, 69%, 68%, 67%, 66%, 65%, 64%, 63%, 62%, 61%, 60%, 59%, 58%, 57%, 56%, 55%, 54%, 53%, 52%, 51%, 50%, 49%, 48%, 47%, 46%, 45%, 44%, 43%, 42%, 41%, 40%, 39%, 38%, 37%, 36%, 35%, 34%, 33%, 32%, 31%, 30%, 29%, 28%, 27%, 26%, 25%, 24%, 23%, 22%, 21%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or 1% the length of the first leg.

[0036] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the section is curved. A curved design allows the distance to the support profile to be approximately identical at every point of the fastener, thus preventing the protective cover element from being subjected to excessive stress at any one point between the support profile and the fastener. This prevents friction and / or pressure points, and therefore extends the lifespan of the protective cover element. Moreover, it ensures a long-term seal, as pressure and / or friction can create holes in the protective cover element.

[0037] It is conceivable that the protective cover element includes a recess, the recess being arranged between the fastener and the support profile, with at least a portion of the fastener and / or the support profile being guided through the recess to form the snap connection. The first joining element is arranged and / or formed on this portion. This allows the snap connection to be closed without the protective cover element passing through it. Simultaneously, the protective cover element is held particularly effectively. This is primarily due to a positive locking effect formed by the portion guided through the recess and the recess itself. A particularly preferred feature is a projection of the support profile, as described elsewhere.

[0038] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the fastener is made at least partially of metal, in particular spring steel and / or a metal alloy, and / or of plastic. These materials meet the required specifications and enable the formation of the snap connection by being reversibly elastic to form the second joining element, especially if they are correctly designed.

[0039] In a further development of the invention, it is conceivable that the support profile has at least one bend, wherein the support profile forms a support leg and a cover leg. More preferably, the support profile has at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fourteen, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or twenty bends distributed evenly or unevenly over the support profile, in particular over the support leg and / or the cover legs. It has been recognized within the scope of the invention that at least one bend is sufficient to form a support profile with a support leg and a cover leg. The implementation of further bends in the cover leg offers the particular advantage of increased tightness, which is often problematic, especially with large and / or heavy protective covers, due to the sagging of the corresponding cover elements of the protective cover.A person skilled in the art is aware of suitable methods and measures for producing at least one bend.

[0040] The term "cover leg" is familiar to those skilled in the art and refers to an element forming a closed front. Preferably, at least two or more angled support profiles with cover legs are included, which, when the protective cover is extended, telescopically interlock with one another to protect the machine parts from external influences in both the extended and retracted states of the protective cover and also to seal them against the environment. It is conceivable that the cover legs are shaped in such a way as to achieve a scraping effect, in particular a strong scraping effect. This offers the advantage of increased sealing, as described elsewhere.

[0041] In one embodiment, it is conceivable that the cover leg has at least one further bend, in order to create a scraper edge in particular to increase the preload and / or the tightness in the case of particularly large and / or heavy protective covers.

[0042] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the support profile has at least one stop for easy and quick positioning of the protective cover element and / or a receptacle for a guide. This facilitates the installation of the protective cover as well as repair and maintenance work.

[0043] It is conceivable that the protective cover element is a folding element, a barrier, and / or a roller blind, and / or that the protective cover element is made of a plastic material, in particular polypropylene, a plastic compound, a metal, in particular spring steel, a textile, a fabric, and / or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the protective cover element is therefore foldable, rollable, self-rigid, and / or thermoplastic. It is known to those skilled in the art that a thermoplastic material is a plastic that can be reversibly deformed within a specific temperature range. Furthermore, a thermoplastic material is weldable.

[0044] The term "folding element" is known to those skilled in the art and refers to a band- or strip-shaped element whose length is variable and / or adjustable. Preferably, the maximum length of the folding element corresponds to the predetermined range of movement of the protective cover. The term "lock" is known to those skilled in the art and refers to a band- or strip-shaped element whose length is variable and / or adjustable, which advantageously limits the maximum length of the predetermined direction of movement in the extension direction of the protective cover, so that the lock prevents excessive extension of the protective cover or ensures a maximum extension range of the protective cover. Thus, the protective cover is protected against overloading, in particular overstretching. The term "roller blind" is known to those skilled in the art and refers to an element that can be rolled and / or wound up onto a shaft and is therefore variable and / or adjustable in length.Preferably, the maximum length of the roller blind corresponds to the specified movement range of the protective cover.

[0045] It is assumed that the definitions and explanations of the above-mentioned terms apply to all aspects described below in this description, unless otherwise stated.

[0046] According to the invention, a machine, in particular a machine tool, comprising a protective cover described in detail elsewhere, is further proposed.

[0047] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the dependent claims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the embodiments. The embodiments are shown schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally equivalent elements, or elements that correspond to one another with respect to their function.

[0048] Specifically, we show: Fig. 1: shows a perspective view of two protective covers according to the invention on a frame of a machine tool; Fig. 2: a perspective view of a section of an embodiment of the protective cover according to the invention; Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B, Fig. 3C: three views of a further embodiment of a protective cover according to the invention; and Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, Fig. 4C: three views of a further embodiment of a protective cover according to the invention.

[0049] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of two protective covers 1 according to the invention on a frame 6 of a machine tool, which is not shown in detail for clarity. The covers are attached to a guide 7 along which the support profiles of the protective covers 1 can be moved to follow a moving machine part or to allow access to the machine.

[0050] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a section of an embodiment of the protective cover 1 according to the invention, which is in Fig. Figure 1 shows that the protective cover 1 comprises several support profiles 2. The support profiles 2 have a first longitudinal edge 21 formed on a support leg 22. The support leg 22 serves to support the protective cover 1, to allow for changes in length, and to maintain the contact pressure. As shown in Figure 1, the protective cover 1 comprises several support profiles 2. The support profiles 2 have a first longitudinal edge 21 formed on a support leg 22. The support leg 22 has the function of supporting the protective cover 1, allowing for changes in length, and maintaining the contact pressure. Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen from the overall view of Figure 2, the support leg 22 is L-shaped. A cover leg 23 is arranged at an angle to the support leg 22. From the Fig. Figure 2 shows that the cover legs 23 of the support profiles 2 interlock behind each other and overlap telescopically. This forms a closed front to protect the machine.

[0051] A protective cover element 3 in the form of a folding element is arranged on the first longitudinal edges 21 of the support profiles 2. The protective cover element 3 is held to the support profiles 2 by means of fasteners 4. For this purpose, the support profile 2 and the fastener 4 are connected to each other by a snap connection 5.

[0052] Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B and Fig. Figure 3C shows three views of another embodiment of a protective cover 1 according to the invention. Fig. Figure 3A shows a side cross-sectional view through a section of the protective cover 1. The protective cover 1 comprises a support profile 2 and a fastening element 4, which are connected via a snap connection 5. A protective cover element 3 is arranged between the support profile 2 and the fastening element 4 and is held by it. The fastening element 4 is U-shaped with a first leg 41 and a second leg 42, the legs 41 and 42 being arranged on both sides of the support profile 2 and being of equal length. The first leg 41 and the second leg 42 are connected via a curved section 43, the curved section 43 being arranged at the first longitudinal edge 21 of the support profile 2.

[0053] Fig. Figure 3B shows a first perspective view of a section of the protective cover 1. It can be seen that the snap connection 5 is formed by a receptacle 51 arranged on the support profile 2 and a hook 52 arranged on the fastener 4. That is, the receptacle 51 is the first joining element and the hook 52 is the second joining element. The fastener 4 includes a recess 44, and the protective cover element 3 includes a cutout 31, wherein the receptacle 51 of the support profile 2 is guided through the cutout 31 and the cutout 44 to enable the joining of the receptacle 51 and the hook 52. The hook 52 is completely enclosed by the receptacle 51.

[0054] Fig. Figure 3C shows a second perspective view of a section of the embodiment of the protective cover 1 according to the invention. Fig. Figure 3C shows that the hook 52 comprises two incisions 53 arranged on both sides in the fastener 4. This allows a force to be applied that clamps the fastener 4 in the direction of the support profile 2. The complete enclosure of the hook 42 by the receptacle 51 effectively prevents lateral slippage.

[0055] Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B and Fig. Figures 4C show three views of a further embodiment of a protective cover 1 according to the invention. The views shown in the Fig. The version shown in sections 4A to 4C largely corresponds to the one described in the Fig. The embodiment shown in 3A to 3C. However, the first leg 41 of the fastening element 4 is twice as long as the second leg 42, as shown in Fig. 4A is evident. This causes the protective cover element 3 to engage the support profile 2 at offset points, thus generating a torque on the support profile 2. This increases the contact pressure. Furthermore, the hook 52, which is arranged on the fastening element 4, has a shoulder 54 on both sides, as shown in Fig. 4B is shown. The paragraphs 54 rest laterally on the receptacle 51, thereby increasing the force exerted by the hook 52 on the fastener 4, so that it is pressed onto the support profile 2. Reference symbol list 1 protective cover 2 support profile 21 first longitudinal edge 22 support legs 23 Cover legs 3 Protective cover element 31 recess 4 Fasteners 41 first thigh 42 second thigh Section 43 44 Exclusion 5 Snap connection 51 recording 52 hooks 53 Incision Paragraph 54 6 frames 7 Leadership

Claims

[1] Protective cover (1) comprising at least one support profile (2) having a first longitudinal edge (21), at least one protective cover element (3) which varies in length and at least one fastening means (4), wherein at least one snap connection (5) is formed between the fastening means (4) and the support profile (2) in the area of ​​the first longitudinal edge (21) for a detachable, in particular force-fit and / or form-fit, connection of the fastening means (4), the protective cover element (3) and the support profile (2), wherein the protective cover element (3) is held by the fastening means (4) and the support profile (2), and wherein the fastening means (4) is U-shaped with a first leg (41) and a second leg (42) and a section (43) connecting the first leg (41) and the second leg (42) and the snap connection (5) is formed on the section (43), characterized by , that at least in section (43) a recess (44) is formed, wherein a projection of the support profile (2) can be guided through the recess (44) to form the snap connection (5). [2] Protective cover (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the snap connection (5) is formed by a receptacle (51) and a hook (52). [3] Protective cover (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the receptacle (51) is arranged on the support profile (2) and the hook (52) on the fastening element (4). [4] Protective cover (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by , that a notch (53) is formed on both sides of the hook (52). [5] Protective cover (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that the hook (52) is flat, wherein a shoulder (54) is formed on both sides of the hook (52). [6] Protective cover (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by, that the receptacle (51) encloses the hook (52). [7] Protective cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the first leg (41) is longer, in particular twice as long, as the second leg (42). [8] Protective cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that section (43) is curved. [9] Protective cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the protective cover element (3) comprises a recess (31) wherein the recess is arranged between the fastening means (4) and the support profile (2), wherein at least a part of the fastening means (4) and / or the support profile (2) is guided through the recess (31) to form the snap connection (5). [10] Protective cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized bythat the fastening element (4) is made at least partly of metal, in particular spring steel, and / or of a metal alloy and / or of plastic. [11] Protective cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the support profile (2) has at least one bend, wherein the support profile (2) forms a support leg (22) and a cover leg (23). [12] Protective cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that the protective cover element (3) is a folding element, a barrier and / or a roller blind and / or that the protective cover element (3) is made of a plastic material, in particular polypropylene, a plastic compound, a metal, in particular spring steel, a textile, a fabric and / or a mixture thereof. [13] Machine, in particular machine tool, comprising at least one protective cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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